Current Affairs February 2020

Current Affairs 2020

Current Affairs February 2020 Table of Contents Awards and Honours 5 Economic Development 7 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management 10 History, Art & Culture 11 Important Days & Events 13 International Affairs 16 Polity & Governance 20 Science & Technology 23 Society and Social Justice 24 Sports 27 Security 28 Miscellaneous 28

Awards and Honours 1. National Banker of the Year 2020 2. International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy 3. Mystic Kalinga Literary Award 4. National e-Governance Award 5. SERB Women Excellence Award 2020 v 6. LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2020 7. Hrithik Roshan won Best Actor award for his film Super 30 8. Vishwakarma Awards 2019 9. Raja Ravi Varma Award 2020 10. Swami Vivekananda Karmayogi Award 2020 11. Novak Djokovic won his record 8th Men's singles title 12. Ayonika Paul won the women's 10m Air Rifle T1 event 13. Armand Duplantis broke pole vault world record for second time 14. Kaamya Karthikeyan became youngest girl to scale Mt. Aconcagua 15. Sharath Kamal, Sathiyan won silver at Hungarian Open 16. ECI appointed Murali Kumar as Special Expenditure Observer 17. Sanjay Vatsyayan took over as Eastern Fleet Commander 18. Alok Sharma appointed UK business minister 19. Rajiv Bansal appointed as new CMD of Air India 20. Amitabh Bhatt appointed as new CEO at HAL

Economic Development 1. First Banana Container Train sent to JNPT for Exports 2. Around 723 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras established till Jan 2020 3. New Tax income regime for the Individuals earning 4. India became a global data centre 5. NTPC raised Asia's largest Japanese yen loan of $750 million 6. Crude oil slumped to 13-month low 7. IOC Signed an Annual Agreement on Rosneft's to Buy Crude 8. India became second largest steel producer of Crude Steel 9. $5 billion defence export target to be achieved by 2024 9. Commercial flight operations at Bidar Airport in Karnataka 10. SBI's new FD rates came into effect 11. RBI to create digital payments index 12. 2636 EV charging stations in Phase-II to Fame India Scheme 13. BSNL, Air India, MTNL highest loss-making PSUs in FY19 14. Odisha govt announced 5% DA hike for employees 15. USTR removed India from developing country list 16. Arth Ganga to boost economic activity along Ganga bank 17. Govt cleared ₹540 cr investments in stuck residential properties 18. World Bank signed loan agreement with GoI to improve groundwater management 19. RBI revealed 5-Year National Strategy For Financial Inclusion 20. NABARD sanctioned over ₹400 cr to boost infrastructure in J&K

Current Affairs 2020

21. Government lifted export ban on onions

Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management 1. Scientists found Warm Water below Doomsday Glacier in Antarctica 2. Himalayas get 20 percent above normal snowfall in 30 years 3. Cauvery delta region as Protected Special Agriculture Zone 4. Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 5. Coal Ministry launched web portal for star rating 6. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 7. Uttarakhand Govt approved 377 sq km for ESZ in Corbett Tiger Reserve 8. 13th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species 9. M.M. Wildlife Sanctuary to be tiger reserve soon 10. Maharashtra banned the cultivation centres of Thai Mangur fish 11. Reduced number of dolphins at Gahirmatha marine sanctuary 12. Genetic study to conserve the native species of cattle

History, Art & Culture 1. Jaipur certified as World Heritage site by UNESCO 2. UP allotted 5-acre land for the construction of a mosque 3. Government is compiling a National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage 4. Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra to be renamed as Sushma Swaraj Bhawan 5. Patel jointly inaugurated Cha-Chai art work at National Museum 6. Railways to operate new train based on Ramayana theme 7. Narendra Modi unveiled the Deendayal Upadhyaya statue 8. Handicrafts Exhibitions for promotion of Geographical Indication Crafts 9. Hindi is the 3rd most spoken language of the world 10. Government renamed IDSA as Manohar Parrikar Institute 11. Big archaeological discovery near Varanasi 12. First anniversary of the iconic National War Memorial 13. GSI uncovered gold deposits in Sonbhadra district 14. Tribal Affairs Minister inaugurated All India Tribal Workers Meet 15. Marathi to be made compulsory in schools in Maharashtra

