VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE TNPSC Current Affairs MARCH - 2020

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1 - 19 HISTORY 01 . Important Days . Defence National Security and Terrorism . World Organisations – Pacts and Summits . Eminent Persons . Sports and Games . Books & Authors . Awards & Honours . Cultural Panaroma . India & its Neighbours . Appointments – Who is who?

20 20 - 24 POLITICAL SCIENCE .India’s Foreign Policy .Latest Court Verdicts .Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility

25 - 27 GEOGRAPHY 25 .Policy on Environment and Ecology .Natural Disasters – Safeguard Measures

28 - 34 ECONOMICS .New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector .Current Socio - 28 Economic Problems 35 - 43 SCIENCE 35 .Latest Inventions in Science & Technology . Latest Discoveries on Health Science . Mass Media & Communication

44 44 NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENTS

59

59 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

61 61 TAMIL NADU AFFAIRS

68 68 PRACTICE QUESTIONS Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Important Days History

1.1 Important Days

Date Day Theme / Remark

March 1 World Defence Day

March 1 Zero Discrimination Day

The main aim of the week is to provide various activities like health checkup March 1 Janaushadhi Week being Camp, free doctor consultation, free to 7 celebrated in India medicine distribution is hosted by Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

March 3 World Wildlife Day Sustaining all Life on Earth

The Theme of National Safety day 2020 is March 4 National Safety Day “Enhance Health & Safety Performance by Use of Advanced Technology“ The day is being celebrated to commemorate March 7 Jan Aushadhi Diwas the achievements of Pradhan Mantro Bharatiya Janaushadi Pariyojana. Theme: An Equal World is an Enabled March 8 International Women’s Day World. The theme of the year 2020: Kidney Health March 12 World Kidney Day for Everyone Everywhere- from Prevention to Detection and Equitable access. The theme of the year 2020: “Better Sleep, March 13 World Sleep Day Better Life, Better Planet”. Theme of World Consumer Rights Day March 15 World Consumer Rights Day 2020: “The Sustainable Consumer”.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 1 Important Days Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020

“Recycling Heroes” as the theme for third March 18 Global Recycling Day Global Recycling Day. To raise the awareness about sparrows and other common birds affected by the March 20 World Sparrow Day environment which are on the verge of extinction. Theme of the year 2020: “Forests and March 21 International Day of Forests Biodiversity”. Every year since 1993, World Water Day is being celebrated on March 22. It is being celebrated to spread the importance of fresh water. The day is celebrated by March 22 Water Day United Nations as well along with various other organizations all over the world. The theme of World Water Day is Theme: Water and Climate Change. The theme of World TB Day 2020 is ‘It’s March 24 World Tuberculosis Day time’.

4,000 years old Red Cross painting at Junjipalli rock in Krishnagiri district Krishnagiri Government Museum archivist Govindaraj studied the 4,000-year-old Red Cross dance below the Jinjipalli Glacier. This entire painting is a white Red Cross painting. The group dances to a length of 7 meters and is bent. The rock has fallen in many places and the series is gone.

Telugu new year day “Ugadi” being celebrated Telugu New Year day ‘Ugadi’ being celebrated today. The festival is being celebrated across the two Telugu states, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to mark the beginning of the Hindu Lunar calendar. Though the nation-wide lockdown due to coronavirus dampens the traditional fervour and gaiety, people are observing the customary festivities.

2 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Defence, National Security and Terrorism | World Organisations – Pacts... 1.2 Defence, National Security with Israel Weapons Industries for procurement of 16,479 LMGs at a cost of and Terrorism `880 crore with the approval of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Indian Coast Guard conducts th 9 edition of rescue exercise Indian Army launches Operation ‘SAREX-2020’ in Goa Namaste: COVID-19

Indian Coast Guard (ICG),an armed Army Chief of Indian Army General force that protects India’s maritime Manoj Mukund Naravane launched th interests, has conducted a 2-day 9 ‘Operation Namaste’ initiative to protect edition of national level search and 1.3 million strong forces from coronavirus rescue exercise ‘SAREX-2020’ based on and provide all possible assistance to the the theme ‘Harmonization of Maritime government to control the pandemic. and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Key Points (HAMSAR)’ in the sea at Vasco, South Under ‘Operation Namaste’, the army Goa. has issued a series of directives to all Approval for 83 LCA Tejas Mk-1A its bases to protect the force from the coronavirus & the army headquarters

The Defence issued a number of suggestions to deal Acquisition Council with the situation over the past few (DAC) chaired by weeks. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh 1.3 World Organisations – accorded approval for the procurement of 83 indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Pacts and Summits (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by “finalising Freedom in the world 2020 report: the contractual and other issues”. The India ranked 83rd among least free deal is expected to cost around `39,000 democracies; Finland tops crore. According to the ‘Freedom in the World 2020” report, which analyzes democratic Defence Ministry places order for values and people’s freedom in 195 16,479 LMG countries & 15 territories, released by The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed the Freedom House, a U.S (United a `880-crore contract with the Israeli States) -based watchdog that conducts Weapon Industries (IWI) for 16,479 Light research and advocacy on democracy, Machine Guns (LMG). India has ranked 83rd in the report “The Acquisition Wing of MoD has along with Timor-Leste and Senegal in signed the capital acquisition contract

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 3 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 ‘Free’category. While, Finland topped the Girls still face violence and list as the free democratic country. discrimination, 70% trafficked in India’s score fell by 4 points to 71 in the 2016: UNICEF report “A New Era for survey results. Girls” Top 3 nation in free Bottom 3 nation in In accordance with the United Nations category free category International Children’s Emergency Finland India Fund report titled “A New Era for Girls: Norway Timor-leste Taking stock on 25 years of progress” in Sweden Tunisia collaboration with UN Women and Plan International, girls still face violence 5th BIMSTEC Summit 2020 to be held and discrimination even after 25 years in Colombo, Sri Lanka in September of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Beijing Declaration was The 5th edition of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal aimed at advancing women’s and girls’ Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical rights in the country. and Economic Cooperation) Summit 2020 The report has been launched in line with to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in the the Generation Equality campaign, and month of September 2020. to mark the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Wealth Report 2020: India’s UHNWI population to increase by 73% in 5 UNGCNI organizes 3rd Gender equality th years & Ranks 12 summit 2020 in New Delhi According to the “Wealth Report 2020” UNGCNI (United Nations Global Compact released by Knight Frank LLP, a leading Network India), a country level platform International Property Consultant, India for public & private sector, businesses to had 5,986 UHNWIs Ultra high-net-worth align stakeholders’ responsible practices towards Sustainable Development Goals individuals (UHNWIs) in 2019 and (SDGs),has organized the 3rd edition of they expected to increase by 73% in the its Gender Equality Summit 2020 with coming 5 years. This will almost double the theme “India Inc. For Generation the current count to 10,354. Equality: Decade of Action” at the Park India, according to Knight Frank, ranks in New Delhi. 12th and had 5,986 such individuals in World Economic Forum launches 2019, which is likely to reach 10,354 by ‘COVID Action Platform’ 2024. The number of billionaires in India, The World Economic Forum launched the on the other hand, is likely to reach 113 by ‘COVID Action Platform’ in collaboration 2024, up from 104 in 2019. with the World Health Organization to

4 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits combat the Coronavirus. It aims to act a coordinated response to tackle the with the help of the private sector to economic implications of COVID-19 prevent the outbreak of the coronavirus. during a telephone conversation between Its main function is to strengthen the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi supply chain so that essential health Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman and equipment and medicines are available. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The platform has been built with the help of 200 corporate leaders around the India ranks 120th, Singapore tops: world. Economic Freedom Index 2020 WEF is an international institution, The Heritage Foundation published its founded by Klaus Schwab to improve the 26th annual edition of Economic Freedom state of the world through public-private Index 2020 to measure the level of collaboration. It was founded in 1971. economic freedom in 186 countries. India (56.5) ranks in 120th position & Singapore World Cities Summit 2020 to be held (89.4) tops the index for the 1st time. in Singapore from July 5 to 9 Key Highlights The 7th World Cities Summit (WCS) is to Hong Kong (89.1) for the 1st time secured be held from July 5 to 9, 2020 at Sands 2nd rank since the 1st publication in 1995. Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay India secures 28th rank among 42 Sands, in Singapore. It is organized by countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities and the Urban Redevelopment Authority. WHO Director-General calls on G20 The theme for WCS 2020 is ”Liveable to Fight, Unite, and Ignite against and Sustainable Cities: Adapting to a COVID-19 Disrupted World”.

The WCS 2020 is held in conjunction with An Extraordinary Virtual G20 Leaders’ the Singapore International Water Week Summit was convened to discuss the (SIWW) and the CleanEnviro Summit challenges posed by the outbreak of Singapore (CESG). the COVID-19 pandemic and to forge a Singapore Government invited Uttar global coordinated response. Earlier, PM Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had a telephonic conversation with the to the WCS-2020 Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The extraordinary G20 Summit was a Saudi Arabia accepts India’s Proposal culmination of the Finance Ministers and For Virtual G20 Summit Central Bank Governors Meeting and G20 Sherpas Meeting on the COVID-19 Saudi Arabia has accepted India’s pandemic. proposal to hold a virtual conference of G20 member nations to figure out

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 5 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 WHO initiated mega trial “Solidarity” newest member of North Atlantic Treaty of 4 promising drugs to cure Covid-19 Organization (NATO). This membership In accordance with the Science Magazine comes after North Macedonia’s 2017 deal report the World Health Organization with Greece under which the former (WHO) has started a mega trial namely changed its name from Macedonia (a name “Solidarity” of four most promising drugs same as Greek province). After the name that may cure the novel coronavirus change, Greece agreed to drop objections (COVID-19). The trial consists of study, to its NATO and European Union (EU) testing, and development of antidote membership. North Macedonia was against coronavirus through four most granted a protocol on accession to NATO promising therapies which are as follows: membership in February 2019. Remdesivir– This experimental antiviral About NATO: compound was widely used to combat NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the Ebola and other dangerous viruses in the freedom and security of its members past. through political and military means. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine: Members– 30 This is used to treat patients suffering Secretary General– Jens Stoltenberg from malaria. Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has also recommended this for healthcare workers and caregivers looking after positive COVID-19 patients. 1.4 Places in News Combination of lopinavir and ritonavir: J&K: Historic city Chowk renamed as This drug combination is used for treating ‘Bharat mata chowk’ human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This combination slows down the process The historic City of deterioration of organs.In India, it was Chowk, which was used to treat the first case of coronavirus a commercial who were a couple from Italy. center in Old Ritonavir/lopinavir plus interferon- Jammu, has been beta: This combination is used to treat renamed as ‘Bharat Middle-East respiratory syndrome Mata Chowk’. A resolution in this regard coronavirus (MERS) patients in Saudi was passed by the General house of the Arabia.Interferon-beta is immune system BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)-led Jammu messengers that can help cripple viruses. Municipal Corporation (JMC), after which it was done. North Macedonia officially joins NATO as its 30th member The Republic of North Macedonia has inducted officially as the 30th and

6 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Places in News All-woman crew operates Uday Niue declared as world’s first ‘Dark Express to Bengaluru Sky Nation’ All operations including that of loco pilot, The International Dark-Sky Association guard, ticket examiners were handled (IDA) has recognised Niue as a ‘Dark by women in the train, which left the Sky Place’. With this, Niue has become Coimbatore station. the world’s first whole country to be recognised as a ‘Dark Sky Place’. Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific Maharashtra Government renamed Ocean. Aurangabad Airport as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport Haryana’s Amin village renamed as The Maharashtra Government renamed Abhimanyupur Aurangabad Airport as Chhatrapati The Central Government approved Sambhaji Maharaj Airport. The decision renaming the Amin village as was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet, Abhimanyupur in Kurukshetra district chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister of Haryana as per the request of the (CM) Uddhav Bal Thackeray. State government. The decision has been taken by the Union Home Ministry after India wins Ambedkar House case in getting permission from a few central London, Primrose Hill house to be organisations. turned into museum Key Points: The BR Ambedkar museum in London’s The Union Ministry will approve the plush Primrose Hill area will be thrown change of name of any place after open to the public soon. This comes after taking no-objections from the Ministry an enforcement notice was quashed by of Railways, Department of Posts and the authorities resulting in a win for Surveys of India. India. These organisations have to confirm that The museum came under dispute for its there is no such city, town or village in breach of planning pension in 2018 and their records with a name similar to the eventually an enforcement notice was proposed one. issued on November 16, 2018, which was challenged by Janeevan John of Burial urns excavated near Singhania and Co. on behalf of the Indian vedharanyam government. Two urns made of burnt clay containing jaw bones with a iron weapon found at chetipulam panchayat near vedhanarayam, nagapattinam district.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 7 Eminent Persons Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 1.5 Eminent Persons Katerina Sakellaropoulou becomes Greece’s first woman president BBC honour for Sindhu Usha gets High court judge and lifetime achievement award human rights advocate P.V.Sindhu was voted as the Katerina BBC Indian Sportswoman of Sakellaropoulou has the year. been elected Greece’s

She gained more popular first female president votes than boxer Mary by parliament. Kom, para-shuttler Manasi Sakellaropoulou was nominated by the Joshi, sprinter Dutee Chand and wrestles ruling conservative New Democracy Vinesh Phogat. Legendary athlete P.T.Usha was bestowed the Lifetime party. Achievement Award. Roger Mayweather passes away Nupur Kulshrestha becomes Indian Roger Mayweather, a Coast Guard’s first woman DIG two-time world champion turned Nupur Kulshrestha becomes the 1st trainer and uncle of woman to be promoted as Deputy unbeaten boxing great Inspector General (DIG )of Indian Coast Floyd Mayweather, has Guard. She joined Indian Coast Guard in died at the age of 58. 1999. “My uncle was one About Indian Coast Guard of the most important people in my life On August 18, 1978 ICG was established inside and outside of the ring,” said Floyd by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Mayweather, who was trained by his Parliament of India as an independent uncle for much of his illustrious career. Armed force of India & is operated Roger Mayweather, who had struggled under the Ministry of defence. with diabetes, won world titles in super It is an armed forces & multi-mission featherweight and super lightweight, organisation, which conducts real life earning 59 wins in a near-20-year ring operations at sea round the year. career that included notable fights against Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker. Indian mountaineer Bhawna Dehariya scales Australia’s highest Indian football legend PK Banerjee mountain peak dies aged 83 Indian mountaineer Bhawna Dehariya has Legendary India footballer PK Banerjee successfully scaled Mount Kosciuszko, died after battling a prolonged illness. the highest mountain peak in Australia. He was 83. Banerjee is survived by daughters Paula and Purna, who are 8 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Eminent Persons renowned academicians, and younger Former Real Madrid president brother Prasun Banerjee, who is a sitting Lorenzo Sanz dies Trinamool Congress MP. Lorenzo Sanz, the former The 1962 Asian Games gold-medallist, president of Real Madrid, whose best days as a striker coincided died after contracting with Indian football’s golden era, was coronavirus, according to suffering from respiratory problems due multiple reports. He was 76 to pneumonia. years old. Banerjee’s contribution to Indian football was duly recognized by the world Chief of Brahma Kumaris Dadi Janki governing body FIFA that awarded him passes away at 104 the Centennial Order of Merit in 2004. Rajyogini Dadi Janki, the Jayalalithaa statue to be installed at chief administrator of Brahmakumari spiritual State Council for Higher Education organisation passed away The campus of the Tamil Nadu State in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. Council for Higher Education will be She was 104. named as Dr. J. Jayalalithaa campus to Dadi Janki was running honour her contribution to enrolment of the international spiritual institution students in higher education in the State, spanning across 140 countries. Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami announced. SP founding member & former Union Minister Beni Prasad Verma passed Former Indian footballer Abdul Latif away at 79 passes away Beni Prasad Verma, a Renowned footballer and founding member of the coach Abdul Latif passed Samajwadi Party (SP) & away last night after former Union Minister prolonged illness. He was passed away at the age of 72. The former 79 in Lucknow, Uttar international footballer Pradesh (UP). He was left behind his wife and two daughters. born on February 11, 1941, in Barabanki, Latif, who played as a midfielder, Uttar Pradesh (UP). represented India in the 1970 Asian Games where the team had won a Air Vice-Marshal Chandan Singh bronze. He also represented two big Rathore passed away clubs of Kolkata-Mohammedan Sporting Air Vice Marshall Chandan Singh Rathore and Mohun Bagan during late sixties and passed away at his Jodhpur residence early part of seventies. on March 29, 2020. He had served in the

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 9 Sports and Games Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Indian Air Force at the time of the 1962 Championship was earlier scheduled to Indo-China war and the 1971 India- be held in Wuhan, China. Due to Novel Pakistan war. Coronavirus outbreak in China, the The Air Vice Marshall had planned and Badminton Asia has took a decision to executed helicopter operations during move the Badminton Asia Championships India’s 1971 war with Pakistan for the from Wuhan to Manila. liberation of Bangladesh. The 44th edition Chess Olympiad of the tournament will be held from 1.6 Sports and Games August 5 to 18 Five-time World champion Viswanathan All India Police Athletic Championship Anand will lead the Indian team in Kick Starts in Haryana the 44th Chess Olympiad to be held in All India Police Athletic Moscow in August with the legendary Championship-2019 began at Bhanu in Vladimir Kramnik set to train the men’s Panchkula District of Haryana. squad. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs World will spearhead the Indian women and Sports Kiren Rijiju declared the meet in the biennial event that is likely to see open at Basic Training Centre of ITBP the participation of around 180 countries, (Indo-Tibetan Border Police). according to a press release from the All India Chess Federation (AICF). Mumbai to host 2023 International The 44th Chess Olympiad will be held Olympic Committee (IOC) session from August 5 to 18. Mumbai will host the International PV Sindhu is TOISA Sportsperson Olympic Committee (IOC) session 2023 of Year 2019, Rohit Sharma named as recommended by IOC Executive Board cricketer of the year and the decision will be approved at the th 136th IOC session in Tokyo in July 2020. The 4 edition The IOC session was held in 1983 in New of TOISA Delhi and the session is going to be held (Times of India in India after 40 years. Sports Awards) Philippines will host the Badminton awards Asia Championships honoured the best Indian in 2019 sports The Badminton Asia Championships in New Delhi, India. The event was will be held in the capital of Philippines powered by BHIM-UPI (Bharat Interface i.e. Manila. The Badminton Asia for Money- Unified Payments Interface).