Important Days & Events 1. Foundation Day of Indian Coast Guard 2. President to inaugurated Surajkund crafts fair 3. Goa National Games 2020 4. World Wetlands Day 2020 5. India's biggest rural technical festival 'Antahpragnya 2020' 6. World Cancer Day 2020 7. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2020 8. TRIFED conducted a fashion show in Suraj Kund Mela 9. National Deworming Day 2020 10. Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2020 11. Two-day Hornbill Festival in Tripura 12. World Pulses Day 2020 13. International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2020 14. 20th International Seminar on Comprehends the Evolving Contours of Terrorism 15. World Unnani Day 2020 16. National Horticulture Fair 2020 17. National Productivity Day 2020 18. India Action Plan Summit 2020 19. National Womens Day 2020 20. World Radio Day 2020 21. Valentines day 2020 22. World Pangolin Day 2020 23. All India Conference of Central Administrative Tribunal 2020 24. 70th Berlin International Film Festival 25. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2020 26. World Day of Social Justice 2020 27. National Organic Food Festival 28. Chitra Bharati Film Festival in Ahmedabad 29. Central Excise Day 2020 30. World NGO Day 2020 31. Losar festival is celebrated in Himachal Pradesh 32. National Science Day 2020 33. National Protein Day 2020

Current Affairs 2020

International Affairs 1. 1st India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave 2020 2. Fancied India met Pakistan in first semifina 3. Bangladesh PM inaugurated month long Ekushey Book Fair 4. New Reserves of Natural Gas found in UAE 5. G-7 agreed to work with WHO, EU, China to tackle Coronavirus 6. India, Russia signed 14 MoUs at the Fifth round of IRMIC 7. HAL signed MoU with Elbit Systems for digital head-up displays for fighter planes 8. India and Madagascar reiterate maritime security cooperation in bilateral talks 9. India’s Trade Deficit with China 10. DRDO signed Technology Development Contract with Rosoboronexport Russia 11. Nepal to count LGBT population in census 12. India UK partnership on developing jet engine technology 13. India, African countries resolve to fight terror 14. India-Central Asia business council 15. India, Sri Lanka to strengthen cooperation to combat terrorism 16. African Union Summit Commences 2020 17. Iran failed to launch satellite Zafar into orbit 18. US approved sale of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System to India 19. India, UK begin Ajeya Warrior joint counter-terror Army exercises 20. Fifth edition of Joint Military Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-2020 21. US president Donald Trump to visit India 22. MoU signed between India and Iceland in the field of Fisheries 23. India has authorised export of defence products to 42 countries 24. President of Portugal arrives for a 4-day visit in India 25. New Zealand unveiled first AI police officer called Ella 26. Jamuna Progresses Joint Hydrographic Operations Off Sri Lanka 27. GIC RE gained on Russian business license for subsidiary 28. India, Thailand marching hand-in-hand to foster business relations 29. Portugal to keep joint expertise with India on priority 30. FPI Minister inaugurates India Pavilion at GulFood 2020 in Dubai 31. Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh visited Myanmar 32. India, Norway joined to mitigate marine plastic litter and microplastics 33. India-Bangladesh concluded Exercise SAMPRITI-IX at Umroi 34. 17th edition of BioAsia in Hyderabad 35. UAE approved to operate the first nuclear power plant 36. India and Norway strengthen partnership on blue economy 37. India, Maldives agree to take on terrorism, radicalisation 38. U.S. signed Peace Deal with Taliban in Afghanistan 39. Exercise Ajeya Warrior 2020 40. 16th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission between India and Australia 41. India, US signed 2 MoUs and 1 Letter of Cooperation during Trump visit to India 42. US became India's top trading partner 43. India Myanmar exchanged 10 agreements in various fields

Polity & Governance 1. CBDT issued clarification on the new provision in Finance Bill 2020 2. Cabinet Supported Amendments to Allow RBI to Control Cooperative Banks 3. Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 4. Abolition of anti-dumping duty on Purified Terephthalic Acid 5. National conference on e-governance 2020 6. Government to launch CPGRAMS reforms at the National Workshop on e-office 7. UP Cabinet approved 2020 Ground Water Act 8. Cabinet approved amendment of the 2020 Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill 9. Cabinet approved 2020 Pesticides Management Bill 10. Cabinet nod to Major Ports Authority Bill to replace existing law 11. Arvind Kejriwal to take oath as Delhi Chief Minister 12. JK, Ladakh is to come under the jurisdiction of CAT 13. Odisha State Backward Classes Amendment Bill passed in State Assembly 14. Private member’s Bill calls for two-child norm 15. Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, 2020 16. 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety 17. Constitution of 22nd Law Commission of India 18. UP became first state to enforce Performance Regulation Act 19. 23rd National Conference on e-governance 20. International Judicial Conference 2020 21. Government approved the 22nd Law Commission for 3 years 22. Cabinet its nod to order on adopting central laws in concurrent list for J&K 23. High-level committee submitted report on Clause 6 of Assam Accord to Sonowal