10 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Sports and Games Rohit Sharma was named as the Cricketer India’s Chhetri among top footballers of the year and PV Sindhu was named as in Fifa, WHO awareness campaign for the Sportsman of the year as she won coronavirus gold at the World Championships in Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri Basel, Switzerland. was among 28 past and present stars in world governing body Fifa’s awareness Ankita Raina shines as India women campaign to combat the coronavirus create Fed Cup history pandemic. The Indian Fed Fifa and the World Health Organization cup team have teamed to launch a new awareness created history campaign led by world-renowned by earning a footballers, who are calling on all people promotion to around the world to follow five key steps the Play-offs to stop the spread of the disease. for the first time ever with Ankita Raina The ‘Pass the message to kick out leading the side to 2-1 win over Indonesia. coronavirus’ campaign promotes five key steps for people to follow to protect Javelin thrower Shivpal qualifies for their health in line with WHO guidance, Olympics focused on hand washing, coughing Shivpal Singh produced an impressive etiquette, not touching your face, physical 85.47m effort in the Athletics Central distance and staying home if feeling North West League meet at Potchefstroom, unwell. South Africa, that helped the 24year-old to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. Tokyo organisers ‘eye July 2021’ for He is the second Indian javelin thrower to delayed Olympics make the cut. Neeraj Chopra, the World Tokyo Olympics organisers are eyeing No. 4 and the Commonwealth Games and next July as a start date for the postponed Asian Games champion, had qualified Games following the historic decision to with an 87.86m effort in another ACNW delay the event due to the coronavirus. League meet, also at Potchefstroom, The International Olympic Committee, in late January. The entry standard for the Tokyo metropolitan government and Tokyo is 85m. the local organizing committee are all expected to make adjustments to the task Janani and Vrinda in International force plan. Panel of ICC Development Umpires The original plan was for a July 24, 2020 Tamil Nadu’s Janani Narayanan and opening ceremony. A similar time frame Vrinda Rathi of Mumbai were named for 2021 would have the advantage of in the International Panel of ICC reducing the number of changes to the Development Umpires. existing organizing plan.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 11 Books & Authors Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 1.7 Books & Authors Odisha CM released book titled “The Adventures of the Daredevil “Chronicles of Change Champions” Democrat” book released by Smriti Irani Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Naveen Patnaik released the comic book titled Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani has “The Adventures of the Daredevil released a book titled “Chronicles of Democrat” on the occasion of the 104th Change Champions” in New Delhi. The birth Anniversary of former Odisha book is a compilation of 25 innovative CM Late Biju Patnaik in Bhubaneswar, initiatives taken at the state and district Odisha.

levels under the Prime Minister’s flagship The book deals about the life and works scheme of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao of legendary leader and Naveen Patnaik’s which was launched by Prime Minister father Biju Patnaik. Narendra Modi on 22nd January 2015 at Tahira Kashyap announced a new Panipat, Haryana. book titled “The 12 Commandments TIME Magazine has named Indira Of Being A Woman” Gandhi & Amrit Kaur -“100 women Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, writer- of the year” Project producer, professor, announced her 4th book titled “The 12 Commandments of Being A Woman” on the occasion of Women’s Day and the new book will be published by Juggernaut Books, New Delhi.

Apurva Purohit, launched her 2nd TIME Magazine created 100 New Covers book – ‘Lady, You’re the Boss!’ for the Project ‘100 women of the year’ to recognize selected women or groups Apurva Purohit the President of the to represent each year from 1920 to 2019. Jagran Group, one of India’s largest India’s Freedom Fighter Amrit Kaur multi-media conglomerates launched her will be honored as ‘Women of the Year’ 2nd book- ‘Lady, You’re the Boss!’, which for 1947 & Former prime minister Indira aims to address the challenges faced by Gandhi for 1976. women climbing the corporate ladder. It is published by Westland Publications Profiles according to TIME (an Amazon company). ff Freedom Fighter Amrit Kaur as ‘Women of the Year’ for 1947. Book on Vivekananda launch Sri Ramakrishna Math president Swami Gautamananda launched a book, The

12 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Books & Authors Monk who took India to the World, on A new book entitled ‘Messiah Modi: A Swami Vivekananda. Great tale of expectations’ penned by The first biography on Swami Tavleen singh released Vivekananda was brought out in 1933 A new book entitled ‘Messiah Modi: A after which more and more materials Great Tale of Expectations’ written by have been brought out by various senior journalist & author Tavleen Singh persons, including Mary Louis and Pro. has been released. Shankari Prasad Basu.

My Encounters in Parliament” authored by Bhalchandra Mungekar released

The book titled “My Encounters in Key Points: Parliament” authored by Bhalchandra The book, published by HarperCollins Mungekar an Indian economist, former India, narrates the early support for member of Rajya Sabha, was released in Modi the candidate by the author, once the presence of former Vice President- a great supporter of the government. Hamid Ansari, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar, Communist A book titled ‘Legacy Of Learning’ Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D authored by Savita Chhabra released Raja and CPI (Marxist) General Secretary Savita Chhabra has launched her first Sitaram Yechury. novel titled ‘Legacy of Learning’. She is PM Modi compliments The Hindu the chairperson at Hygienic Research Group for compilation on Swami Institute Private Limited (HRIPL). The Vivekananda novel offers simplistic and relatable interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita in

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has an attempt to connect the youth of India complimented The Hindu Group to the age-old, but relevant scriptures. of publications for bringing out a compilation on the life and thoughts of “Stay Home India with Books” Swami Vivekananda titled The Monk initiative launched by GoI Who Took India to the World. The National Book Trust functioning Introducing the world to the grandeur of under Ministry of Human Resources and Vedic philosophy, Swami Vivekananda Development launches Stay Home India helped change the way the West saw with Books initiative. Under the Initiative India. His panoramic vision was rooted more than 100 books can be downloaded in an all-embracing affection for every from the NBT website. human being that helped in building bridges between the East and the West.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 13 Books & Authors | India and its Neighbours Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020

Missing in Action: The Prisoners Who The NBT has also started #Stay Home Never Came Back” India With Books initiatives by uploading Senior Journalist Chander Suta Dogra pdfs (portable document formats) of best launched her 2nd book during an event selling books for free download and had hosted by United Service Institution of received a tremendous response. India (USI)- “Missing in Action: The Other initiatives: MHRD also set- Prisoners Who Never Came Back” relies up a Study Group comprising some on de-classified records of the Ministry experienced & young psychologists/ of External Affairs & other sources. It is counsellors to prepare books on the sub- published by Harpercollins. series ‘Psycho-Social Impact of Corona Pandemic and the Ways to Cope’. Savita Chhabra authored her first It also prepares Children’s books to know book titled “Legacy Of Learning” Our Corona Warriors, other story and picture books related to various aspects Savita Chhabra, Chairperson of HRIPL of Coronavirus. (Hygienic Research Institute Private Limited) and an award-winning businesswoman, has authored & 1.8 India and its Neighbours launched her first book titled “Legacy of Learning” (selected verses from Srimad What is Sir Creek Issue between Bhagavad Gita). India and Pakistan? National Book Trust, India of MHRD Recently at the WION’s Global Summit to launch ‘Corona Studies Series’ held in Dubai, the Pakistan representative, books Minister Kasturi recalled Sir Creeek Pact. The summit was organized under the

National Book Trust (NBT), India, the theme. national body for book publishing and Theme: Navigating and Negotiating book promotion under the Ministry of Global Imperatives. Human Resource Development (MHRD), What is Sir Creek issue? Government of India, is launching a

publishing series titled ‘Corona Studies The issue between India and Pakistan Series’ to document and to provide over Sir Creek is the interpretation of relevant reading materials for all age- boundary between Sindh and Kutch. groups for the post-corona readership The region was under the jurisdiction of needs. Bombay Presidency during British rule. After independence, Kutch came under Key Points: India and Sindh under Pakistan. But

The Corona Studies Series engages Pakistan claims entire creek as per the readers with various aspects of the agreement signed between Rao Maharaj Corona times by bringing out affordable of Kutch and Government of Sindh in books in various Indian languages. 1914. 14 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Awards & Honours

India to provide NPR 107.01 million have transformed society and achieved to build 3 schools in Nepal various achievements. India assured to provide a grant of Peena Devi: Nepalese Rupees (NPR) 107 million to Beena Devi, a native of Mungo district, is construct 3 schools in Nepal & to create famous for her mushroom cultivation. better facilities for students. The Embassy Man gour: of India & the Ministry of Federal Affairs The 103-year-old deer are known as the and General Administration (MoFAGA) ‘Miracle of Chandigarh’. Nepal signed 2 Memorandum of Kalawati Devi: Understandings (MoUs). Goddess of the Sondav Kalawati of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Ivan, who works for Cotton, is hoping to end the practice 1.9 Awards & Honours of constipation in the open air in Kanpur district. The Abel Prize Laureates 2020 P. Bhudevi : announced The state of Andhra Pradesh is striving for the advancement of Sri Boolam Devi, Aboriginal women and widows. Arifa Jan: Arifa John, from Jammu and Kashmir, has recovered the extinct Numta artisan craft and trained more than 100 women. The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters has named Hillel Furstenberg Sammy Mummu : from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Environmentalist from the state of Israel and Gregory Margulis from Yale Jharkhand, Sami Mummu is known as University, the USA as winners of the ‘Lady Dajan’. Partnership with the state Abel Prize 2020 for their “pioneering use forest department, they have planted of methods from probability & dynamics more than 3 million and planted more in group theory, number theory and than 2.5 million trees. combinatorics”. They share the prize Nilja Wangmo: & the amount of Norwegian Krone 7.5 Who runs a restaurant in Ladakh, has Million (USD 8.3400). provided restaurant management training to over 20 women living in Ramnath Govind honors 15 women remote areas. power awards Rashmi Uttwadheshi: Republic President Ramnath Govind Rashmi, who hails from Nagapuri, has has been honored with the ‘Women been in the research and development Shakti’ award for the 15 women who

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 15 Awards & Honours Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 division of the motor vehicle industry for Dr Jaimanti Bakshi, PGI Professor the past 36 years. won Best Citizens of India Gold medal Tashi, Nungashi Malik: Award Twins sisters from Uttarakhand climbed Dr Jaimanti Bakshi, Professor & Unit the summit of Mount Everest in 2013. Head II, Department of Otolaryngology Kaushiki Chakraborty: and Head Neck surgery at PGIMER (Post A singer with 15 years of experience in Graduate Institute of Medical Education Hindustani music, Iwak excels in both & Research), Chandigarh was awarded Kayal and Dumri style. with “Best Citizens of India”.

Avani Chathuvedi, Bhavna Kant and The award was given by “GEPRA” Mohana Singh Jitwal (Global Economic Progress and Research The first female heroes to be inducted Association) during the National Unity into the Indian Air Force. conference held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN). Bhagirathi Amma: Thovil Thosvil is a class 4 student under literacy program in Kerala. 1.10 Appointments – Who is Khatiyayani Amma: who? Eva, who is from Kerala, tops the list in Class 4 of 2018 with 98% marks. Ajay Bhushan Pandey appointed as new Finance Secretary Jadav Payeng environmental activist of Assam named as Commonwealth The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Points of Light Award winner has appointed the current Jadav Payeng, an Revenue Secretary Ajay environmental activist of Bhushan Pandey as the Assam also known as the new Finance Secretary. He “Forest man of India” will replace the current Finance Secretary named as 128th winner of Rajiv Kumar. Ajay Bhushan Pandey had Commonwealth Points of earlier worked as the chief executive Light Award. He earned officer of Unique Identification Authority the name Forest man of India by spending of India (UIDAI), the organization behind 30 years of his life planting trees. He was the Aadhaar. honored by the Head of Common Wealth the Queen Elizabeth II for his exceptional Ponnaiyan is vice-chairman of T.N. volunteer service in environmental Planning Commission conservation. The Tamil Nadu government appointed senior AIADMK leader and former Finance Minister C.Ponnaiyan as the

16 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Appointments – Who is who? vice-chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi Planning Commission. Nominated To Rajya Sabha By President Mr.Ponnaiyan has served as a Minister Former Chief Justice of for various portfolios, including Finance. India Ranjan Gogoi was nominated for Rajya Bimal Julka is new Chief Information Sabha, the upper house of Commissioner parliament, by President Information Ram Nath Kovind. The Commissioner Bimal President’s move is Julka was appointed as unprecedented - no Chief Justice has been the Chief Information nominated to the Upper House, usually Commissioner (CIC), dominated by celebrities and artistes, by according to a the head of the state. And few members Rashtrapati Bhavan of the judiciary have crossed over to the communique. President space of legislature. Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath Article 80 in The Constitution Of India 1949 of office to Julka as the CIC in the Central 80. Composition of the Council of States Information Commission at a ceremony 1) The Council of States shall consist of held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan a) Twelve members to be nominated The transparency watchdog has been by the President in accordance with the functioning without a chief after Sudhir provisions of clause (3). Bhargava retired on January 11. It is working with a reduced strength of six B.P. Kanungo reappointed as Deputy information commissioners, against the Governor of RBI for a period of one year sanctioned strength of 11 (including The Appointments Committee of the the CIC). There is a vacancy of five Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister more information commissioners at the (PM) Narendra Modi, has approved the commission after Julka’s appointment as extension of the tenure of RBI (Reserve the CIC. Bank of India) Deputy Governor, Bibhu Prasad Kanungo for a period of one year Govt appoints Justice B L Bhat as up to April 3, 2021. His tenure is going to officiating chairman of NCLAT end on April 2, 2020. The government has appointed Justice Key Points: Bansi Lal Bhat as the officiating Kanungo was appointed as the Deputy chairperson of the National Company Governor of RBI on April 3, 2017. He was Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). assigned the portfolio of monetary policy NCLAT Chairperson Justice Sudhansu and forecasting department in addition to Jyoti Mukhopadhaya retired his regular portfolio currency management after the exit of Viral Acharya.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 17 Cultural Panorama Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 1.11 Cultural Panorama Archaeological Survey of Sri Lanka was discovered by the Archaeological Survey 500 year old war Medal found at Edathanur in Thundarampattu district in Thiruvannamalai district. 500 years ago, the war Medal, which was used US-funded restoration project of as a symbol of the Hyderabad’s Qutb Shahi tombs heroes of the war completed heroes, was found in United States Ambassador to India the Karoo district of Kenneth I Juster announced the Kangu zone, in the completion of an American-funded bathtub. It is engraved in copper metal restoration project at the 17th century and is surrounded by aluminum. It Qutb Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad. weighs 8.42 milligrams. This is the second grant awarded by the It belongs to vijayanagara empire’s US government for conservation work at period. the Qutb Shahi Tombs. Namaste Orchha festival begins in An AFCP grant of USD 1,01,000 awarded Madhya Pradesh in 2014, contributed to mapping and documenting structures throughout the ‘Namaste Orchha’ festival commenced site and helped transform archeologists in Orchha, a town in Niwari district of understanding of the monuments earliest Madhya Pradesh. The festival aims to architecture. create new opportunities to promote the rich cultural, natural and architectural Traditional ‘Fagli’ festival celebrated heritage, traditions and history of the in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur on state. March 10, 2020 “Namaste Orchha festival will exhibit the The traditional “Fagli” festival celebrated cultural landscape of Madhya Pradesh at kinnaur district in Yangpa village, through a series of activities such as art, Himachal Pradesh. This festival is music, dance, guided history tours and celebrated to denote the end of the winter photography. and the start of the Spring. It is mainly Chola period stones found celebrated on the moonless night. Chola period planting and rare species Hola Mohalla’ festival celebrated at found in Jawadumalai Sri Anandpur Sahib in Punjab There is a large Vediyappan Temple ‘Hola Mohalla’ is the annual Sikh festival in the hilltop town of Melappattu. The celebrated on the following day of the sanctum deity of the temple is a 10th- festival Holi at Sri Anandpur Sahib, century Chola-era stone pillar. Punjab. The festival will be celebrated

18 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Latest Historical events

for 3 days from March 10 to 12, 2020. The Old skeleton excavated at Kodagai festival aims to physically strengthen near Thirupavanam in Sivagangai Sikh community by holding acrobatic district military exercises and mock battles. Sivagangai district has found an old digging ditch at Kondagai near Phool Dei festival was celebrated in Thirupuvanam. A 2,000-year-old human Uttarakhand skeleton was discovered Uttarakhand Chief Minister (CM) The five-stage excavations that have Trivendra Singh Rawat celebrated the already taken place revealed that the traditional harvest festival “Phool Dei”. underlying civilization dates back 2,600 The festival also showcases the inner years. At present, 3 pits are being dug in bonding between the communities who the land of Keezhidhiyathiyammal near all are residing in the hills. Tirupuvanam. 2 brick walls were found in it.