Current Affairs 2020

24. 17th meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-Linking of Rivers 25. Cabinet approved the Surrogacy Regulation Bill 2020 26. Bihar passed a resolution for caste-based census

Science & Technology 1. World's First Transcatheter Mitral Valve 2. CADD Centre launched courses in electric vehicles technology 3. India is developing new Swine Fever Control Vaccines 4. First coil rolled out from RSP's new hot strip mill 5. India to develop 200-km range tactical ballistic missile 6. E-calculator to compare due income tax under new, old regime 7. World's first bulletproof helmet against AK-47 bullets 8. NASA to send Solar Orbiter probe to map Sun's poles 9. World's Cheapest Gun Shot Locator developed by Indian Army 10. NASA and ESA set to send Solar Orbiter probe to map Sun's poles 11. BARC’s Bhabha Kavach now protect the CISFT 12. Aditya-L1, first Indian mission to study the Sun 13. Pakistan successfully tested Ra'ad-II cruise missile 14. India Railways launched online Chatbot ASKDISHA 15. Scientists discovered the first animal that doesn't need oxygen to live 16. AIM launched AI-based Module for students in Indian schools

Society and Social Justice 1. NCRB released a study on missing persons in India 2. Karnataka launched scheme to provide Govt services at Home Delivery 3. Supreme Court panel recommends several prison reforms 4. India ranked 40th in the International IP Index 5. NIDM organized Conference on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction 6. Prince Charles unveils children's protection fund for India 7. Govt approved proposals under Atal Bhujal Yojana 8. Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative Report 9. Ease of Living Index and Municipal Performance Index 2019 10. Separate identity card for the transgender community 11. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Campaign 12. UP to launched Internship scheme for students 13. First Disha Mahila Police Station 14. National Water Conference held in Madhya Pradesh 15. Kisan Credit Card Saturation Drive for PM-KISAN Beneficiaries 16. Mumbai and Kolkata hold the highest cases on women and child trafficking 17. Government inaugurated Conference on Combating Drug Trafficking 18. Annual fund for juvenile homes in Maharashtra 19. National Conference on Policy Framework for Skilling of Women and Children 20. National Workshop on Disaster Risk Financing, Insurance and Risk Transfer 21. MoFPI organized National Organic Festival to empower women 22. Soil health card scheme completed 5 years 23. 4th National Conference on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana 24. Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II 25. Worldwide Educating for the Future Index (WEFFI) 2019 26. 1 in 3 payments for maternity benefit scheme credited to wrong account 27. India ranked 77th on the Sustainability Index as per UN report 28. Haryana to inaugurate Atal Kisan Majdoor canteens 29. Shyama Prasad Mukherji National Rurban Mission completed its 4th years 30. Government launched PM-KISAN mobile application 31. NITI Aayog organized SDG Conclave 2020 32. Responsible AI for Social Empowerment by Govt of India 33. Daily Living Aids and Devices to senior citizens and Divyangjan

Sports 1. Senior Women's National Weightlifting Championships 2. Gulmarg to host 2020 National Winter Games 3. Manpreet Singh won the FIH Mens Player of the Year award 4. Khelo India Winter Games in Jammu and Kashmir 5. Khelo India University Games to begin in Odisha 6. India won 11 medals at the Brazil Para Badminton International Championships

Security 1. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) 2. National War Memorial

Current Affairs 2020

Miscellaneous 1. IAF AN-32 Lands at LEH with Indigenous Bio-Jet Fuel 2. APEDA-CFTRI Sign MoU for Guwahati Liason Office 3. Winner of the Aussie Open Novak Djokovic returns to No. 1 4. Department of Science & Technology launched a unique scheme SATHI 5. DefExpo 2020 attracts more than 1,000 defence companies 6. Meghalaya CM inaugurated Meghalaya Police Academy at Umran 7. KVIC designed Apiary on Wheels-A concept for Bee Keeping 8. Govt inaugurated the Phase I of East-West Metro corridor of Kolkata Metro 9. India first inter-city electric bus service between Mumbai and Pune launched 10. Titabor became Assams first zero-waste town 11. Centre for Research and Education in Data Science 12. NFR Constructed India’s tallest pier bridge in Manipur 13. Trump became 3rd US President to visit Taj Mahal 14. Exercise Indradhanush 2020 15. Offshore Patrol Vessel-6 “VAJRA” launched at Chennai Awards and Honours National Banker of the Year 2020 The governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been named the ‘Central Banker of the Year 2020’ for the Asia-Pacific region by financial intelligence magazine The Banker.

Shaktikanta Das, who assumed the office of RBI governor in 2018, won the accolade for bringing in measures to tighten the rules around NBFCs and the award is presented to the bankers who have “best managed to stimulate growth and stabilise their economy,” according to The Banker. International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy on February 6, 2020. The awards were presented to Dr NS Dharmashaktu in the individual category and the Leprosy Mission Trust under the institutional category.

Government has accomplished levels of leprosy elimination defined as less than one case per ten thousand population. Mystic Kalinga Literary Award Noted writer Manoj Das, who had recently received Padma Bhushan for his contribution to English and Odia literature, has been honoured with the Mystic Kalinga Literary Award-Indian and Global Languages.

Manoj Das is currently teaching English literature and Philosophy at the Sri Aurobindo International University in Puducherry. National e-Governance Award RailMadad, the grievance redressal portal of Indian Railways, has been awarded Silver under Category II of National e-Governance Awards – “Excellence in providing Citizen-centric Delivery”.

This award was conferred during the 23rd National Conference on e-Governance which was held in Mumbai on 7-8th Feb, 2020.

To recognize and promote excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) presents National eGovernance Awards every year. SERB Women Excellence Award 2020 Dr. Niti Kumar has received the SERB Women Excellence Award 2020. The award will be conferred by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind during National Science Day Celebrations on 28 February 2020 in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The award is presented to women scientists below 40 years of age who have received recognition from national academies. LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2020 Adline Castelino won the LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2020 title. She was crowned by Vartika Singh, Miss Diva Universe 2019, at an event held on Mumbai. The event was held on 22 February. Castelino was followed by Aavriti Choudhary of Jabalpur.

The jury included 2000 Miss Universe and Mentor Lara Dutta, Miss Supranational 2019 Anntonia Porsild, Designers Shivan & Narresh, Nikhil Mehra and Gavin Miguel, Yami Gautam and veteran actor Anil Kapoor. Hrithik Roshan won Best Actor award for his film Super 30 Hrithik Roshan won the Best Actor award for his film Super 30 at the 10th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival 2020, Delhi NCR, India. Hrithik enacted the role of a math teacher named Anand Kumar who lives in Bihar in this film. Anand gives free education to the unprivileged students to help them ace the IIT-JEE exams in the movie.

Current Affairs 2020

Vishwakarma Awards 2019 Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' presents Vishwakarma Awards 2019 to the winners in New Delhi. It was organized in the All India Council for Technical Training. 23 groups were awarded the Chatra Vishwakarma Awards (CVA).

Six institutes were awarded the Utkrisht Santhan Vishwakarma Award (USVA). The award recognizes college students who have good potential and are an asset to the nation. Raja Ravi Varma Award 2020 The Raja Ravi Varma State Award instituted by city’s Shri Ravivarma Art Institute, was conferred on veteran painter from Kalaburagi, Prof. J.S. Khanderao (for the year 2019) and senior artist from Mumbai, Vasudev Kamath (2020) at a programme organised in the institute premises located on Narasaraja Road in Chamundipuram here recently.

Vasudev Kamath was awarded for his more expressive form of art.

Raja Ravi Varma State Award:

Raja Ravi Varma State Award was instituted by Karnataka's Shri Ravivarma Art Institute. The award carries a cash prize of Rs.10,000 and a citation.

Swami Vivekananda Karmayogi Award 2020 Forest Man of India Jadav Payeng will be awarded Swami Vivekananda Karmayogi Award 2020 will be conferred with the Swami Vivekananda Karmayogi Award on 29 February in New Delhi at a function instituted by My Home India.

He was awarded the 6th Karmayogi Award for his consistent efforts in creating a real man-made forest through massive reforestation. The award is composed of a trophy, a recitation and a reward of Rs 1 lakh. Novak Djokovic won his record 8th Men's singles title In tennis, Serbia's Novak Djokovic won his record 8th Men's singles title in Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

He beat first-time Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem of Austria. The men's doubles title clinched by Joe Salisbury of UK and American Rajeev Ram, who beat Australia's Luke Saville and Max Purcell. Ayonika Paul won the women's 10m Air Rifle T1 event Olympian Ayonika Paul won the women's 10m Air Rifle T1 event Vijayveer Sidhu won the men's 25m Pistol T2 event in the National Shooting trials at Thiruvananthapuram.