1.12 Latest Historical events

Victoria Memorial Hall to display rare miniature of Rani Padmini The Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH) will display a unique Rajput miniature painting of Rani Padmini (Padmavati) of Chittor to mark International Women’s Day.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 19 Latest Court Verdicts Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 POLITICAL 2. SCIENCE

21-lockdown scenario to fight the 2.1 Latest Court Verdicts COVID-19 virus. The initial deadline was March 31, 2020. Sexual harassment at workplace However, it has been extended keeping is affront to fundamental rights of in mind the centre’s order of a complete woman lockdown in the country for 21 days. Sexual harassment at the workplace is an The order comes after the Federation of “affront” to the fundamental rights of a Automobile Dealers Association had woman to equality, her right to live with moved the apex court seeking a relaxation dignity and to practice any profession or in the deadline to sell their BS-IV vehicle carry out any occupation. stock. There are currently around 7 lakh Sexual harassment at the workplace is unsold two-wheelers, 12,000 commercial an affront to the fundamental rights of a vehicles and 15,000 unsold cars of BS-IV woman to equality under Articles 14 and standard. 15 and her right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution as well as her right to practice any profession 2.2 Political parties and or to carry on any occupation, trade or business. Political system in India

RS nod for ‘Vivad Se Vishwas’ Parliament Passes The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 The Parliament approved the Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Bill, 2020, which Parliament approved the Mineral Laws will give taxpayers a chance to settle tax (Amendment) Bill, 2020 on March 12, disputes by paying their dues without 2020. Parliament gave its approval to any interest or penalty till March 31. the bill when Rajya Sabha adopted the same. The bill was passed by the majority SC extends deadline of transition members and twelve members opposed from BS IV to BS VI it during the division of votes in Rajya The Supreme Court has extended the Sabha. transition from BS-IV to BS VI vehicles The Minerals Laws (Amendment) Bill, by 10 more days given the current 2020 will ensure a new era for promoting

20 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Political parties and Political system in India the Indian coal and mining sector, arrangement is expected to be in place in especially the ease of doing business. a few months. Experts believe that coal production will The main objection of critics to the increase and dependence on imports will Centre’s initiative is the reduced coverage be reduced when this action will come that the new scheme is likely to achieve. into the force. From 2020-21, there will be only one scheme called Paradhan Mantri Young Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 Achievers Scholar Award Scheme for The amended bill has clear provisions Vibrant India PM-YASASVI). for companies to participate in the This will be for SCs as well as for other auction of coal and lignite blocks even Communities such as other backward if they don’t have prior experience of classes, de-notified and nomadic tribes coal mining in India. This will not only and economically backward classes. increase participation in coal and lignite This will replace scholarship schemes in block auctions but will also facilitate the operation for each of them. implementation of FDI policy in the coal sector. WCD ministry notifies new POCSO Now, companies that are not involved rules 2020 with stringent punishments in any specific type of end-use can for sexual offences against children participate in the auction of Schedule II In exercise of the powers conferred and III coal mines. The removal of the by section 45 of the POCSO Act, 2012, last usage barrier will allow for wider the Ministry of Women and Child participation in the auction of coal mines Development (WCD), Government specified by the Central Government for of India (GoI), has notified the new various purposes such as its consumption, Protection of Children from Sexual sale or any other purpose. Offences (POCSO) Rules, 2020 by replacing the earlier 2012 Rules. SCs, OBCs fear losing benefits under The new rule will able to implement the new scholarship plan recent amendments to this law, under The Central government’s proposal which the provisions of punishment for to scrap scholarship schemes catering sexual exploitation of children have been exclusively to students belonging to further made stringent. The new POCSO communities such as Scheduled Castes rules became effective from March 9, (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) 2020. and club them into one has drawn criticism from activists in Tamil Nadu. Rajya Sabha Passes Central Sanskrit To be called Pradhan Mantri Young University Bill 2019 Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for The Rajya Sabha passed the Central Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI), the new Sanskrit University Bill 2019. It will

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 21 Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 provide Central University status to three order to prevent the frequent accidents universities in India. Rajya Sabha passed and loss of lives at level crossings. the Central Sanskrit University Bill 2019 by voice vote. TIFAC under Ministry of Science and Human Resource Development Minister Technology launches Vigyan Jyoti Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said in the TIFAC operating under Ministry of Parliament that Sanskrit literature has Science and Technology launched Vigyan the largest repository along with a rich Jyoti. The scheme was announced to heritage. celebrate International Women’s Day. Background Vigyan Jyoti Lok Sabha passed the bill in December The Vigyan Jyoti was launched by 2019 while it was introduced in the the Central Government to promote Rajya Sabha on March 02, 2020. STEM Education among girls. STEM is It was introduced in Rajya Sabha by Science, Technology, Engineering and HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Mathematics. It was launched in October ‘Nishank’. Now, it will go back to the 2019. Lok Sabha for final stage. It is essential to bring in such initiatives because according to ministry of science and technology only 24% of total passed 2.3 Govt – Welfare oriented out students are in the field of STEM Govt schemes, their utility and only 22% of the post graduates are women. Govt aims to replace all level crossings on NH with Over/under Bridges under Odisha becomes the 1st state to the Setu Bharatam scheme introduce department for SHGs: “Mission Shakti” The central Government has aimed to replace all the level crossings on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik National Highways (NH) by Road Over announced that Odisha is the 1st state to Bridges / Road Under Bridges under the own a separate department for Self Help Setu Bharatam scheme, which is being Groups named as “Mission Shakti”. It is implemented by the Ministry of Road created for the development of women & Transport and Highways to with a aim to is dedicated to all the women of Odisha. get the country on a fast track growth and Mission Shakti and Mamata Scheme development and decrease road fatalities combinedly benefits 70 lakh women. by 50 % by 2020. 50% reservation in Panchayati Raj has Setu Bharatam scheme: It was launched created a new era for the socio -economic by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi development of women. on March 4, 2016 to make all national highways free of railway crossings in

22 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility Govt sanctioned Rs 20,466.94 crore Domestic Product (GDP) which has a loan to women under ‘Stand up India direct impact on employment generation. scheme’: Anurag Singh Gist about PMAY(U): According to the Minister of State It was launched by the Ministry of (MoS) for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, the central (MoHUPA) on 25th June 2015 to build government has sanctioned a loan of Rs affordable pucca houses for all with 20,466.94 crores to over 91,000 accounts access to water, sanitation & electricity up to March 10,2020 since inception of the by 2022 when the nation completes 75 Stand-Up India scheme, as it counted the years of independence. The beneficiaries work being done for the empowerment of include low-income groups (LIGs), women. Middle Income Groups (MIGs) & EWS. About Stand Up India scheme: Ayushman Bharat Yojana to be It was launched on April 5, 2016, to implemented in Delhi promote entrepreneurship for economic empowerment and job creation. To set up Delhi Government will be implementing a new venture, it is mandatory for every the Ayushman Bharat Yojana due to branch of the scheduled commercial bank the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. to give a loan of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore Under this healthcare scheme, the state to a person belonging to Scheduled Caste government will provide health cover of (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) and at least up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for one woman. free. The scheme covers secondary and As on February 17, 2020, more than 81% tertiary care hospitalization expenses. account holders under this scheme are National Forensic Science University women Bill introduced in LoK Sabha Rs 6.16 lakh crore approved so far A bill to establish a National Forensic under PMAY(U) Sciences University by upgrading the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Gujarat Forensic Sciences University was Affairs independent charge (I/C), Civil introduced in LoK Sabha the National Aviation (I/C) and Minister of state of Forensic Sciences University seeks Commerce & Industry, Hardeep Singh to facilitate and promote studies and Puri stated that Rs 6.16 lakh crore (trillion) research, and to achieve excellence in the has been approved so far under Pradhan field of forensic science in conjunction Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)– PMAY(U). with applied behavioural science studies, No data concerning the property-less law, criminology and other allied areas people is maintained by the ministry. and technology and other related fields The contribution of the housing sector for strengthening criminal justice system is significant to the country’s Gross in the country.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 23 Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Extend benefits of advocates ‘welfare Key Points scheme’ With this increase in wages, the national The Delhi High Court seeking direction to average wage under MGNREGA will rise the city government to extend the benefit from Rs 182 to Rs 202 per day. of ‘Chief Minister’s Advocates’ Welfare Totally there are 13.62 crore job Scheme’ to all lawyers enrolled with the cardholders under the MGNREGA, Bar Council of Delhi (BCD), irrespective out of which 8.17 crores are active job of whether their names appear in the cardholders. voters list of the Capital or not. It also informed that Individual-oriented The plea announced that in November work(beneficiaries of Scheduled Castes 2019, the Delhi government had and Scheduled Tribes) & work done by announced the scheme for the welfare of women under MGNREGA can continue all practising advocates of the national their work during the lockdown. capital who are on the rolls of BCD. PM Narendra Modi formulated PM- FM Nirmala Sitharaman launches CARES fund to fight coronavirus Garib Kalyan Yojana for poor outbreak

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently announced Garib Kalyan Yojana created of assistance and emergency to help poor and needy people during situation relief fund namely Prime the Coronavirus outbreak in India. Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief The Minister also announced special in Emergency Situations Fund (PM- insurance scheme for nurses and medical CARES) where people can contribute and service providers wherein Rs 50 lakh per help in the government’s fight against person insurance cover will be provided coronavirus. This newly created public to all for next 3 months. charitable trust has PM Narendra Modi as the chairmanand defence minister Centre releases Rs 4,431 crore to (Rajnath Singh), home minister (Amit clear pending wages under MGNREGA Shah) and the finance minister (Nirmala Sitaraman) as its members. The Centre released Rs 4,431 crores to clear pending wages under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005(MGNREGA) & will also pay all dues (Rs 11,499 crores) by April 10, 2020.

24 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Policy on Environment and Ecology 3. GEOGRAPHY

3.1 Policy on Environment and Ecology

National Chambal Sanctuary declared Researchers with the International as Eco-Sensitive Zone Thawaites Glacier Offshore Research The Government of India declared project discovered the island at the end of National Chambal Sanctuary as Eco February while sailing off the coast of the -Sensitive Zone. Pine Island Glacier ice shelf. The Sanctuary is home to Gangetic Wildlife census in Gudalur forest to Dolphins and critically endangered begin today Gharials. Wildlife census exercise is to begin in the Highlights Gudalur forest division in the Nilgiris. The Sanctuary is home to naturally living The teams are to record wildlife spotted Gharials. 75% of Gharials live in the across the division, and compare the Sanctuary. It also harbours 180 species of numbers with data from previous years. migratory birds and fresh water Gangetic Dolphins. Being declared as Eco Sensitive Conservationists offer a blueprint to Zone, construction of resorts, hotels or save South India’s vultures other residential and industrial activities The South India Vulture Conservation are prohibited. Group has come up with a vulture New island discovered as Antarctica population in five South Indian States, melts which are home to six of the nine vultures species found in the county at the Salim February month, record high Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural temperatures were reported in Antartica. History in Coimbatore included a plan for In mid-February, researchers from Brazil a synchronously coordinated survey in claimed to have measured temperatures five States, need to press the governments of 20.75 degrees Celsius on an island off to restrict availability of Nonsteroidal the peninsula beating the record for the Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) for entire Antarctic region of 19.8 degrees veterinary use and to create a vulture safe Celsius in January 1982. zone in each south Indian State.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 25 Policy on Environment and Ecology Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Newly Discovered insect species Chloroquine help treat coronavirus named after singer Lady Gaga patients A newly discovered species of treehopper Hydroxychloroquine, a medicine for has been named “Kaikaia Gaga” after malaria that President Donald Trump American singer Lady Gaga. The species has touted as a treatment for coronavirus, was named by Brendan Morris, PhD was no more effective than conventional candidate in entomology from University care, a small study found. of Illinois, United States (US). Hydroxychloroquine, particularly when given with the antibiotic azithromycin, Wildlife survey in Kodiyakarai has received widespread attention sanctuary following a controversial, small study Wildlife surveying has begun at the of about 40 patients hospitalized with Kodiyakkarai Wildlife Sanctuary next Covid-19 in France. In that study, the to the Vedaranyam in the Nagai district. drug appeared to help clear the virus The sanctuary is home to animals like from the bodies of 26 patients who were goose, fox, rabbit, wild boar and monkey. given the medication, based on samples Kodiyakkarai Forest Officer Ayubkan taken from nasal swabs. Experts have led by Vanvar Sathishkumar and Forest criticized the design of the study. Department personnel. Wildlife survey work is being carried out on 14 routes. Indian scientists reveal first microscopic image of novel Roche Diagnostics is India’s first coronavirus private firm to get coronavirus test approval Swiss firm Roche Diagnostics India received the license for conducting coronavirus tests after approval from drug regulator DCGI, making it the first private firm to get such permission after the government decided to allow accredited private labs to test for COVID-19. In a first, Indian scientists have revealed Two Indian diagnostic companies a microscopic image of the SARS-CoV-2 Trivitron Healthcare and Mylab Discovery virus. Solution have also sought approval from The image is from the throat swab the DCGI for the coronavirus testing kits sample of the first laboratory-confirmed developed by them. COVID19 case in India, reported on January 30 in Kerala.

26 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Policy on Environment and Ecology

The findings have been published in the Highlights latest edition of the Indian Journal of The event was first started in Sydney, Medical Research (IJMR). Australia. The main aim of the marking Earth Hour is to call attention towards Earth Hour: A Symbolic Movement of global warming, loss of biodiversity and “Lights OFF” to save environment climate change. During the one-hour Since 2007, every year million participate campaign, businesses and people all over in the campaign called “Earth Hour” on the world switch off unnecessary lights March 28. The event is organized by the and electronic items between 8:30 PM World wide Fund for Nature. and 9:30 PM. The Earth Hour is held every year on the last Saturday of March.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 27 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020

4. ECONOMICS 4.1 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector

Fitch lowers India’s economic growth Merger of 10 public sector banks into forecast for FY20 to 4.9% from 5.1 % 4 to come into effect from Apr 1 Fitch Ratings Inc, an American credit Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rating agency,has lowered India’s GDP announced that the exercise of (Gross Domestic Product) growth forecast consolidation of 10 public sector banks to 4.9% for the fiscal year –FY20 (2019- (PSBs) into four is on course and the 2020) ending March 31,2020. merger will come into effect from April It cuts the rate from 5.1% predicted earlier, 1, 2020. due to coronavirus, weak domestic United Bank of India and Oriental Bank demand and supply disruptions, which of Commerce will be merged with Punjab put pressure on the manufacturing sector. National Bank; Syndicate Bank will be merged with Canara Bank; Allahabad rd India ranked 3 in trade-related illicit Bank will be amalgamated with Indian financial flow globally, China tops: Bank; and Andhra Bank and Corporation GFI Report Bank will be consolidated with Union In accordance with the report titled Bank of India. “Trade-Related Illicit Financial Flows in 135 Developing Countries: 2008-2017” Centre approves TCS, DLF proposals by US-based think tank Global Financial to set up special economic zones in Integrity (GFI), India has the third- Haryana, Uttar Pradesh highest trade-related illicit financial flow The government has approved the among over 135 countries in 2017 while proposals of software firm TCS and realty China has topped the report. major DLF to set up special economic As an average of 2008-2017, India ranked zones (SEZs) for IT sector in Haryana and fourth among 135 countries and China Uttar Pradesh. The approval was given stood at first. by the Board of Approval, the highest decision-making body for SEZs The inter-ministerial body is chaired by the commerce secretary. TCS has

28 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector proposed to set up an IT/ITeS SEZ in Asian Development Bank to give Noida, Uttar Pradesh, on 19.9 hectares Rs.48 thousand crore to developing land. The total proposed investment for member countries for coronavirus the project is Rs 2,433.72 crore. response The bank classifies almost 40 member RBI announces draft revival plan for countries and territories as “developing,” Yes Bank including Cambodia, Pakistan and the The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) placed Philippines. in public domain a draft scheme for ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa reconstruction of Yes Bank. The ADB has already given Rs.1673 State Bank of India has expressed its crores to governments and businesses in willingness to make investment in Yes developing countries so far during the Bank and participate in its reconstruction coronavirus pandemic. scheme. SBI can invest for up to 49 per cent stake for nearly Rs 2,450 crore. The Census records rare butterflies in central bank had invited suggestions Gudalur and comments from members of public,

including the banks’ shareholders, The Forest Department would only depositors and creditors on the draft estimate the population of large scheme. Suggestions will be received mammals. Enthusiasts from the Wynter by RBI till Monday, March 9, 2020, after Blyth Association were roped in to which a final call will be taken. count the different species of butterflies inhabiting the Gudalur region. GST Council hikes tax on mobile Among the 56 different species of phones from 12% to 18% butterflies that were spotted during the exercise were “rarities” such as the Mobile phones are all set to get expensive Pygmy scrub hopper (Aeromachus after the centre’s decision to hike the pygmaeus), Hampson’s hedge hopper Good and Services Tax (GST) on cellular (Baracus hampsoni), Medus brown handsets to 18% from the current 12%. (Orsotriaena medus), the commander The decision was taken during the 39th (Moduza procris) and the peacock royal GST Council meeting held on Saturday in (Tajuria cippus). New Delhi. Manoj Sethumadhavan, a trustee from Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman the Wynter Blyth Association, said they chaired the meeting also attended by had also noted the migration of the finance ministers of States & UTs and common emigrant (Catopsilia Pomona), senior officers from both center and while they were undertaking the census. states.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 29 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Finance Commission sets up Crisil lowers FY21 growth to 5.2% committee to review the fiscal from 5.7% consolidation road map Crisil downgraded India’s Gross An 8-member committee is set up by Domestic Forecast (GDP) for fiscal 2021 Finance Commission (FC) to review the to 5.2% from 5.7% due to the coronavirus fiscal consolidation road map of state pandemic. & central governments. The committee Also, it is spreading rapidly in India is headed by 15th Finance Commission causing adverse effects on domestic Chairman N K Singh. consumption, investment, and production Key Points: and slowing the financial markets.