She came to a quality eight-woman field, which had the likes of Tokyo 2020 quota holders Apurvi Chandela and Anjum Moudgil among competitors. Armand Duplantis broke pole vault world record for second time Armand "Mondo" Duplantis, an American-born Swedish pole vaulter has broken the world pole vault record for the second time in eight days.

He cleared 6.18m. He easily beat his own mark of 6.17m which he set in Poland 2020. He was awarded a $30,000 bonus from World Athletics. Kaamya Karthikeyan became youngest girl to scale Mt. Aconcagua A 12-year old Mumbai student, Kaamya Karthikeyan has set a record of becoming the youngest in the world to summit Mt. Aconcagua, the highest peak of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, South America.

Kaamya Karthikeyan is a class VII student of Navy Children School (NCS), Mumbai. She has had years of physical and mental preparation along with regular participation in adventure sports combined with strong character. Sharath Kamal, Sathiyan won silver at Hungarian Open Indian men's doubles pair of Achanta Sharath Kamal and Gnanasekaran Sathiyan clinched a silver medal at the 2020 ITTF World Tour Hungarian Open in Budapest.

Kamal and Sathiyan defeated top seeds Ho Kwan Kit and Wong Chun Ting of Hong Kong 3-2 in the semi-finals. ECI appointed Murali Kumar as Special Expenditure Observer Sh B Murli Kumar (ex IRS-1983) has been appointed as Special Expenditure Observer as also appointed Sh Mrinal Kanti Das (IPS 1977 Retd) as Special Police Observer for General Election to the Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi, 2020 by Election Commission of India.

Sh Murali, in consultation with the Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi, will be supervising and monitoring the work done by the electoral machinery.

Current Affairs 2020

Sanjay Vatsyayan took over as Eastern Fleet Commander The command of the Eastern Fleet was handed over to Rear Admiral Sanjay Vatsyayan by Rear Admiral Suraj Berry at a ceremony at Visakhapatnam. He previously served as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) at New Delhi. Alok Sharma appointed UK business minister Indian-origin Alok Sharma has named the new UK minister in charge of the crunch UN climate talks to be hosted by Britain this November. Agra-born Sharma, promoted to the post of Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Cabinet reshuffle, will take charge of the crucial summit ‘COP26’. Rajiv Bansal appointed as new CMD of Air India Rajiv Bansal appointed as the chairman and managing director of Air India for a second time, a Personnel Ministre government announced a 100 percent stake sale of the debt-ridden national carrier.

He is a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Nagaland cadre and currently the additional secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment as the CMD of Air India in the rank and pay of additional secretary, the order stated, without mentioning further details. Amitabh Bhatt appointed as new CEO at HAL Amitabh Bhatt has taken over as Chief Executive Officer of Bengaluru-headquartered defence PSU, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Bangalore Complex.

Prior, he was serving as Executive Director of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) venture in HAL.

Bhatt is a Post Graduate in Management and earlier served in SKF India Limited for a long time before joining Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. With his 32 years of expert involvement with HAL, he led showcasing, arranging, and ventures.

Economic Development First Banana Container Train sent to JNPT for Exports Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has dispatched the first shipment of 890 MTs of high quality bananas, loaded in 43 refrigerated containers from Tadipatri, Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Mumbai yesterday for export to international markets.

The government of India under the Agri Export Policy notified the banana cluster in Anantpur and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh. Around 723 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras established till Jan 2020 Around 723 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKK) established in the country. Skill development and entrepreneurship Minister Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey ministry are implementing the demanddriven scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 2016-20 for short duration skill development training.

The PMKVY scheme envisaged increasing the availability of skilled people in various job roles.

New Tax income regime for the Individuals earning The Union Budget 2020 introduced a new personal income tax regime for individual taxpayers. However, the option for this concessional tax regime came with a cost, it required the taxpayer to forego certain specified deductions.

Individuals having a CTC pay of over Rs.13 lakh and benefiting tax savings of up to Rs.2 lakh will save money on their expense outgo on the off chance that they select the new tax system proposed in the Budget. India became a global data centre The Union budget proposal to enable private firms to build data centre parks could help India become a major global data centre, but only with a supportive policy and infrastructure framework.

Union budget proposed to enable private firms to build data center parks could help India become a major global data center, but only with a supportive policy and infrastructure framework. NTPC raised Asia's largest Japanese yen loan of $750 million NTPC Limited has raised syndicated Japanese yen loan (JPY) worth $750 million. This is the largest ever syndicated JPY loan raised by any Asian company from offshore Samurai loan market.