By considering all of India’s explicit As per Crisil, if the COVID 19 if not and measurable debt, it will make tackled by April-June 2020 globally then recommendations on the definition of it may lead to a severe slowdown. deficit & debt for central government, IOC becomes 1st company to begin overall states, general government and supply of BS-VI fuel across country public sector enterprises (government levels) by bringing consistency between Indian Oil CorpNSE -7.45 % (IOC), the the definition of debt(stock) and nation’s biggest oil firm, has begun the deficit(flow) supply of the world’s cleanest petrol and diesel across the country with all its About FC: 28,000 petrol pumps dispensing ultra-low In 1951, under the article 280 of the sulphur fuel a good two weeks before the constitution it was established to assess April 1 deadline. the financial position of the Union and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and State Governments, recommend the Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL), sharing of taxes among them, and set out are also progressively supplying BS-VI policies to determine the distribution of grade fuel and the entire country will these taxes among the States. switch to the cleanest fuel. The FC (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, The government had set April 1 as the 1951 defines the terms of qualification, deadline for starting supply of Euro-VI appointment, disqualification, term, emission compliant fuels. With this India eligibility & powers of FC. joins the select league of nations using The 15th FC was constituted on 27 petrol and diesel containing just 10 parts November 2017 against the abolition of per million of sulphur in an attempt to the Planning Commission (the difference cut vehicular emissions that are said to between plan and non-plan expenditure) be one of the reasons for the choking & the introduction of Goods and Services pollution in major cities. Tax (GST).

30 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector SBI becomes the 1st bank to launch Fitch slashes India’s GDP growth emergency credit facility outlook for FY21 State Bank of India (SBI), an Indian Fitch Ratings slashes its growth forecast multinational, public sector bank, for India from 5.6% to 5.1% for 2020-21, as became the 1st bank to launch COVID 19 Covid-19 hit Indian manufacturers after emergency credit line (CECL) to provide supply chain disruptions in China. funds to businesses affected by the Fitch joins a chorus of international infectious coronavirus. agencies that have made similar observations in recent days. Standard and Indian Bank launched 5 special Poor’s (S&P) on Wednesday had slashed emergency loans for COVID its 2020 growth projection for India from 19-affected customers 5.7% to 5.2% as it feared that the Asia Pacific region may slide into a recession, with countries enforcing lock-downs to contain the pandemic. Moody’s and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have cut their 2020 growth projections for India to 5.3% and 5.1%, Indian Bank has launched five special respectively. emergency loans for large corporates, medium enterprises, MSMEs, salaried High-level committee approves Rs. and pensioners as a support to its 5,751 crore worth fund for 8 states customers effecting through economic A high-level committee, chaired by Home slump and lockdown because of Minister Amit Shah has approved funds COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, State Bank worth Rs 5,751 crore to eight states for of India (SBI), Union Bank of India (UBI), calamity damage relief. Bank of India (BOI) initiated schemes to The additional centre assistanmce has provide liquidity relief to borrowers. been approved under the National ff IND- COVID Emergency Credit Line Disaster Response Fund. (IBCECL) They will be given to eight states that were ff IND- MSE COVID Emergency Loan affected by drought, floods, landslides (INDMSE-CEL) and cyclones in 2019. ff SHG-COVID – SAHAYA LOAN The states include Kerala, Bihar, ff IND-COVID Emergency Salary Loan Nagaland, Odisha, Maharashtra, ff IND COVID- Emergency Pension Rajasthan, West Bengal and Karnataka. Loan

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 31 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 India’s GDP growth slashed to 2.5 domestic rating agency Icra percent in 2020 While announcing a number of measures Moody’s Investors Service 2020 reduced in the policy review, the RBI refrained India’s GDP growth in 2020 to 2.5 percent from giving its estimate on both growth from the earlier estimate of 5.3 percent. and inflation, saying things are fluid and Moody’s said that the COVID-19 rapidly changing. pandemic will cause unprecedented The Indian economy was already shock to the global economy including supposed to clock a decadal low growth the Indian economy. of 5 per cent in 2019-20, according to It said in its Global Macro Outlook 2020-21 official estimates, and the coronavirus- that India will see a sharp fall in incomes related worries have only compounded at an estimated 2.5 percent growth rate. the problems. Regardless of the measures announced I GDP growth rate may fall sharply to now by the RBI, we are lowering our base 2.6 % in 2020-21: SBI’s Ecowrap case scenario for GDP growth to (-)4.5 per cent for Q1 FY2021 and to 2 per cent for According to a report titled “EcoWrap” FY21. released by the economic research team from SBI (State Bank of India), India’s FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth is Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for expected to decline sharply to 2.6 % in the poor next financial year 2020-21 amid the 21- day lockdown Coronavirus (COVID-19) The government announced a Rs 1.7 lakh epidemic. crore relief package aimed at providing a safety net for those hit the hardest by the Key Points: Covid-19 lockdown, along with insurance The GDP growth rate in 2019-20 can cover for frontline medical personnel. also be reduced from 5 % to 4.5 % with About 800 million people will get free a 2.5 % increment in the fourth quarter cereals and cooking gas apart from cash (Q4) of the current financial year. through direct transfers for three months. The 21-day lockdown began on March 25. GDP likely to grow just 2% in 2020- The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana 21: Icra includes higher wages under the Mahatma Despite the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Gandhi National Rural Employment Act massive actions to spur the economy, (MGNREGA), Rs 1,000 ex-gratia payment India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to nearly 30 million poor senior citizens, is likely to contract by 4.5 per cent in widows and disabled as well as insurance the April-June 2020 quarter and will coverage of as much as Rs 50 lakh each rise by only 2 per cent in 2020-21 on for about 2 million healthcare workers the coronavirus impact, according to battling the disease.

32 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Finmin writes to RBI on relief measures Static Points: The finance ministry has asked the Repo Rate: It is the rate at which RBI Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to consider lends money to commercial banks. implementing a series of emergency Reverse Repo rate: It is the rate at which measures aimed at helping borrowers RBI borrows money from commercial cope with the economic havoc wreaked banks. by the Covid-19 pandemic. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): The share of net demand and time liabilities (deposits) Seventh Bi-monthly Monetary Policy that banks must maintain a cash balance Statement -2019-20 with the RBI. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): The the Seventh Bi-monthly Monetary Policy share of net demand and time liabilities Statement, 2019-20 Resolution of the (deposits) that banks must maintain in Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), safe and liquid assets, such as government RBI under which MPC has decided rate securities, cash, and gold. changes with immediate effect due to Bank Rate: It is the rate at which the the current and evolving macroeconomic RBI is ready to buy or rediscount bills of situation impacted by COVID-19. exchange or other commercial papers for The meet was scheduled for 31st March, the long term. 1st and 3rd April 2020 but they advanced Marginal Standing Facility Rate (MSF): its meeting on 24th, 26th and 27th March. The rate at which the scheduled banks Following table showing the policy rate can borrow funds from the RBI overnight, changed in 7th Bi-monthly Monetary against the approved government Policy securities is termed as MSF.

Policy rate New Previous Change IMF launches Government Policy Rate Rate in Basis Tracker: COVID-19 points The International Monetary Fund (IMF) (bps) has launched a policy tracker to track the Policy Repo 4.40 % 5.15% 75 policies of the governments so as to share Rate knowledge about COVID-19 which helps Reverse 4% 4.90% 90 to tackle the crisis. Repo Rate Key Points Marginal 4.65% 5.40% 25 The policy tracker helps the countries Standing to learn more about the experiences of Facility Rate others in combating the pandemic and Bank Rate 4.65% 5.40% 25 adapt their policies and procedures to CRR 4% 4% 100 their unique circumstances and needs.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 33 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020

It summarizes the key economic part of its consolidation plan to create responses as of March 24, 2020. bigger size stronger banks in the It is not meant for comparison among the public sector. member countries as policy responses ff As per the scheme, Oriental Bank differ according to the nature of shock & of Commerce and United Bank of the circumstance of a country. India will be merged into Punjab It focuses on discretionary actions to National Bank; Syndicate Bank into support existing social safety nets & Canara Bank; Allahabad Bank into insurance mechanisms. Indian Bank; and Andhra Bank and It includes 186 economies (G20 and Corporation Bank into Union Bank of European Institutions) & more countries India. will be added & information will be updated on a regular basis. PNB unveils new logo About IMF: Punjab National Bank (PNB) has unveiled Headquarters–Washington, United a new logo as it merges the United Bank States. of India and OBC with it, with effect from 1 April. Merger of 10 state-run banks into 4 The new logo will bear distinct signages to come into force from April 1: RBI of all the three public sector lenders. The mega bank consolidation plan is With this, PNB is set to become the all set to come into force from April 1, second-largest lender in the country. 2020. The branches of merging banks Ahead of its merger with the United Bank will operate as of the banks in which of India (UBI) and the Oriental Bank of these have been amalgamated. Also, Commerce (OBC) from April 1, Punjab the customers of merging banks will National Bank (PNB) unveiled a new be treated as customers of the banks in logo which bears the signages of all the which these banks have been merged three PSU banks. From the next financial with effect from April 1, 2020. year, PNB will become the second largest ff The government on March 4 had lender in India after the State Bank of notified the amalgamation schemes India (SBI). for 10 state owned banks into four as

34 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology 5. SCIENCE

5.1 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology

IIT Madras designs AI drones for mission using the transit method for this armed forces to counter and hack discovery. ‘rogue drones’ These new planets have been discovered IIT Madras in the Gold-lock zone where the presence researchers have of water on the rocky surface of the developed an AI- planets is also being estimated. Among powered drone that the discovered planets, KIC-7340288b is can help armed forces an extremely rare planet. and security agencies Doctors uses CRISPR technology to detect and hack into cure blindness for the very first time rogue drones. The drone system developed by Indian Institute of Doctors from Oregon Health and Science Technology Madras’ researchers will Institute, Portland uses gene editing tool prove to be invaluable to law enforcement CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced agencies, security services and armed Short Palindromic Repeats) technology to forces as it will allow them to secure air cure blindness who have suffered from space over critical civilian and military Leber congenital amaurosis. installations from surveillance by rogue Key Points: drones. ff Leber congenital amaurosis is the Blindness in early childhood. University of British Columbia ff About CRISPR: CRISPR is a tool discovered 17 new planets for locating and cutting DNA Michelle Kunimoto, a student of the (Deoxyribonucleic acid) at a specific University of British Columbia, has spot. discovered 17 new planets. These planets have been discovered by the Kepler space Chandrayaan-3 will be launched in telescope of the National Aeronautical the first half of 2021: Jitendra Singh and Space Administration. According to the Minister of State in Nearly two million stars have been the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra studied by NASA’s four-year Kepler Singh, a possible schedule for the launch

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 35 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 of Chandrayaan-3 is planned to be YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA) implemented in the first half of 2021. 2020 Key Points: Indian Space Research Organisation The preparation of Chandrayaan-3 has has launched a special programme been done by taking lessons from the for School Children called “Young previously launched Chandrayaan-2, Scientist Programme” “YUva VIgyani a Moon mission which was launched KAryakram” from the year 2019. The in 2019, in which the Indian Space and second session of the programme is Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Vikram scheduled to be held during the month of Lander lost contact following a hard May 2020. landing on the Moon’s surface. The Program is primarily aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Nasa’s named Mars 2020 rover as Technology, Space Science and Space Perseverance Applications to the younger ones with the intent of arousing their interest in NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) announced the name the emerging areas of Space activities. of the 5th Mars (red planet) rover as The program is thus aimed at creating Perseverance. Previously the rover was awareness amongst the youngsters known by its codename as Mars 2020. who are the future building blocks of The name was suggested by Alexander our Nation. ISRO has chalked out this Mather, 7th standard student and was programme to “Catch them young”. announced by Nasa’s director of science, Bio-Hazardous Menstrual Waste- Thomas Zurbuchen at an event in Lake Incinerator Green Dispo MIDI Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia. To overcome the disposal problem, CSIR- About Perseverance: The rover has National Environrnental Engineering improved wheel design which is used to Research Institution (NEERI) along with collect the samples from the martian rocks its partners have designed & developed and helps scientists to determine about an Incinerator called GREEN- DISPO the ancient microbial life that existed in MIDI that complies with MHM national red planet. guidelines in SBM-G 2016 and also controls obnoxious flue gases that escapes ISRO announces Young Scientist during the process. Easy functionality Programme and portable size makes it convenient to install these units in strategic locations The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the list of provisionally such as schools, colleges and hostels, selected candidates for ISRO’s ‘Young where Girls & women can use it for safe Scientist Programme 2020’ or ‘Yuva disposal of used sanitary napkins on Vlgyani Karyakram 2020’. large scales, as recommended by CPCB guidelines 2016.

36 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology TIFR study reveals role of glucose What are Methanotrophs? regulating liver functions, ageing Methanotrophs are environmental An enzyme that goes by the name SIRTI is organisms that have a major role in known to be associated with regulation of cycling of methane. They oxidize metabolic activities and also ageing and methane in the environment. The hence has become a target of therapeutics. methanotrophic bacteria oxidize methane A study by researchers from Tata Institute through anaerobic metabolism. The of Fundamental Research, Mumbai methanotrophs are use as bio-inoculants. (TIFR) shows that glucose controls the Swiss scientists discover rain of function of SIRTI directly. A shortage molten iron on distant exoplanet or absence of this control can lead to a ‘WASP-76b’ diabetic-like state, while excess feeding and sustained low levels of SIRTI can A team of Scientists from the Astronomy lead to obesity and enhanced ageing. The Department of the University of Geneva study was published in the Proceedings (Switzerland) along with the teams in of the National Academy of Sciences. Portugal, Italy and Spain, have detected liquid iron rain on the highly heated COVID-19 declared a notified disease exoplanet WASP-76b. The State government has declared Key Points: COVID-19 a notified disease under the Scientists have speculated that the reason Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939. for the liquid iron precipitation is due Another testing laboratory has been to inclement weather conditions on the readied in the State – at Tirunelveli. With exoplanet WASP-76b, which revolves this, Tamil Nadu has a total of four testing around its star ‘WASP-76’ so closely that facilities. the temperature in the daytime is 1000 ° C higher than the night and the temperature Methanotraphic Bacteria Culture first reaches around 4,350 degrees Fahrenheit time in India (2400 ° C) during the day. The Agharkar Research Institute of Pune The observations came from using a new has isolated 45 strains of methanotrophic instrument named Echelle Spectrograph bacteria. These bacteria are capable of for Rocky Exoplanets and Stable reducing methane emissions in rice Spectroscopic Observations (Espresso) plants. and fitted to the Very Large Telescope Highlights: (VLT) based at the European Southern Apart from isolating the strains, Observatory (ESO) in Chile’s the Atacama the scientists have also created Desert. methanotrophic culture. The isolated bacteria were from southern and western India.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 37 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020

INST develops starch-based inside the tube to reach speeds of more ‘hemostat’ material than 1000 km/h

A starch-based ‘hemostat’ material The competition is open globally and has been developed by the Institute of the final round will take place in the IIT Nano Science and Technology (INST). Madras campus in July 2020. The material concentrates the natural IIT-M research shows concrete made clotting factors in blood that are critical from clay may replace cement for stopping the blood flow. This is done by physically absorbing the Indian Institute of Technology Madras excess fluid. The early-stage development (IIT-M) announced its new study shows of the starch-based ‘hemostat’ material that concrete made from clay fly ash, and has been published in the journal limestone hold promise as replacements Materialia. for cement. The IIT-M researchers have provided Ayushman Bharat to help fight clarity on the link between microstructural against COVID-19 development and durability performance The Ministry of Health and Family of concrete through their investigation on Welfare has included Ayushman Bharat concrete with ternary blended cements, or the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana which will help the construction industry to fight against Corona Virus. So far India to produce more eco-friendly concrete has recorded 168 confirmed cases of than available now. Corona Virus. OF these, India has cured Grade 7 Student In Dubai Creates 14 and three have so far died because of Sanitiser Robot To Tackle Coronavirus the virus An Indian expat student in Dubai has CSIR develops new Hand Sanitizer created a robot that dispenses sanitisers without using chemicals detecting a hand from a range of 30 cm.

The Scientists at the CSIR-IHBT (Council Washing hands from a robotic hand of Scientific and Industrial Research- sanitiser can be super fun. Not only does Institute of Himalayan Bioresource this discovery take your mind off from Technology) has developed a new the COVID-19 pandemic panic, but it sanitizer without using chemicals. intrigues you to dig deeper.

IIT Madras to host India’s First Global NASA’s CNEOS detects 4 asteroids Hyperloop Pod Competition approaching the earth

Hyperloop is the 5th mode of The National Aeronautics and Space transportation, a high-speed train that Administration’s (NASA) Centre for Near- travels in a near-vacuum tube. The Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) identifies 4 reduced air resistance allows the capsule asteroids namely, 2020 FK, 2020 FS, 2020

38 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology

DP4 & 2020 FF1 approaching the earth is also known as the Reverse transcription which follows Earth-intersecting orbits. polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. Key Points: New COVID-19 Like Virus Emerged The 2020 FK asteroid is the smallest of the In China, Man Dies After Testing four, with a diameter of 43 feet Positive For Hantavirus The 2020 DP4 asteroid is the largest of the four, and is large enough to hit nearly 12 A man from Yunnan, China has tested limousines with a diameter of 180 feet positive for Hantavirus. It is said that The 2020 FF1 asteroid is 48 feet in he had died while on his way back diameter. to Shandong Province for work on a The 2020 FS asteroid is 56 feet in diameter. chartered bus, according to China’s Global Times. In a shocking event, 32 Reliance Sets Up India’s First other people have also been tested with COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital in the same virus. Mumbai Rodent infestation in and around the home Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) remains the primary risk for hantavirus announced that it has set up India’s first exposure. Even healthy individuals are at COVID-19 dedicated hospital in Mumbai. risk for Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome This first-of-its-kind-in-India centre is (HPS) infection if exposed to the virus. fully funded by Reliance Foundation and IIT-Madras to organize India’s 1st includes a negative pressure room that Global Hyperloop Pod Competition helps in preventing cross contamination and helps control infection. All beds Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) are equipped with the required Madras will organize India’s 1st Global infrastructure, biomedical equipment Hyperloop Pod Competition named as such as ventilators, pacemakers, dialysis ‘Indian Hyperloop Pod Competition’, machines, and patient monitoring to increase the awareness & enthusiasm devices. about Hyperloop in India. The competition aims to encourage 1st ‘Made in India’ COVID19 Test Kit student teams in India & abroad to gets CDSCO approval develop a Hyperloop Pod & compete to “Mylab PathoDetect COVID-19 construct the fastest, highly innovative, Qualitative PCR kit” has become the effective design & also prototypes of first ‘Made in India’ COVID19 Test Kit related technologies. to get the CDSCO approval. Central The final round to take place in the IIT- Drugs Standard Control Organisation Madras campus in July 2020. has given the commercial approval to the On March 14, 2020, IIT-Madras launched COVID-19 diagnostic test kit made by Career Back 2 Women (CB2 Women) Mylab Discovery Solutions Pvt Ltd which initiative through its “Digital Skills

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 39 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Academy ” to skill women who want to to develop a vaccine to provide an active return to a technical profession after a acquired immunity to the infectious break in their career. disease. What is Hyperloop Pod? Guwahati is also making efforts to Hyperloop is the 5th transportation develop rapid detection and portable mode, a high-speed train that travels in diagnostic kits for various viruses and a vacuum tube. It is a sealed pipe where microorganisms. a pod can travel on reduced air resistance Chennai corporation deploys drone to or friction. While being very efficient, the spray COVID-19 disinfectant reduced air resistance allows the capsule within the tube to reach speeds of up to The Chennai Corporation has successfully 1000 km/h conveying people or objects at completed trials for using drones to high speed. disinfect inaccessible and congested SpaceX & Tesla’s Chief Executive Officer neighborhoods in the city. Developed (CEO) Elon Musk proposed the idea of by the Abdul Kalam Advanced UAV Hyperloop to the world in 2013 through a Research Center in the Anna University, white paper “Hyperloop Alpha.” each of these drones can spray disinfectants over a large area of up to 2 India to be in lockdown for 21 days from 25 March 2020 lakh square meters

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi The usage of drones is meant to enhance has announced the complete lockdown of the efforts of the corporation which has the entire nation, as part of government’s already deployed over 500 vehicles to stringent efforts to tackle coronavirus disinfect the city. The drones would disease Covid-19. The entire country will provide additional reach by enabling be under lockdown from 25 March 2020 coverage of narrow lanes with buildings for 21 days. According to health experts, that are tightly packed. at least 21 days time is very important to IIT Gandhinagar launches Project break the coronavirus infection cycle. ‘Isaac’ IIT-Guwahati develops anti-virus The Indian Institute of Technology, face shield Gandhinagar (IITGN) has launched The Indian Institute of Technology- ‘Project Isaac’ to engage students in Guwahati (IIT-G) has developed a creative projects during the COVID-19 prototype of a face shield or mask that lockdown. adheres to the guidelines given by the The project aims to enhance the student’s World Health Organization (WHO). skills while they are confined in their The world is facing a major crisis due to homes. the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, The project is inspired by Sir Isaac the IIT Guwahati researchers are working Newton, who was similarly sent home

40 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology due to the Great Plague of London in records the name and address of the 1665. prescriber, the name of the patient, the During that year, Newton had devloped name of the drug & the quantity supplied some of his most significant discoveries and such records will be maintained for including early calculus and his theories 3- years and is available for inspection. of gravity and optics. On the strip of hydroxychloroquine drugs it is marked ‘RX’ in red color and Chennai hospital to deploy robots to will be displayed on the left top corner of deliver food, medicines in wards the label. Robots will deliver food, beverages, and tablets to Covid-19 positive patients DST sets up COVID-19 Task Force to in the isolation ward of Rajiv Gandhi map technologies by start ups Government General Hospital here. They The Department of Science and will carry monitors and cameras to aid Technology (DST) under the Ministry of video conferencing between patients and Science and Technology set up COVID-19 care givers. Task Force for mapping technologies to Propellar technologies company in Trichy fund nearly market-ready solutions in the have developed a robot called “bashi” to area of diagnostics, testing, health care fight against Coronavirus. delivery solutions & equipment supplies. Key Points Health ministry categorises The technologies are mapped from hydroxychloroquine as schedule H1 Research and Development (R&D) labs, drug academic institutions, start-ups & Micro, Amid the growing coronavirus Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) pandemic, the Ministry of Health and The market solutions include masks, Family Welfare (MoHFW) in exercise of sanitizers, affordable kits for screening, the powers conferred by Section 26B of ventilators, oxygenators among others the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of and data analytics to track, monitor 1940), has declared hydroxychloroquine & control the outbreak by artificial (HCQS) drug as a schedule H1 drug– intelligence (AI) & Internet of Things which means it can’t be sold without (IoT) based solutions. the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. What are Schedule H1 Drugs? As per health ministry, these drugs should be sold in India with some conditions: It includes, The Schedule H1 drug supply should be registered in a separate register, which

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 41 Latest Discoveries in Health Science Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 5.2 Latest Discoveries in 5.2 Mass Media & Communication Health Science “Sebi SCORES” mobile app launched by SEBI for investors to lodge Pune based ARI scientists develop grievances biofortified high-protein wheat variety ‘MACS 4028’ Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a mobile application A team of Scientists from Agharkar ‘Sebi SCORES’ for convenience of Research Institute (ARI) in Pune, investors to lodge grievances in Sebi Maharashtra, have developed ‘MACS Complaints Redress System (SCORES). 4028’, a biofortified wheat variety, which The mobile app will make it easier for shows high-protein content of around investors to lodge their grievances with 14.7% good nutritional quality having SEBI, as they can now access SCORES at zinc 40.3 ppm, and iron content of the convenience of their smartphone. 40.3ppm and 46.1ppm (parts per million) respectively. Andhra Pradesh CM lauched NIGHA Key Points: app to control electoral malpractices The development done by the scientist Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister has been published in the Indian Journal (CM) Yeduguri Sandinti Jaganmohan of Genetics and Plant Breeding. Reddy launched the NIGHA application MACS 4028, a semi-dwarf variety, at Tadepalli, Andhra Pradesh. matures in a period of 102 days and has a The app is aimed at curbing the use of very good yielding ability of 19.3 quintals money and alcohol in the upcoming local per hectare. This variety also shows a body elections & launched in addition better resistance to crop disease like to the measures taken by State Election stem rust, leaf rust and common pests of Commission & Police department in dryland wheat including foliar aphids, order to control the electoral malpractices. root aphids, brown wheat mite. It has been included under the GOKADDAL, World’s first Digital Biofortified category by Indian Council Solutions Exchange Cloud launched of Agricultural Research (ICAR) during in India the year 2019. GOKADDAL, the World’s first Digital What is the biofortified variety? Solutions Exchange in Cloud, was Fortified varieties are developed to launched in India on March 11, 2020. provide the crop with the right amount of www.gokaddal.com, a cloud-based essential nutrients. solution exchange platform mainly The quantities of iron, Zinc, Vitamin focuses on 4A’s – Automation, Artificial A &D in these varieties are increased Intelligence, Analytics and Augmentative through changes in genes. Technologies.

42 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Mass Media & Communication

GOKADDAL – It is a Business to Business In addition to this Google has also (B2B), Business to Government (B2G), initiated a campaign named ‘Do the Five. Business to Consumer (B2C) solution Help stop Coronavirus’ in its search home platform which connects solution page that lists out the five things people providers to solution seekers and an should follow to prevent coronavirus innovative platform for Startups and & also issued Push Notifications on SME companies. the Google App for Android & iPhone It is a Dubai based emerging Technology Operating System (iOS) users in India. company led by Ravinder Pal Singh (Digital Disrupter, Industry Expert, Ex Tech helps HC hear urgent cases Cisco and Dell Executive) and it is a A division bench of Justices Vineet part of the Mekado Group at Bangalore, Kothari and R Suresh Kumar, hearing the Karnataka. proceedings through a video conferencing app COVID-19 has had a crippling effect ‘Bhoomi Rashi portal’- expedited Error on regular functioning of courts across the free & transparent land acquisition State, but telecommunication technology for National Highways project has helped them stay the course. Despite The Ministry of Road Transport and the three-week lockdown, the Madras Highways (MoRTH) announced that the High Court used a video-conferencing ‘Bhoomi Rashi’ portal has significantly mobile application to hear three urgent increased the process of land acquisition cases related to the pandemic and its for National Highways project. The aftermath. They also directed the AAG portal has made the process error-free & to submit a report after four weeks listing more transparent with the notifications at out the number of criminal cases booked every stage being processed in real-time. by the police for violation of orders promulgated under Section 144. Government launched MyGov Corona Helpdesk on WhatsApp IIT Bombay develops two apps “Corontine” and “Safe” to track The government launched MyGov Corona Helpdesk on WhatsApp to create violations by those in quarantine awareness among citizens about the As the Coronavirus (COVID- 19) coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic. crisis spreads, IIT (Indian Institute of Technology)-Bombay developed 2 Key Points: mobile applications called “Corontine” The official Whatsapp chatbot can also and “Safe”, that can track violations by be used to resolve queries in relation to people supposed to be in quarantine. COVID-19 using the number 9013151515. The proposals of both apps have been Besides this, the government has also set sent to officials in the Ministry of up 2 helpline numbers, +91-11-23978046 Human Resource and Department, Niti and 1075 (toll-free) & an email id Aayog, the Maharashtra government ([email protected]) to resolve the queries and the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal of Indian citizens. Corporation).

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 43 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 6. NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENT

Suposhit Maa Abhiyan Redressal Programme.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has The programme was inaugurated in launched ‘Suposhit Maa Abhiyan’ in his Jammu. The Pension Adalats will help constituency Kota, Rajasthan, to provide in on-the-spot redressal of pensioners’ nutritional support to pregnant women grievances which has given the right of and adolescent girls. ‘Ease of Living’ to the pensioners. Aim: The aim of the campaign is to International food and hospitality preserve & maintain the health of our fair ‘AAHAR 2020’ future generations. A 5-day-long 35th edition of the Key Points: International Food and Hospitality fair About Suposhit Maa Abhiyan: The ‘AAHAR 2020’ has commenced in Pragati objective of this campaign is to keep Maidan, New Delhi. It was inaugurated pregnant women and newborn health. by Union Minister of Commerce and In the first phase of the campaign, 1,000 Industry, Piyush Goyal. kits of 17 kg balanced diet each were This fair has been specially focused on provided to 1,000 pregnant women. promoting the agriculture-community Under this Abhiyan, 1,000 women as well as tourism sectors especially would be given food items for 1 month. hospitality companies. At the same time, the health of the child, including medical examination, India Pharma & India Medical Device blood tests, medicines, delivery would 2020 Conference be covered. The 5th edition of India Pharma 2020 and ‘Pension Adalat’ inaugurated in India Medical Device 2020 Conference & Exhibition will be held at Gandhinagar, Jammu Gujarat from March 5 to 7, 2020.

The Union Minister of State PMO, The conference was organized by the Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry Jitendra Singh inaugurated the ‘Pension of Chemicals and Fertilizers in association Adalat’ and National Pension System with Federation of Indian Chambers of (NPS) Awareness and Grievance Commerce & Industry (FICCI)

44 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 National – Diary of Event Gairsain will be the summer capital of accommodation, will be launched in the Uttarakhand state soon. Chief Minister (CM) of Uttarakhand 4th Global Ayurveda Festival to be Trivendra Singh Rawat announced held at Kochi ‘Gairsain’ as the summer capital of the th state, on the 3rd day of the budget session The 4 Global Ayurveda Festival will be held in Gairsain, Uttarakhand. held at Kochi, Kerala with the theme of Ayurveda Medical Tourism: Actualizing Indian Army’s International Seminar India’s credibility. GAF2020 is being “Pragyan Conclave 2020” begins organised by the Centre for Innovation The Indian Army’s International Seminar in Science and Social Action (CISSA). It “Pragyan Conclave 2020” has begin will be the largest Ayurvedic event ever at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi and to be held anywhere across the world. has been organised by Centre for Land GAF-2020 will bring together the world Warfare Studies (CLAWS). The seminar of Ayurveda wellness providers and it’s united the national and international seekers to one platform. experts to discuss the complex topic International Conference on Nano- of ‘Changing Characteristics of Land Science and Nano Technology held in Warfare and its Impact on the Military’. Kolkata Yoga to be introduced as separate The Department of Science of Technology subject in senior secondary schools operating under Ministry of Science and in Himachal: Education Minister Technology organized an International Yoga will be introduced as a separate Conference on Nano-Science and Nano subject for study in government senior Technology (ICONSAT) at Kolkata. The secondary schools in Himachal Pradesh, Conference is to be held between March Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj told 5, 2020 and March 7, 2020. the state Assembly. New Delhi hosts India Smart Utility Yoga will be introduced as a separate Week 2020 (ISUW) subject for students of Classes 9 to 12, Bhardwaj added. New Delhi based India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) has been organizing India Safe homes for inter-caste couples in Smart Utility Week 2020 (ISUW) as an Kerala soon International Conference and Exhibition Health and social welfare minister K K on Smart Energy and Water for Smarter Shailaja told assembly on Wednesday Cities in New Delhi from March 3-7, 2020. that ‘safe homes’ for accommodating inter-caste married couple, who might face difficulty in finding an independent

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 45 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Indian female labour-force CAG Report: 40% of Environment participation dropped from 34% in Related Crimes in India are from 2006 to 24.8% in 2020: UNGC Study Rajasthan In accordance with the United Nations The Comptroller and Auditor General Global Compact (UNGC) India study, tabled the report for the year that ended India is the only country among the 153 on 31st March 2018 (2017-18). The report surveyed countries where the economic was tabled in the assembly. According to gender gap is larger than the political the report, between 2014 and 2016, 40% of gap. Its female labour-force participation environmental crimes in India were from has declined from 34% in 2006 to 24.8% Rajasthan. in 2020. Key Points: Andhra Pradesh ranked 1st for overall If women participation raised in the implementation of Poshan Abhiyan labour force same as men then it can The state of Andhra Pradesh has been boost India’s GDP (Gross Domestic ranked first for the overall implementation Product) by 27%. of Poshan Abhiyan, as per a recent report Globally, 38.7% of employed women by NITI Aayog. The state has trained all are working in agriculture, forestry and its Angan Wadi Workers on modules fisheries, but only 13.8% of landholders created based on a lifecycle approach, are women. first 1000 days of life, with the support of the incremental learning Approach (ILA). Monitoring Cell opened under Mission The State Government has also given Bhagiratha smartphones to all the 55,607 angan wadi A dedicated monitoring cell was opened workers to improve service delivery and under Mission Bhagiratha to invite for day-to-day reporting. grievances and issues of supply of The Poshan Abhiyan seeks to reduce drinking water. malnutrition in a phased manner across Mission Bhagiratha the country through a life cycle approach, by adopting a synergized and result The Mission Bhagiratha is a safe drinking oriented approach. It aims to achieve water project that was launched for the improvement in the nutritional status of state of Telangana. It aims to provide children up to 0-6 years, adolescent girls, drinking water to every village and city pregnant women and lactating mothers household. It will supply clean drinking in a time-bound manner. water from the rivers Krishna and The Union Government is implementing Godavari. Poshan Abhiyan, which was earlier known as National Nutrition Mission, across the nation since December 18, 2017 to address the problem of malnutrition.

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MWCD & world bank organizes a Development (BPR & D). Smriti Irani also discussion programme-“The Future released a hand-out- ‘BPR & D Mirror- of Work: Women in India’s Workforce Gender Bender’ and also the book titled The Ministry of Women and Child “To Greater Heights”. Themes of the Development (MWCD) & the World Bank Conference 2020: ‘Cyber Stalking and organized a discussion programme on Bullying of Women: Steps for Protection” the topic “The Future of Work: Women in and ‘Challenges faced by CAPF Women India’s Workforce” at New Delhi. It was in Operational Areas”. inaugurated by Minister of WCD, Smriti Kerala to launch digital literacy drive Zubin Irani & Dr. Junaid Kamal Ahmad, named “I am also digital” in the Country Director India, World Bank. It Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is a part of a series of events to observe International Women’s Day 2020. Kerala will soon launch a digital literacy drive named “I am also digital” in the MSDE launches Mahatma Gandhi Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, National Fellowship (MGNF) in IIM- Kerala, to create public-awareness about Bengaluru e-governance and use of various digital Union Minister for Skill Development and platforms through which wide ranges Entrepreneurship Dr. Mahendra Nath of services are being delivered. The Pandey has initiated Mahatma Gandhi literacy drive is organized by Kerala National Fellowship programme (MGNF) State IT mission under the Department of in the Indian Institute of Management Information Technology (IT) and Kerala (IIM) Bengaluru in Karnataka. This Literacy Mission. fellowship is a part of SANKALP (Skills Stockholm International Report: Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness India is the second largest importer for Livelihood Promotion) programme of of arms the ministry to boost skill development at the district level. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) recently National Conference on Women in released its report on “Trends in Police and CAPFs held in New Delhi International arms transfers 2019” Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister According to the report, India is the for Women and Child Development second largest arms importer in the inaugurated the “National Conference world. on Women in Police and CAPFs (Central Gujarat has highest number of Solar Armed Police Forces)” in New Delhi, Rooftop Installations India. The Conference was organized by the Bureau of Police Research and Gujarat has topped solar roof top plants across the country. The state government

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 47 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020

has taken up dedicated schemes in order ‘Women’s economic empowerment to achieve renewable power goals. a long-term solution to combating gender violence’ 6th International Day of Yoga led by Women’s economic empowerment is the PM Modi to be held in Leh long-term solution to combating gender- The Major national event for the 6th based violence and working towards International Day of Yoga is to be held fulfilling the 2030 agenda for women’s st in Leh, the capital of Ladakh on 21 June, human rights affirmations, said Nandini 2020. The event is to be led by PM Modi. Azad, president of the Working Women’s Forum (India) and the Indian Cooperative Jewar Airport, UP receives Network for Women. international recognition for strategic Data from 170 countries in the report was infrastructure well below standards on the progress of The first phase of Jewar Airport, Uttar gender equality. Pradesh (UP) has been included in the world’s 100 strategic global infrastructure India post launches India’s 1st digital projects for the year 2020. It has been parcel locker service in Kolkata, West recognised in the CG LA Infrastructure Bengal List. UP (India) and Yugoslavia (Europe) For the 1st time in India, the Department have been chosen in the field of aviation of Posts (DoP), Kolkata (West Bengal category all over the world. circle), has launched free digital parcel locker service in 2 post offices (The Haryana Panchayati Raj Bill, 2019 Nabadiganta IT post office in Sector 5 of passed in state Vidhan Sabha Salt Lake City & at the post office in New Haryana State Assembly passed the Town’s Action Area I). Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Key Points: Bill, 2015 which seeks to amend the Under this service, customers will be Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 and able to collect their parcel from the post fixes minimum educational qualification office according to their convenience. relating to eligibility criteria for elections This facility is quite popular in European to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). countries but is starting for the first time Significance: in India. This is to improve the quality of leadership This service has been done for such and governance in gram panchayats and people of working-class, who do not also to enable elected representatives have to receive any parcel at home. Such of PRIs to be more accountable and people can take their parcel and letters responsible towards their people. addressed to them from the kiosks at 24×7.