State-owned electricity producer NTPC Ltd today announced it had signed a 750 million dollar syndicated loan in Japanese Yen.

Current Affairs 2020

Crude oil slumped to 13-month low Crude oil hit 13-month lows as the fast spreading novel coronavirus throttled demand in the world’s biggest importer of fuel.

China's national bank has overflowed its economy with money while cutting some key loaning rates. IOC Signed an Annual Agreement on Rosneft's to Buy Crude State-claimed Indian Oil Corp, India's top purifier, has marked an arrangement with Russian oil major Rosneft that gives it an alternative to purchasing as much as 2 million tons, or 40,000 barrels for each day (BPD) of unrefined in 2020, the Indian oil serve said on 5th February 2020.

India has been expanding the wellsprings of its raw petroleum imports to fence geopolitical dangers that can gag supplies from a specific area or nation.

India became second largest steel producer of Crude Steel As per World Steel Association data, India became the second largest steel producer of crude steel after China in 2018 and 2019, by replacing Japan. India’s crude steel production in 2019 was 111.2MT where in 2018 was at 109.3 MT, an increase of 7.7 per cent from 101.5 MT in 2017.

Steel being a deregulated sector, the Government does not set any annual targets for steel production.

Decision on quantity of steel production is taken by individual companies based on commercial considerations and market requirements. $5 billion defence export target to be achieved by 2024 Defence Ministry has expressed confidence that the country will achieve the target of five billion dollar worth of defence ex ports by 2024.

The MoUs signed by us will strengthen the defense industrial base and will prove beneficial for the country. Around 200 agreements have been concluded in this Defexpo and described it as historic. Commercial flight operations at Bidar Airport in Karnataka Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has flagged off the first direct flight from Bidar airport to Bengaluru in Karnataka. The airport has been remodeled under the Regional Connectivity Scheme-Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) of the Government of India and has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs.11 crores to be borne by the State Government with the help of the Central Government.

Bidar airport has been remodeled under the Regional Connectivity Scheme-Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) of the Government SBI's new FD rates came into effect The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced that interest rates on fixed deposits (FDs) with tenors up to three years will be slashed by 20 bps. The lower rates have come into effect from May 12, 2020.

SBI realigned its interest rate on Retail Term Deposits which is less than Rs.2 crores and Bulk Term Deposits of Rs.2 crores and above. RBI to create digital payments index The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is to create a digital payments index (DPI) by July 2020. This index will indicate the level of digitalization prevailing in the country.

Digital Payments Index (DPI): DPI will help the regulator and government to understand the adoption of digital payments in the country.

The DPI by RBI will be based on multiple parameters.

It will reflect the penetration and deepening of various digital payment modes

It is expected that DPI's benchmark will reflect the progress of digitization in the country. 2636 EV charging stations in Phase-II to Fame India Scheme Department of Heavy Industries has sanctioned 2636 charging stations in 62 cities across 24 States/UTs under FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) scheme phase II.

In Andhra Pradesh, a total of 92 charging stations have been sanctioned to Vijayawada, 71 charging stations to Vishakhapatnam, 68 charging stations to Tirupati and 35 charging stations to Kakinada.

In Telangana, 118 charging stations have been sanctioned to Hyderabad, 10 each charging stations to cities of Warangal and Karimnagar.

Current Affairs 2020

BSNL, Air India, MTNL highest loss-making PSUs in FY19 ONGC, Indian Oil Corporation and NTPC were the top three profitable PSUs in 2018-19, whereas BSNL, Air India and MTNL incurred highest losses for a third consecutive year.

The survey mapped the annual financial performance of all central PSUs.

The survey revealed that the top 10 companies claimed 94.04% of the total losses made by all the 70 loss-making central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) during the year. Odisha govt announced 5% DA hike for employees Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced to hike the Dearness Allowance (DA) in 5% for the state government employees and pensioners. The state also announced a hike of 10% arrears of 7th pay commission.

In 2019, the Odisha government raised DA for its government employees and pensioners. During the 73rd Independence Day celebrations, the Central government announced a rise of DA for government employees and pensioners by 5%. USTR removed India from developing country list The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has changed an administrative rule to impose countervailing duties (CVDs) on goods from India and certain other countries. Until 10 February 2020, India was on the developing country list and therefore eligible for the more relaxed standards. India has now been taken off of that list.

These lists will determine whether the countries are potentially subject to US countervailing duties. This rule is now obsolete. Arth Ganga to boost economic activity along Ganga bank Special focus on developing inland waterways will result in four-fold cargo volume increase on Ganga, while the ''Arth Ganga'' project will boost economic activities along its bank.

Inland Waterways is one of the most important pillars of the Arth-Ganga project as it focuses on economic activities related to Ganga.

It will result in inclusive growth and play a key role in the generation of enormous employment opportunities in the National Waterways stretch. Govt cleared ₹540 cr investments in stuck residential properties Union Government has cleared investments of over 540 crore rupees in some stuck residential properties that will benefit 1,800 home buyers. In November last year, the government had announced a 25,000 crore rupees fund to help complete over 1,500 stalled housing projects.

A preliminary clearance was given for due diligence to 14 projects with a capital commitment of 2,500 crore rupees that will provide relief to 10 thousand home buyers. World Bank signed loan agreement with GoI to improve groundwater management World Bank signed a $450 million loan agreement with the Government of India to support the national program to arrest the country’s depleting groundwater levels and strengthen groundwater institutions.

The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY)-National Groundwater Management Improvement Programme is supported by the World Bank.

The agreement will allow the implementation of the ABHY scheme in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh and cover 78 districts. RBI revealed 5-Year National Strategy For Financial Inclusion The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled a National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2019-24 which aimed at providing access to formal financial services in an affordable manner. It aims to promote financial literacy among customers.

National Strategy for Financial Inclusion method recommends many ways in which the objective can be fulfilled.

It suggested methods to provide access to financial service provides in every village within a range of 5 km. NABARD sanctioned over ₹400 cr to boost infrastructure in J&K National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned an amount of 400.64 crore rupees to UT of J&K during the current financial year for giving boost to the infrastructure in the rural areas. The funding is a part of the NABARD’s ‘Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) - Trench XXV’ which aims at augmenting rural infrastructure.

Earlier in 2020, NABARD has sanctioned Rs.209.87 crore for the construction of 82 rural roads and 3 bridges.

Current Affairs 2020

Government lifted export ban on onions The government of India announced to lift the ban on the export of onions as the price of onion has been stabilized. The decision was approved in a meeting of a Group of Ministers (GOM). The move will protect the interests of farmers as prices are likely to fall sharply due to a bumper rabi crop.

The lifting of ban on onion is expected to be effective. GOM will also discuss whether to reduce or scrap the Minimum Export Price (MEP) on onion to facilitate outbound shipments.

Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management Scientists found Warm Water below Doomsday Glacier in Antarctica The scientists have for the first time, discovered warm water underneath the Thwaites Glacier, which earned the nickname Doomsday Glacier for being Antarctica’s fastest melting glaciers.

Measuring 74000 sq mi, this glacier is estimated to be the size of Florida in the United States of America.

This discovery has raised an alarm about the glacier collapse, which can lead to nearly 3 ft rise in the sea level. Himalayas get 20 percent above normal snowfall in 30 years Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment (SASE) reported that the snowfall received from November 2019 to January 2020 has been the highest in the past 30 years.

Snowfall in the western Himalayas during the first half of the ongoing winter season has been about 20% above the long period average.

It also forecasted that snowfall in the Himalayas during February to April would be good. Cauvery delta region as Protected Special Agriculture Zone The Tamil Nadu government has declared the Cauvery delta region as a Protected Special Agriculture Zone.The Cauvery delta regio n is an important agricultural region in Tamil Nadu.

The farmers continue to do agriculture, despite climate challenges. As the delta region is close to the sea, there is a need to safeguard the region. Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals The 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, is going to be hosted by India from 17th to 22nd February 2020 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

The theme of CMS COP13 is "Migratory species connect the planet and we welcome them home". The CMS COP 13 logo is inspired by 'Kolam', a traditional art form from southern India. Coal Ministry launched web portal for star rating Ministry of Coal has launched a web portal for star rating of coal mines to promote green, safe and sustainable mining practices using technology as a tool. The web portal was launched by the Union Minister for Coal & Mines Shri Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on 10 February.

The portal will enable all operational coal mines across India for self-rating, their subsequent validation by Coal Controller's Organization (CCO), further evaluation and finally award of star rating. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals The 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme, is going to be hosted by India during 15th to 22nd February, 2020 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

Representatives from 129 Parties and eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation are expected to attend the COP.

Current Affairs 2020

Uttarakhand Govt approved 377 sq km for ESZ in Corbett Tiger Reserve The Uttarakhand State Government has approved a 377 sqkm area for the proposed ecosensitive zone (ESZ) for the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR). No village has been included in the ESZ, for which the maximum area has been defined as 7.96 km.