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Maharashtra Govt approved auto- From 1985 to 2014, the government had rickshaws “happy hours”, reducing spent merely Rs 4,000 crore 15% of fare prices from 12 pm to 4 From 2015 to 2020, the Modi government pm has sanctioned Rs 20,000 crore and started the Namami Gange project. In the Maharashtra Government (govt) has approved the implementation of “happy Ganga basin, the centre and state together hours” for auto rickshaws, reducing 15% flagged off 310 projects worth Rs 28,790 of fare prices from 12 pm to 4 pm, barring crores, of which 116 projects have been the minimum fare for first 1.5 km, as completed and rest are running smoothly recommended by Khatua panel. which will be completed soon. Key Points: Govt to draw up National Fisheries The decision will not be applicable to Policy: Giriraj local taxis and app-based taxis. The government plans to formulate a The panel also recommended a new National Fisheries Policy for holistic concept will turn lean hours to happy development of the sector, which is hours, for housewives and senior citizens growing at an annual rate of 8 per cent who normally don’t have a fixed schedule The government will take care of the for their outings. interests of traditional fishermen while The auto-rickshaw unions have indicated framing the policy that they will oppose the move while the The policy will focus on bringing new citizens appreciated the move. technology and ways to deal with threat Karnataka Govt launched ‘Namaste from cyclones as part of the overall over Handshake’ campaign to prevent objective to improve the income of from COVID-19 fishermen. The proposed policy will incorporate

The Karnataka Government (govt) the provisions of the existing National launched ‘Namaste over Handshake’ Policy on Marine Fisheries 2017. It will campaign in order to avoid the spread of have provisions for sub-sectors of inland COVID-19 (CoronaVirusDisease-19) and fisheries, aquaculture, and mariculture, advises people to keep a safe distance including elements of post-harvest. from one another. India’s first Living Culinary Arts and Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan Museum of WGSHA enters Limca Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Book of Records Amit Shah presided over the Flag-in Welcome group Graduate School of Hotel ceremony of the Ganga Aamantran Administration (WGSHA) of Manipal Abhiyan, organized under the National Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Mission for Clean Ganga, in New Delhi. entered the Limca Book of Records (LBR)

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 49 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 for establishing “India’s First Living WINGS INDIA 2020 an international Culinary Arts Museum” at WGSHA, exhibition & conference held in Manipal, Karnataka. Hyderabad

The process of WGSHA’s Culinary A 4 day (March 12-15) biennial event museum’s entry into the popular LBR WINGS INDIA 2020 themed as ‘Flying started almost 6 months back and Chef For All’ is an International Exhibition Vikas Khanna was the founder of the first & Conference on Civil Aviation sector living culinary arts museum at WGSHA. held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, is organized by Ministry of Civil Aviation Ministry of Home Affairs sanctions Rs & Airports Authority of India(AAI) 365 crore for Sabroom ICP in Tripura & Federation of Indian Chambers of Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Rs.365 crores for constructing New Integrated Check Post (ICP) of about 130 Key Points: km at Sabroom, Tripura. The purpose of the event is to provide This is the second Integrated Check Post assistance to the rapidly changing to be built along the Indo-Bangla border. dynamics of the sector & focus on new business acquisition, investments, Key Points: policy formation and regional This Integrated Check Post is built to link connectivity. the bridge of river Feni with Chittagong division of the neighbouring country. Road accidents decreased in country: The Akhaura Integrated Check Post is the Nitin Gadkari First check post built in the Indo-Bangla Road and Highways Minister Nitin border at Agartala, Tripura in 2013. Gadkari minister recently said in the Nitin Gadkari requests to spread parliament that India has registered a 10 information about “Udyam Sakhi” percent decrease in road accidents due to portal: Lok Sabha the amended Motor Vehicle Act. According to the Nitin Gadkari, Tamil Minister of micro, small and medium Nadu has decreased the most number enterprises (MSME), Nitin Gadkari has of accidents in the country in one year. requested the Lok Sabha members to Tamil Nadu has registered a 24 percent spread the information about an MSME decrease in accidents. initiative “Udyam Sakhi” Portal, which Nitin Gadkari said that except for two was launched in 2018. states, all states have registered good This portal is for women entrepreneurs growth and a decline in the number of of India and to facilitate the networking road accidents. of women startups, entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, mentors, students and enterprise facilitators.

50 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 National – Diary of Event First-ever Indore - Kishangarh flight to ensure sustainable growth of the same. commenced under UDAN The 1st Phase of FAME India Scheme was implemented by 4 focus areas namely- The Ministry of Civil Aviation flagged off first-ever flight between Indore to Demand Creation, Technology Platform, Kishangarh. This flight will connect Pilot Project & Charging Infrastructure.

Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan thrice in The 2nd Phase is the expansion of 1st a week. This flight has been started under phase & aims to generate demand by UDAN scheme. way of supporting about 7,000 Electronic (E)-buses, 5 lakh E- 3 wheelers, 55,000 E-4 Now, 268 routes have been dedicated under UDAN scheme by the Ministry of wheelers passenger cars & 10 lakh E-2 Civil Aviation. Thousands of people will wheelers. be benefitted as it will cover a distance of Innovate for Accessible India 550 kilometer. campaign launched to empower PwD It will be almost an hour travel between Indore to Kishangarh while it takes more Microsoft India and NASSCOM than 10 hours by road. According to an Foundation have jointly launched estimate, now more tourists can visit Innovate for Accessible India campaign Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Pushkar Lake, to empower people with disabilities with Roopangarh Fort in Rajasthan. the help of technology and tools to provide better integration into society and access Government targeted to achieve to equal opportunities. The campaign sales around 70 lakh hybrid & electric has been launched in partnership with vehicles by the end of 2020 Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, National Research and The Minister of Environment, Forest Education Network, and Department of and Climate Change & Minister of Science and Technology. Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar informed that the government Banihal to Katra railway link to be has set an ambitious target to achieve completed by 2022 sales of around 70 lakh hybrid & electric vehicles by the end of 2020. Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal announced that Banihal to Katra railway Key points: link to be completed by 2022 which is part In 2015 as part of the National Electric of the Udhampur- Srinagar-Baramulla Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) rail link project. 2020, Department of Heavy Industry It is to be completed before the 75th formulated the Faster Adoption and Independence day of India. Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric This completion will pave the way for the Vehicles in India (FAME India) scheme. creation of Indian rail from Kanyakumari It is to promote the manufacturing of to Baramulla. electric and hybrid vehicle technology &

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The Katra-Banihal railway track is a 111- Out of this power, about 204.82 MW km long stretch which will link Kashmir (101.42 MW of solar & 103.4 MW of wind Valley with the rest of the country by power) is already set up on the network train. Apart from the above to reduce the fuel burden of IR, it also planned to install New definition of MSMEs land-based solar plants on unused rail Union Minister for Micro, Small and land across India to meet its energy Medium Enterprises (MSME) Nitin requirements for traction and non- Gadkari told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday traction purposes. that the government would come out with a new definition of MSMEs, which Uttarakhand cancels quota in are currently defined on the basis of promotion for state government investment in plant and machinery. employees Sinha committee appointed by the Reserve Uttarakhand government cancelled Bank of India, including the setting up a reservation in promotion for state “fund of funds” for the sector. The MSME government employees. sector currently contributed 24% of the It issued orders relating to the GDP growth and 48% of exports, with an departmental promotion committee annual turnover of Rs. 1 lakh crore this (DPC). year. A target of Rs.5 lakh crore in five Leaves are granted to the striking years had been set. employees for the period of the strike. The order of the state government stated Indian Railways to electrify all broad that it has abolished the promotion ban gauge routes by December 2023 dated September 11, 2019 according to Minister of Railways and Commerce & the Supreme Court decision. Industry, Piyush Goyal informed that Apart from that, the order of the state Indian Railway (IR) Ministry plans to government dated September 5, 2012 to electrify all broad gauge (BG) routes by ban reservation in promotions has also December 2023. come into effect. Key Points: 34-crore projects for Ulliyeri grama As a target to electrify 4,310 km of BG panchayat route in the year 2023-2024 (till December 2023), it is planned to electrify a total of The Ulliyeri grama panchayat will 28,810 km of BG route. implement development projects worth As part of its solar mission, it plans to `34 crore during the 2020-21 fiscal. The source approximately 1000 megawatt highest allocation of `15 crore has been (MW) of solar power & to source around made to execute various asset creation 200 MV of wind power, based on the works under the employment guarantee techno-commercial assessment. scheme.

52 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 National – Diary of Event

The budget, presented by panchayat and non-financial aspects of enterprise vice president Chandrika Poomadathil, running. Participant individuals should gives top priority to housing schemes, be between the age of 20 and 35 years. agricultural projects and drinking water supply network. J&K Government sets up Social and Educational: BC commission Govt. approves land use change for The Jammu and Kashmir Government new Parliament sets up a commission named as “J&K The Centre notified the change in land Socially and Educationally Backward use for seven plots in the Master Plan Classes Commission” will be headed by for Delhi-2021, paving the way for Justice (retired) GD Sharma to examine the redevelopment of Rajpath and the the social and educational backwardness construction of a new Parliament House of various backward classes people, and Prime Minister’s residence. dalits, in the Union Territory. The government had announced in October 2019 its plan to revamp the Jammu & Kashmir administrative 3-km-long Central Vista from Rashtrapati council to implement dairy Bhavan till India Gate, construct a new cooperative scheme Parliament and develop a new Central Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) administrative secretariat along the stretch. council approved the implementation of Dairy cooperative scheme for dairy SIDBI to launch a special train cooperative society with the support & ‘Swavalamban express’ on June 5, sponsorship of the National Cooperative 2020, for new entrepreneurs Development Corporation (NCDC). Small Industries Development Bank of The administrative council is headed by India (SIDBI), a development financial Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu. institution in India, engaged in the The scheme aims to increase the milk promotion, financing and development production in J&K by empowering dairy of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises cooperatives with easy financial support (MSMEs), has decided to launch a special for production, processing, marketing & train ‘Swavalamban Express’ on June 05, crate infrastructure for milk processing. 2020, to empower budding entrepreneurs th under its mission Swavalamban. India Ranks 144 , Finland tops: UN’s World Happiness Report 2020 Key Points: th The train will visit 11 cities in 15 days The United Nations (UN) released the 8 and will cover a 7000 km journey. World Happiness Report 2020 to measure Around 20 workshops and interactions the happiness of people of 156 countries will be held to promote entrepreneurial where India (3.573) ranks in 144th position culture among the youth about financial & Finland (7.809) tops the 3rd time.

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Key Points: the government formed a committee The survey ranks the countries using to study the SEZ Policy of India on Gallup World Poll, GDP levels, life 04.06.2018. Several recommendations expectancy, generosity, social support, of the committee have already been freedom & corruption income. implemented. About SEZ: TRIFED launches ‘Tech For Tribals’ It is an area within the country which program to bring technology to tribal has more liberal economic laws than entrepreneurs the country’s domestic economic law to A 30- days long capacity building program expand the Foreign Direct Investment called “Tech for Tribal” has been launched (FDI). SEZ in India is under the ministry by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing of commerce & industry. Development Federation of India (TRIFED), which works under Ministry Gujarat Police becomes first in India of Tribal Affairs in association with IIT- to introduce taser guns Kanpur, IIT-Roorkee, IIM Indore, Kalinga The Gujarat Police is equipped with Institute of Social Science, Bhubaneshwar taser guns in order to ensure safety and (Odisha) and SRIJAN, Jaipur (Rajasthan) security of the public. By introducing to provide entrepreneurship skills to the the taser guns as part of police weapons, tribal people. Gujarat becomes the first state in India.

101 Special Economic Zones Key Points: denotified: Government The taser guns were used in agencies such as the UK Metropolitan Police, the Commerce and Industry Minister Los Angeles Police Department and the Piyush Goyal informed that The Board New York Police Department. of Approval on Special Economic Zones About taser guns: The taser guns have (SEZs) has approved 101 cases of de- been introduced to find an alternative notification between April 1, 2008 & between “ineffective lathis” and February 29, 2020 on the request of SEZ “deadly guns”. private developers which include poor market response, lack of space demand & Land acquisition done in Tamil Nadu a change in the fiscal regime for SEZs. and Uttar Pradesh to increase defence The denotified approval is subject to the production refund of all obligations and tax credits The Ministry of Defence announced obtained by SEZ Private Developers in Parliament that the land acquisition and on receipt of no-objection from the process has been done in Uttar Pradesh concerned State Governments. and Tamil Nadu to increase defence Under the Chairmanship of Baba production. Ministry also said that it Kalyani the chairman of Bharat Forge

54 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 National – Diary of Event was important for the government to Invest India Business Immunity Plat- take such steps because of development form: works. The Business Immunity Platform (BIP) The Government of India plans to increase has been designed as a comprehensive defence exports to USD 5 billion in the resource to help businesses and investors next five years. The central government get real-time updates on India’s active is expanding its investment opportunities response to COVID-19. to achieve this goal. The platform operates 24/7. The Government of India has The platform is dynamic and constantly initiated several programs to enhance provides an update about the pandemic. manufacturing in the defence sector. Invest India has also announced a The “strategic partnership” model has partnership with Small Industries been introduced. It highlights that the Development Bank of India (SIDBI) manufacturing company will have to to respond and resolve queries for the partner with Indian institutions. Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). E-passes for essential services Invest India: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Delhi Invest India was established in 2009. government announced a helpline It is a national Investment Promotion number (1031) through which staff and Facilitation Agency. It functions delivering essential goods can get under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce e-passes on their mobile phones, which and Industry, GoI. The organization can be used as identification during the works with several states/UTs of India lockdown. to build capacity and bring the best The step comes after various people global practices in investment targeting, involved in essential services including promotion and facilitation areas. vegetable vendors, grocery, milk vendors, pharmacy, e-commerce delivery Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launched personnel were being allegedly harassed “Mo Jeeban Programme” by the police while conducting their Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Naveen duties. Patnaik launched “Mo Jeeban (My Life) Programme” and urged people to take a Invest India launched The Invest pledge to stay indoors.The programme India Business Immunity Platform was launched due to the Coronavirus Invest India launched a platform named (COVID- 19) outbreak. “The Invest India Business Immunity Key Points: Platform”. The platform is hosted on the The objective of the programme is to Invest India website. keep everyone safe in the state due to the dangerous spread of the virus.

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Patnaik also cautioned the people that the hubs; the first two being Habibganj in virus which has created havoc in China, Madhya Pradesh and Gandhinagar in Iran, US (United States) & other countries, Gujarat. has now reached Delhi and also at their doorstep. Indore becomes the 1st city in India to use drones to sanitize the city: Goa becomes the 1st Indian state to COVID-19 launch assessment tool for COVID-19 Indore (Madhya Pradesh), the cleanest Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane city in India becomes the 1st city in India launched Test Yourself Goa, a self- to use drones to sanitize the city against assessment tool for COVID-19 to help COVID-19 scare. people identify if they are infected by the Key Points virus without visiting a doctor or hospital. Indore Municipal Corporation has hired 2 Goa has partnered with Innovaccer Inc, a drones from a private company to sprinkle United States (US)-based healthcare data chemicals with sodium hypochlorite and analytics company, to launch the tool. bio-clean in crowded areas like vegetable markets, streets. IRSDC is developing 1st of its kind The drones will depart with 16 litres of “Form-Based Codes”: Railway land chemicals in each flight, spray chemicals The Indian Railway Stations Development in an area spanning 8-10 km & return Corporation Limited (IRSDC) with after 30 minutes. support from Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation is developing a 1st of its kind CII sets up “CII COVID Rehabilitation “Form Based Codes” for the development and Relief Fund” of railway land. The Confederation of Indian Industry Key Points (CII) has set up a CII COVID The code is being designed & approved Rehabilitation and Relief Fund (CRR) for for layout plans, building plans for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises station areas which will ensure a (MSME) to tackle Covid-19. The fund compact, pedestrian-friendly, market will assist small enterprises or MSME in responsive, transit oriented & sustainable rehabilitation and is expected to curtail development. the impact of Coronavirus on the MSME It will enable the desired kind of sector. development around station areas CII will also request to all its members to & includes Layout Regulating Plans, contribute an amount from their Corporate Sub Plot Property Development Card, social responsibility (CSR) allocation for Building Design Codes. the CII COVID Rehabilitation and Relief Several stations across the country are Fund (CRR). being developed into world-class transit

56 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 National – Diary of Event India’s largest COVID-19 hospitals to Highlights: be set up in Odisha The Trifed Social Media team has reached Odisha government will set up two of 2.5 million people in three days. TRIFED the largest Covid-19 hospitals having a Van Dhan GIS based website gathered combined capacity of 1,000 beds. With more than 50 lakh tribal gatherers spread this, Odisha will be the first state in across 27 different states. Through “Tech the country to set up such a large-scale for Tribals” scheme that was recently hospital exclusively to treat Covid-19 launched in March 2020, around 3.5 lakh patients. The state government signed tribal entrepreneurs were gathered. two tripartite agreements with Kalinga Corana Virus: GoI launched CoNTeC Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM to connect Doctors in India with Hospital to set up the state-level hospitals AIIMS in Bhubaneswar for treatment of Covid-19 patients. The Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched CoNTec. CoNTeC is NGMA launches virtual tour of COVID-19 Telecommunication Centre. permanent collection amid lockdown The platform aims to connect the doctors Iconic paintings by Amrita Sher-Gil, in the country with AIIMS (All India M.F. Husain, Jamini Roy and Raja Ravi Institute of Medical Sciences). Verma were among the artworks on Highlights display in a virtual tour by the National The platform is to be active 24/7. Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) as it Doctors will be available in the platform commemorated its 66th foundation day throughout to answer queries and help in amid the COVID-19 lockdown. real time treatment of COVID-19 patients. The virtual tour of the NGMA’s About CoNTeC permanent collection was launched on CoNTeC is a telecommunication hub. its website ngmaindia.gov.in on the The hub will act 24/7 where experts foundation day. from different clinical domains will answer questions from specialists spread 500 officials of TRIFED Vab Dhan across the country. The initiation is to be India unlesh power of Webinars to extended widely all over the world in the Work from Home future. Around 500 officials of TRIFED (The Tribal cooperative Marketing Development UP CM Yogi Adityanath sets up ‘Team- federation of India) operating under 11’ to beat Coronavirus Ministry of Tribal Affairs unleashed the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister power of Webinars. (CM), Yogi Adityanath, set up “Team- 11” consisting of inter-departmental committees with over 2 dozen senior

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 57 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 officials to fight the coronavirus spread. Government set up 11 different Each of the committees will be headed by empowered groups: Lockdown a senior bureaucrat of the state while the The government has set up 11 different CM will be the head of the Team-11 empowered groups under Disaster Management Act, 2005 to suggest Railway extends its medical services measures to improve health, restore the to all central govt employees economy, & ease the suffering of people Indian Railways has extended services after a 21-day lockdown which is imposed of all its hospitals and dispensaries to for the control of the COVID-19 outbreak. all central government employees and The following are the 11 different their families in view of the spread of empowered groups & their heads (9 coronavirus. are headed by Secretary level officers, 1 The services include those of all 128 by NITI Aayog member, and 1 by NITI hospitals and 586 dispensaries of the Aayog CEO). Indian Railways all over the country. About Disaster Management Act, The Ministry of Railways has decided 2005: that the services of railway hospitals It was established by Government of and health units across the country India on 23rd December, 2005 for efficient would be available for use by all Central management of disasters and related government employees, on showing their or incidental matters which extends to identity cards, at railway hospitals and the whole of India. National Disaster health Units. Management Authority (NDMA) was formally constituted on September 27, 2006 as per the act.

58 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 International Affairs 7. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Luxembourg becomes the world’s 1st 3rd edition of WION Global Summit nation to make all public transport 2020 held in Dubai,UAE free from Feb 29 WION (World Is One News), the India’s In order to reduce traffic pressure on first International News Channel, has the road, Luxembourg, the 7th smallest organized its 3rd edition of Global summit 2020 based on the theme “Navigating and country in Europe, has been made public negotiating global imperatives” in Dubai, transport free from February 29, 2020. It UAE (United Arab Emirates). became the first country in the world to About Bhoomi Rashi portal: MoRTH do so. has launched the portal BhoomiRashi on However, this free public transport April 1, 2018. system does not include 1st - class travel tickets on trains and certain night bus UK becomes 1st co-chair of India-led services. Commuters can still pay for first global climate initiative ‘CDRI’ class, at a cost of 660 euros a year. The Government of United Kingdom (UK) has become the first co-chair of the EIU’s Inclusive Internet Index Governing Council on the India-led global 2020:Sweden tops globally; India climate initiative ‘Coalition for Disaster topped among South Asian Countries Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)’,which & ranked 46th globally was created by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on September 23, 2019 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) during the UN (United Nations) Climate released the 4th iteration of the Inclusive Summit in New York, US(United States). Internet Index 2020 for 100 countries The secretariat of the Coalition will be in where India is overall ranked in 46th New Delhi. place & Sweden in 1st place. The index aims to measure the extent to US & UAE troops launch biennial which the Internet is not only accessible exercise “Native Fury” & affordable, but also relevant to all, US Marines and UAE Emirati forces allowing usage that enables positive conducted the biennial exercise, named social & economic outcomes at the Native Fury at Abu Dhabi. The biennial individual & group level. exercise, called Native Fury, shows the

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 59 International Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 close ties between American forces and wash hands after using the toilet. At the United Arab Emirates, a federation of least 50% people did not have the idea of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula washing hands. India ranks 10th on this home to Abu Dhabi. The exercise saw chart, 1st being the worst handwashing 4,000 U.S. troops from the Army, Marines country. In China, 77% people didn’t and Navy position armoured vehicles use to wash hands. Japan, South Korea, and other equipment from Kuwait and the Netherlands, Thailand, Kenya, Italy, the island of Diego Garcia in al-Hamra Malaysia, Hong Kong and India are the using a portable pier system. worst 10 performers.

India is on the list of worst countries India and France conduct joint patrols for washing clothes for the first time st Handwashing is a ritual everyone is For the 1 time India & France conducted following religiously to stay off the joint patrol from the Reunion Island novel coronavirus infection, a study has in February 2020 by P-8I aircraft with revealed that prior to this, many countries French Navy personnel to maintain the were not habituated to automatically security of international maritime routes for trade and communications. Key Points: The patrols will be conducted periodical & there is no set pattern to the arrangements.

60 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Tamilnadu Affairs 8. TAMILNADU AFFAIRS

Buddha Tower of World Peace Centre sanctions eight food Opened processing projects for T.N. A 100-foot-tall world peace Buddhist The Union government’s Inter-Ministerial tower built in Veeriruppu village near Approval Committee has sanctioned Sankarankoil in Tenkasi district was eight food processing projects worth `220 opened crore for Tamil Nadu. World Peace Buddhist Towers have been The projects, which would be erected in some places in India including implemented in eight districts, are likely Bihar, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and to generate around 8,000 jobs and benefit Delhi. Subsequently, the tower was 32,000 farmers. erected on the Western Ghats in the The Committee, headed by Union village of Viriruppu, the first in South Minister for Food Processing Industries India. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, sanctioned a total of 10 projects worth `301.54 crore What is BHOG of FSSAI? with grant-in-aid of `67.29 crore under The Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug the Agro Processing Cluster Scheme of Administration recently asked the the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA administrators of temples to obtain Yojana of the Ministry of Food Processing BHOG certificate from FSSAI (Food Industries. Safety and Standards Authority of India). This was launched in 2018. ₹5,000 cr. for water security, disaster preparedness What is BHOG? BHOG is Blissful Hygiene Offering to World Bank is planning to give funds to God. These are certificates issued by the tune of `5,000 crore for improving FSSAI. The BHOG certificates ensure water supply and resilience during quality of food offered to devotees disasters. and deities as well. It was launched as Chennai Corporation is likely to get a precautionary measure to maintain funding for eco-restoration of 25 hygiene of foods at the temples. waterbodies in various parts of the city.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 61 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020

The eco-restoration work is expected to The Food Corporation of India was set improve groundwater level and promote up in 1964 by the Federal Government. resilience. Many areas affected by the Under the Public Distribution Scheme, floods in 2015 are likely to improve after farmers can distribute food products at the eco-restoration. reasonable prices and distribute food products throughout the country and State has powers to decide on safeguard against food shortages. The hydrocarbon projects: Centre organization has been ensuring food The Centre has only changed the security for the country for more than 50 procedure for grant of environmental years. clearance for hydrocarbon exploration projects and the power to decide on Govt. adds a third site to options for whether to allow a particular project in a developing city’s second airport particular region remained with the State In a development, the State government government. is now looking at a new site, between Cheyyar and Kancheepuram, for Grand Anaicut project Chennai’s second airport. Implementing for the benefit of farmers, The site is around 75 km from the existing including Kudimaramathu and building airport, and it will take nearly two and-a- of check dams, Tamil Nadu Chief half hours by road. Minister announced that the `2,298 crore project to modernise the Grand Anaicut Class 10 certificates to include canal would be launched soon. parents’ names from this year Similarly the `5,590 crore Cauvery delta From this year class 10 students’ public irrigation modernisation project would exam marksheets will include the names be inaugurated soon . of the parents. Preliminary work for Godavari-Cauvery link project had commenced. “A detailed With new facility in Tiruvarur, T.N. project report (DPR) is being readied”, now has three testing labs the State governments of Andhra Pradesh With the addition of the Viral Research and Telangana would have given their and diagnostic Laboratory at Tiruvarur, approval. Tamil Nadu now has three testing facilities for SARS-CoV-2, the virus Food Museum in India for the first behind COVID-19. time The King Institute of Preventive Medicine, For the first time in the country, the Food Guindy, has tested a majority of samples Museum is being constructed on behalf of till date. The facility at Government the Food Corporation of India at a cost of Medical College, Theni, is the second. ` 1.23 crore.

62 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Tamilnadu Affairs

First regional edition of “Divya Kala enrolled before they turned six, which is Shakti event” held in Chennai, Tamil the minimum age mandated by the Right Nadu (TN) to Education (RTE) Act for Class 1. In 2015 and 2016, the percentage of First regional edition of “Divya Kala children below six years of age was 11.95 Shakti Event” (Witnessing the Abilities in and 11.84, respectively. Puducherry Disabilities) held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu topped the list of underage enrolment (TN). Shri Banwarilal Purohit, Governor at the primary level of school education, of TN witnessed the performances and with 18.75%, followed by Haryana and V. Saroja, Minister of Social Welfare Andhra Pradesh. While Tamil Nadu’s and Nutritious Noon Meal programme numbers were low, they were still higher and senior officers participated in the than the national average of 6.98% in occasion. 2017-18. The event was organised by the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons Keeladi museum by next January with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Minister for Tamil Official Language and in association with the Department Tamil Culture announced that by January of Empowerment of Persons with 2021, the State government plans to Disabilities (Divyangjan) and Ministry of complete the on-site museum at Keeladi Social Justice and Empowerment. for which the Tamil Nadu government Aim: The Divya Kala Shakti event aims had allocated `12.21 crore in 2019. to provide a platform for the disabled to exhibit their talents. Tamil Nadu’s Sixth Finance Commission constituted Retired Madras High Court judge appointed chairman of fee fixation The vexatious issue of local bodies not committee paying their bills to service providers such as Tamil Nadu Generation and Owing to the demise of Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) former chairman Justice is among three new issues to be N.V.Balasubramaniyan, addressed specifically by the 6th State The ministry of higher Finance Commission (SFC) that has been education as appointed set up under the chairmanship of retired retired madras high court bureaucrat Mohan Pyare. Judge Mr.K.Venkatraman Local bodies, both urban and rural, have as the chairman of fee fixation committee. also been found to be have outstanding 11.64% of Class 1 students in T.N. in bills with the Tamil Nadu Water Supply & Drainage Board (TWAD) and Chennai 2017-18 were underage Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Nearly 11.64% of children in Class 1 in the Board (CMWSSB) for water charges. 2017-18 academic year, in Tamil Nadu,

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 63 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 The Commission will go into the entire Innovation Exhibition Centre would be subject of devolution between the State set up in Chennai with new ideas from government and local bodes, apart entrepreneurs and students. from identifying measures needed to As part of afforestation efforts, tree improve the financial position of the local saplings would be planted using bodies and new avenues for resource the Miyawaki method in empty mobilsation. spaces available in Corporations and The Commission is expected to present Municipalities across the State, the CM its report by July 31, 2021 covering the said. Mr. Palaniswami also announced period of five years commencing on April that the 64,583 sanitary workers 1, 2022, according to a gazette notification involved in cleaning activities across 15 issued earlier this month. Corporations, 121 Municipalities, 528 Town Panchayats and 12,525 Village CM announces ₹1,000-croreprojects Panchayats would henceforth be called to boost infrastructure thooimai paniyalargal. Damaged roads and other infrastructure in areas falling under the Greater Chennai Govt. to open 189 Amma mini marts Corporation, other Corporations, The government will open 189 more Municipalities and Town Panchayats Amma Mini Cooperative Supermarkets across the State will be repaired at a cost in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Edappadi of `1,000 crore, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced in the State K. Palaniswami informed the Assembly. Assembly. Mr. Palaniswami said a total of `610 Over 300 non-controlled products are crore would be spent on an underground being sold at 5% lesser than MRP in sewerage system for the Coimbatore the existing Amma Mini Cooperative Corporation, under which 14 new wards Supermarkets. These supermarkets are have been included. aimed at providing quality products to Funds to the tune of `310 crore would consumers at a reasonable price and to be allocated towards ensuring piped control the price of commodities in the drinking water supply in 57 wards of the open market. Madurai Corporation, as part of the third phase. The CM said `50 crore would be Sanitary personnel in Tamil Nadu to earmarked for boosting infrastructure at be called as ‘cleanliness workers’: CM Bodinayakkanur in Theni district. According to the Tamil Nadu (TN) A detailed project report would be Chief Minister (CM), Karuppa Gounder prepared for establishing efficient Palanisamy (known as Edappadi K. transport systems in the cities of Palaniswami), a total of 64,583 sanitary Coimbatore and Madurai. personnel employed by urban and rural Under the Smart City project, an civic bodies in the State will be called

64 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Tamilnadu Affairs as ”cleanliness workers” (Thooimai measures in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Paniyalargal in Tamil) to honour their Erode districts, which figure among the work. 80 districts countrywide where the Centre The state will also implement a scheme has advised maintaining only “essential worth of Rs 4,300 to install smart meters services” in view of the COVID-19 for 42 lakh electricity consumers to outbreak. On Sunday, three more patients compute their power consumption. tested positive for COVID-19. The state will launch other schemes worth of Rs 1,998 crore to develop the power In a first, Karur Vysya Bank introduces distribution infrastructure, under which pre-paid card ‘Enkasu’ in Karur, TN it will upgrade 230 kV (Kilovolt) sub- In a bid to promote digital India initiative station at Alagarkoil in Madurai district of the central Government, Karur Vysya into a 400 kV station and enhancing two Bank (KVB), a Scheduled Commercial 110 kV sub-stations into 230 kV facilities. Bank in India, has launched India’s 1st prepaid wallet card ‘Enkasu’ (My cash in 80 districts in lockdown to contain Tamil) in Karur, Tamil Nadu (TN) under virus spread its Quit cash movement. The central government essentially put Key Points: the entire urban India on lockdown till The card functions based on Near Field the end of March as it ramped up efforts Communication Technology (NFC) to curtail the spread of coronavirus. in a semi closed loop & the customers A list of 80 affected districts showed buying this card can make ‘tap & go’ that all seven districts in Delhi as well payments for even small purchases to as metro cities of Mumbai, Bengaluru, merchants from an amount of Rs. 1 to Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata will be doing away with the need for cash & under lockdown. small change. The districts where lockdown was announced are from states that include Coronavirus Lockdown Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, The State has ordered private hospitals Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. State with 100 or more beds to reserve 25 per governments will issue orders allowing cent for COVID-19 isolation facility.A only essential services to operate in these Health Department official said, “A 80 districts with confirmed COVID-19 communication has been sent to all private cases or casualties hospitals with 100 beds and above to keep T.N. to decide on curbs in three the beds ready. From the government’s districts side, we are shifting other patients from Government IRT Perundurai Hospital, The Tamil Nadu government will take a Erode, to different hospitals. decision on imposing stringent restrictive

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 65 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020

The Indian Council for Medical Research 25 thousand acres of barren land will has approved two private testing centres be reformed in Tamil Nadu. Department of Clinical 25 thousand acres of barren land will be Virology, CMC Vellore and Department reformed that announced by Edapadi of Laboratory Services Apollo Hospitals Palaniswamy on assembly. Enterprises LTD, Chennai are the two The Tamil Nadu government announced centres approved. The State already has a Rs 3,280 crore special relief package, eight government testing centres. including Rs 1,000 each cash assistance to rice ration card holders, autorickshaw Tamil Nadu to get 4,000-acre drivers and construction workers. e-vehicle park Registered pavement hawkers will also Five months after rolling out its get Rs 1,000 assistance while people who electric-vehicles policy, the Tamil have worked under the Mahatma Gandhi Nadu government said it will set up an Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme exclusive industrial park for manufacture this month will get two day additional and assembly of e-vehicles. special wages. While government officials are tight lipped about the location of the park, land Mayiladuthurai to become Tamil parcels have been identified in Manalur Nadu’s 38th district : CM in Tiruvallur district, some 50km north of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) Chennai. Edappadi Palaniswamy announced at the Legislative Assembly that Nagapattinam Pharmaceutical industry Airborne district will be bifurcated and a new Ambulance Service district (38th) will be formed with its Edappadi K. Palanisamy announced headquarters at Mayiladuthurai. that a separate industrial park for Currently, in Tamil Nadu there are 37 pharmaceuticals will be opened in the districts out of which 5 districts were Thiruvannamalai district. formed in 2019 namely; An ambulance ambulance service will Kallakurichi was the 1st new district to be be launched at a cost of Rs.10 crore to formed in January 2019 by splitting from take patients in critical conditions to the Villupuram. hospital immediately. Chengalpattu and Tenkasi districts The 108 Emergency Ambulance Service, were formed in July 2019 by slicing which specializes in saving lives ins Kanchipuram and Tirunelveli districts times of emergency, will be further respectively. strengthened. Accordingly, 500 new Tirupathur and Ranipet were formed in ambulance vehicles will be purchased August 2019 by trifurcating Vellore. coming year.

66 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Tamilnadu Affairs 13 departments in Ezhilagam to get exported from here with competitive new building pricing through the public-private Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami partnership model on 75:25 funding announced construction of a new pattern with the support of organisations building at a cost of Rs 120 crore to 13 like Federation important departments functioning from Chennai Port Trust to buy Ezhilagam. government’s 67 per cent stake in A new building will be constructed Kamarajar Port for about Rs 2,380 cr in such a manner that its design will match the traditional architecture of the In a government-brokered deal, state- neighbouring buildings. owned Chennai Port Trust will buy the The compound wall the remaining six 67 per cent stake it does not already own kilometres of the Tamil University in in Kamarajar Port Ltd, for about Rs 2,380 Thanjavur would be constructed at a cost crore. of Rs 10 crore. The inter-ministerial group, the core group on disinvestment and the Tamil Nadu to explore textile export alternative mechanism headed by the potential in districts Finance Minister, cleared the Chennai- Tamil Nadu will be conducting a detailed Kamarajar deal. study on new and emerging textile products which can be produced and

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 67 Practice questions Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 9. PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. Which state recently announced Indira Gandhi Matitva Yojana on pilot basis implementation? (A) Uttar Pradesh (B) Madhya Pradesh (C) Gujarat (D) Rajasthan 2. When International day of happiness observed? (A) 18 March (B) 19 March (C) 20 March (D) 21 March 3. Who is the head of the Tamilnadu’s 6th State Finance commission? (A) K.Arumugam (B) N.K.Singh (C) Sukavaneshvar (D) Mohan Pyare 4. Choose the correct Statement 1. Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana was launched in 2018 aims to strengthen tribal product producing companies 2. Ministry of Tribal affairs is the nodal agency implementing the scheme. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 5. According to International Energy Agency India is the ______largest producer of Electricity in the world? (A) First (B) Second (C) Third (D) Fourth 6. Which of the following organization carries out open market operations (OMO)? (A) Minister of Finance (B) RBI (C) IRDA (D) SEBI 7. I-Choose the correct Statement. 1. Atal bema Vyakthi Kalyan Yojana provides unemployment benefits to the sector of un organized workers. 2. Now it was extended to the workers who become unemployed Due to the impact of Conono Virus. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 8. Which of the following article provides Unique power to Supreme court to do “Compute Justice”? (A) Article 137 (B) Article 142 (C) Article 145 (D) Article 216 9. Global biennial conference called “World cities Summit” hosted by which country? (A) India (B) Singapore (C) Japan (D) France 10. Which of the following technological from launched innovate for accessible India compaign? (A) Google (B) Microsoft (C) Amazon (D) Apple 11. National aquifers mapping and management programme is implemented by which of the following ministry? (A) Ministry of Jal Sakthi (B) Ministry of Science and Technology (C) Ministry of earth science (D) Ministry of environment, Forenst and climate change

68 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Practice questions 12. Who is the head the committee to build a fiscal consolidation road map for the centre and the states which is Recently set up by the Finance Commission? (A) N.K.Singh (B) Bibek Debroy (C) Aravind Subramanyam (D) Kishan Kumar 13. Which of the following Bank launched “Swavalamban Express”? (A) National Bank for Agricultural and rural Development (NABARD) (B) Export Import Bank (EXIM) (C) National Housing Bank (NHB) (D) Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) 14. Which of the following country topped in world Happiness Report Released by United Nations? (A) Sweden (B) Norway (C) Finland (D) India 15. National Commission for Indian System of Medical Bill-2019 recently passed in Rajya Sabha repeals which of the following act? (A) Indian Medical Central Council Act - 1970 (B) Indian Medical Council Act - 1956 (C) All India Council for Technical Education Act - 1987 (D) Indian Nursing Council Act - 1947 16. Supreme Court recently rejected which of the following state’s pleas for exclusion of creamy layer for SC/ST in entry level and promotion level reservation? (A) Tamilnadu (B) Andra Pradesh (C) Karnataka (D) Telangana 17. “Country by Country report” related to which the following organization? (A) SEBI (B) RBI (C) NABARD (D) Central board of Direct Taxes 18. Who heads the NDMA’s National Executive Committee (NEC)? (A) Union Home Minister (B) Union Home Secretary (C) Defence Minister (D) Union Defence Secretary 19. In which of the following State Atal bhujal yojana doesn’t implemented? (A) Gujarat (B) Haryana (C) Tamilnadu (D) Rajasthan 20. Satyarup Siddhanta is related to which of the following field? (A) Mountaineer (B) Sport person (C) Politician (D) Journalist 21. When is world Water Day observed by united nations ? (A) 20 March (B) 21 March (C) 22 March (D) 23 March 22. What is “R” stands for in the full forms of NDRF? (A) Rescue (B) Response (C) Reserve (D) Recover 23. Which of the following country has the most no of COVID-19 confirmed case in the world at present? (A) China (B) Italy (C) USA (D) Spain

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 69 Practice questions Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 24. Central Government is planning to setting up of medical Device parks in which of the following states? 1. Tamil Nadu 2. Kerala 3. Telanghana 4. Andhra Pradesh (A) 1, 2, 3 (B) 2, 3 (C) 1, 2, 4 (D) All the above 25. Government of India has postponed the summit RAISE-2020. What is the correct Expansion of “RAISE”? (A) Research and Innovation for social Empowerment (B) Regulating and integration of social Economy (C) Responsible Artificial Intelligence for social Empowerment (D) Reserve and Innovations for Society Enhancement 26. Global coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was established by which of the following county? (A) France (B) England (C) USA (D) India 27. Which Insurance Company unveils novel corana virus policy for corana victims ? (A) Life Insurance Corporation (B) Star Health and Allied Insurance (C) Bajaj Alliance Insurance company (D) SBI Life Insurance 28. Who is the head of IRDAI sets up 16- member panel on governance on “Insurances? (A) T.L.Mahalakshmi (B) Bimal Jalan (C) Pravin Kutumbe (D) Santheep Saxena 29. Defence acqulsition Council approved the procurement of 83 Tejas fighter aircrafts from which organisation? (A) Hindustan Aeronautics limited (B) Bharat Electronics limited (C) Bharat Heavy Electricals limited (D) Ordnance Factory Board 30. Which of the following countries are invited to attend G-20 even though they are not G-20 members? (A) Spain (B) Singapore (C) Switzerland (D) All the above 31. What is the percentage of India’s GDP forecast for the year of 2021 by crisil? (A) 5.7 (B) 5.2 (C) 6 (D) 5.8 32. Under which of the following scheme gas cylinders would be provided to eight poor families free of cost for next three months? (A) Pradhan mantri Jan dhan Yojana (B) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (C) Pradhan Mantri Ujala Yojana (D) Ayushman Bharat Schemes 33. Abdul Latif related to which of the following sports? (A) Cricket (B) Foot ball (C) Tennis (D) Hockey 34. Which of the following institution launched project Isaac to engage student in creative projects during corona lockdown? (A) AIIMS (B) IIT-Madras (C) DRDO (D) IIT -Gandhinagar 35. Which of the following Ministry launched stay home India with books? (A) Ministry of Human Resources Development (B) Ministry of Culture (C) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (D) Ministry of Higher Education

70 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Practice questions

36. Choose the correct statement? 1. Quarantine is a latin word, it means 40 days 2. The Quarantine was brought up in Britain (A) 1 Only (B) 2 Only (C) Both (D) None of the above 37. Where is 8th India International Film Tourism conclave held Recently? (A) Mumbai (B) Kolkata (C) Chennai (D) Pune 38. Clara an artificial Intelligence bot helps to self-check COVID-19 is introduced bywhich country? (A) USA (B) China (C) Russia (D) Italy 39. Choose the correct statement. 1. Technology Development Board under Department Science and Technology invites technology proposals for fighting of COVID-19 . 2. It’s a Statutory body. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 40. Which of the following organization implements the schemes on promotion of bulk drug park and production? (A) Union Minister Health and Family Welfare (B) Union Ministry of Science and Technology (C) State governments (D) ICMR 41. What is the rank of India in the Heritage foundation index of Economic Freedom 2020? (A) 87 (B) 95 (C) 103 (D) 120 42. Where is threatened carissa Kopilii recently found ? (A) Arunachal Pradesh (B) Assam (C) Meghalaya (D) Mizoram 43. Where is India and France recently and conducted joint patrol maritime exercise? (A) Visakhapatnam (B) Goa (C) Andaman & Nicobar islands (D) Reunion island 44. Which country become the first country to withdraw from 2020 Tokyo Olympics? (A) USA (B) China (C) India (D) Canada 45. What is the Name of the drug Indian Council of medical Research Recommended to treat corona virus? (A) Erithomysine (B) Hydroxychloroquine (C) Asythromysine (D) Allegra 46. Which of the following Institution hosted India’s first Hyperloop pod competition? (A) IIT-Madras (B) IIT Bombay (C) IIT Delhi (D) IIT Kolkata 47. In Which of the following stated defence ministry is going to establish defence corridors. 1. Tamil Nadu 2. Uttar Pradesh 3. Maharastra 4. Telangana (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) 1, 2, 3 (D) 1, 2 48. What is the theme of International Day of forest-2020 (A) Forests and Bio diversity (B) Forests and Humans (C) Sustainable Development (D) Forests save us 49. 10th Schedule of Indian Constitution frequently seen in news, related to. (A) Official languages (B) Anti-defection law (C) Panchayats (D) Municipalities

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 71 Practice questions Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020

50. Which of the following organization launched Business Immunity Platform (BIP)? (A) Invest India (B) DIPPT (C) FICCI (D) Ministry of Finance 51. Choose the correct statement. 1. National Super Computer mission was launched by Government of India in 2015. 2. Now India has 5 Super computers. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 52. Where is Himalayan Ibex found? (A) Jammu and Kashmir (B) Ladakh (C) Himachal Pradesh (D) All the above 53. Which of the following Prime Minister created PM CARES fund? (A) Narendra Modi (B) Jawaharlal Nehru (C) Indira Gandhi (D) Manmohan Singh 54. Choose the correct statement? 1. India’s Largest state Rajasthan celebrated state hood Day on March 30. 2. Rajasthan was formed on March 30, 1949. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 55. What is the Current daily wage per person under Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act Scheme? (A) 175 (B) 205 (C) 202 (D) 250 56. Beni Prasad Varma was a founding member of which political party? (A) Nationalist Congress Party (B) Samajwadi Party (C) Rashtriya Janata Dal (D) Rashtriya Lok Dal 57. Where is Kamarajar Port located in Tamilnadu? (A) Tuticorin (B) Nagapatinam (C) Chennai (D) Kanniyakumari 58. Which country Recently launched Advanced Extremely High frequency satellite “Lock head martin”? (A) France (B) Isreal (C) USA (D) South Korea 59. Which country hosted exercise Red Flag? (A) Japan (B) USA (C) Russia (D) India 60. Defence Ministry signed a contract for procurement of 16479 light machine guns (LMG) from which county? (A) USA (B) Israel (C) France (D) Russia 61. Which of the following Indian Company started to selling BS-VI Fuel as the first company? (A) Indian oil (B) Bharat Petroleum (C) Reliance Petroleum (D) Hindustan Petroleum 62. Who heads the monetary policy council? (A) RBI Governor (B) Finance minister (C) Home minister (D) Prime minister 63. Which of the following minister head the COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force? (A) Nirmala Sitharaman (B) Piyush Goyal (C) Rajnath Singh (D) Amit Shah

72 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Practice questions

64. Which of the following statement is/are correct 1. TRIFED recently launched “Tech for tribals program” . 2. It aims to create 5 crore tribal entrepreneurs. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 65. What is the rank of India in the world Happiness report? (A) 140 (B) 142 (C) 144 (D) 146 66. Which of the following country going to G7 host summit through video conferencing? (A) Canada (B) France (C) Italy (D) USA 67. Navroz frequently seen in news, related to which of the following religion? (A) Bhuddhism (B) Jainism (C) Islam (D) Parsis 68. Who is the current chairperson of International monetary fund? (A) Kristalina Georgieva (B) Kristalina Koch (C) Gita Gopinath (D) David Malpass 69. Five-layer N99 masks were developed by which of the following organisation? (A) DRDO (B) ISRO (C) KHADI INDIA (D) IISC 70. Which year Drugs and cosmetics Act has been enacted in India? (A) 1942 (B) 1945 (C) 1940 (D) 1935 71. What is the name of the vaccine for COVID-19 that introduced into human trial? (A) mRNA-1272 (B) mRNA-1273 (C) mRNA-1274 (D) mRNA-1275 72. Which of the following Institution Recently Released Global macro outlook 2020-21? (A) IMF (B) World Bank (C) Moody’s (D) Crisil 73. Choose the correct statement. 1. Monetary policy committee was constituted under the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934 2. It is a 6 member body RBI Governor as the ex officio chairman of this council (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 74. Choose the correct statement. United States of America conducting solidarity trial for developing potential drug for COVID-19 India will participate in this trial. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 75. Subansiri River is the tributary of which of the following river? (A) Ganga (B) Brahmaputra (C) Narmada (D) Yamuna 76. SWAYAM Platform is Related to which of the following ministry? (A) Human Resource Development (B) Finance (C) Health and Family welfare (D) Electricity 77. Under which of the following section violators of epidemic Diseases act – 1897 are punished? (A) IPC 144 (B) IPC 188 (C) CrPc 144 (D) CrPc 188 78. When is World Tuberculosis (TB) day observed? (A) March 22 (B) March 23 (C) March 24 (D) March 25 79. Mo Jeeban programme is related to which of the following state? (A) Bihar (B) Telangana (C) Kerala (D) Odisha

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 73 Practice questions Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020

80. Who decides the bill as Finance bill? (A) Speaker of loksabha (B) Chairman of Rajya Sabha (C) Prime Minister (D) Finance Minister 81. Yakshagana a traditional art form belongs to which of the following state? (A) Andra pradesh (B) Karnataka (C) Telangana (D) Madhya pradesh 82. What is the theme of the world metrological day 2020 observed across the world on March 23? (A) Climate and Water (B) The sun, the earth and the Weather (C) Every Drop counts (D) Climate Change 83. Where is Tamil Nadu Government Planning to set up Medicine Industrial Park? (A) Coimbatore (B) Dharmapuri (C) Krishnagiri (D) Cheyyar 84. Which of the following Bank Recently launched India’s first emergency credit facility? (A) Bank of Baroda (B) ICICI (C) State Bank of India (D) HDFC 85. Like India, which of the following neighbour country also imposed nationalwide lockdown? (A) Bangladesh (B) Sri lanka (C) Bhutan (D) Nepal 86. Which of the following scientist discovered the Tuberculosis Bacteria? (A) Robert Koch (B) Louis Pasteur (C) Emil von behring (D) Paul Ehrlich 87. Choose the correct statement regarding hypersonic missile? 1. Russia became the first country to have an hypersonic weapon named avangard 2. Currently 5 countries Including India have hypersonic missiles in the world. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 88. What is current repo rate as recently announced by monetary policy committee? (A) 4.5% (B) 4.4% (C) 5.5% (D) 5.4% 89. Which of the following organization consider’s COVID-19 spread as “Force Majeure”? (A) Ministry of Finance (B) Prime Minister Office (C) Minister of Home Affairs (D) Indian Railways 90. Arr-rinam is a tribal Lockdown ritual observed on which of the following state? (A) Assam (B) Meghalaya (C) Arunachal Pradesh (D) Madhya Pradesh 91. Which of the following drug recently notified as scheduled – H1 drug? (A) Lopinavir (B) Ritonavir (C) Interferon-beta (D) Hydroxy Chloroquine 92. What was the dead line date to sell BS IV – standard vehicles india? (A) 30 April 2020 (B) 31 March 2020 (C) 1 April 2020 (D) 30 June 2020 93. Choose the correct statement? 1. USA approves convalescent Plasma treatment for seriously ill COVID-19 patients. 2. Plasma is the major Part of the blood and Plasma carry hormones, Nutrients and proteins to different parts of the body. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 94. Members of Parliament local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme is implemented by which union ministry? (A) Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (B) Ministry of Home Affairs

74 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Practice questions

(C) Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation (D) Ministry of Social Justice 95. Aligarh Harduaganj flyover is proposed to construct in which of the following state? (A) Bihar (B) New Delhi (C) Uttar Pradesh (D) Rajasthan 96. Where the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology is located? (A) Dehradun (B) Srinagar (C) Gairsain (D) Gangatok 97. Kurzabeit scheme frequently seen news related which of the following country? (A) Germany (B) Italy (C) Japan (D) China 98. What is the correct expansion of TRIFED? (A) Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (B) Tribal Federation of India (C) Tribal Rehabilitation Federation (D) Tribal Federation 99. What is the names of the Newly developed bio fortified high quality wheat? (A) MACS 4028 (B) MACS 4022 (C) MACS 2028 (D) MACS 2022 100. Which of the following is created as 38th district of Tamil Nadu? (A) Nagapatinam (B) Mayiladuthurai (C) Chidhambaram (D) Kumbakonam

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 D B D A B D D C B B 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 B C D B C B B B A B 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 B C A B B B A B B C 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 C C C A A C C C B B 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 A D C C B B C D C B 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 C B D D A A B D C C 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 C B B B A C D A C A 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 B C A B B B C D C A 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 C D B D C B B B B C 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 B B D C D A B C A D

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