The creation of the ESZ has been an issue as the villagers protested villages in the ESZ fearing loss of livelihood due to the restrictions imposed by the creation of such a zone.

The proposed ESZ does not include any village, for which the maximum area has been defined as 7.96 km. 13th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species The Great Indian Bustard, Asian Elephant and Bengal Florican have been included in Appendix I of UN Convention on Migratory Species at the ongoing 13th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) in Gandhinagar (Gujarat).

India’s proposal to include all the three species in the Appendix I was unanimously accepted by the 13th COP to the CMS.

M.M. Wildlife Sanctuary to be tiger reserve soon The Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary will be declared as a tiger reserve soon. A presentation of the final proposal was made before the NTCA early this month and the final notification will be made by the State government once the NTCA gives its formal approval.

Once notified, Karnataka will have six tiger reserves, the others being Nagarahole, Bhadra, and AnshiDandeli, Bandipur and Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserves. Maharashtra banned the cultivation centres of Thai Mangur fish The Maharashtra government has launched a special drive to destroy the cultivation centres of the exotic Thai Mangur fish. The fish is popularly known as Thai Mangur or African Mangur or foreign Mangur

Thai Mangur Thai Mangur fish looks like freshwater Mangur. Reduced number of dolphins at Gahirmatha marine sanctuary The January 2020 census spotted only 62 of the marine mammals at Gahirmatha, which is located within Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district.

The January 2020 census spotted only 62 of the marine mammals at Gahirmatha, which is located within Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district.

The census in 2020 was the fourth such dolphin census undertaken in the marine sanctuary. The 2015 census reported 270 dolphins.

Genetic study to conserve the native species of cattle Maharashtra state government has announced that it is to undertake the genetic study to conserve the native species of cattle. A meeting regarding the approval and initiation of the project on initiating was held in Aurangabad recently.

The aim of the move is to conserve the native species of cattle and domesticated animals in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.

The project will be funded by the Maharashtra state government.

The objective of the project is to help in the conservation of the native species of animals in the region.

History, Art & Culture Jaipur certified as World Heritage site by UNESCO The Chief Minister of Rajasthan has dedicated the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) world heritage site certificate for Jaipur to the people on 5th February, 2020.

It is signed between the Tourism Department of Rajasthan and UNESCO and aims at developing 10 new cultural tourism destinations in the State.

It would be implemented during the next three years at a cost of ₹7.50 crore. UP allotted 5-acre land for the construction of a mosque Uttar Pradesh government has allotted a 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for the construction of a new mosque in Ayodhya district.

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The move comes after the announcement of the introduction of trust to manage the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It has easy access. Ayodhya is located at a distance of around 25 km. Government is compiling a National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture is the nodal agency for the Scheme for ‘Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India’.

As of now, SNA is collaborating with Zonal Cultural Centers of Ministry, collating and preparing a list of ICH elements for National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra to be renamed as Sushma Swaraj Bhawan Government of India has renamed the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra as Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi. It has also decided to rename the Foreign Service Institute to Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.

The aim is to honour the legacy and decades of public service of the former External Affairs Minister.

She served as the 5th Chief Minister of Delhi from 13th October to 3rd December 1998. She was a seven-time Member of Parliament. She served as MLA for three terms. Patel jointly inaugurated Cha-Chai art work at National Museum Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel has jointly inaugurated the Cha-Chai, installation of art-work of Joana Vasconcelos at the National Museum.

India and Portugal collaborating to develop various cultural projects in India. The teapot artwork was symbolic, depicting cultural bridges between people and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

The exhibition will further strengthen the cultural bonds between the two countries. Railways to operate new train based on Ramayana theme Indian Railways will operate a new train based on Ramayana theme which will take pilgrims to locations associated with Lord Rama.

Indian Railways will operate a new train based on Ramayana theme which will take pilgrims to locations associated with Lord Rama.

The new Ramayana circuit train will start operating from the last week of March. Narendra Modi unveiled the Deendayal Upadhyaya statue Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled the 63-ft tall statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya while inaugurating the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Memorial Centre in Padao on the Varanasi-Chandauli border.

The 'pancha loha' statue is the tallest statue of the BJP ideologue in the country. Over 200 artisans have worked for almost a year in order to complete the structure. Handicrafts Exhibitions for promotion of Geographical Indication Crafts With an objective to promote Geographical Indication (GI) crafts and heritage of India the Ministry of Textiles is organising Kala Kumbh - Handicrafts Thematic Exhibition in various parts of the country through the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).

The exhibitions are planned in various major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Hindi is the 3rd most spoken language of the world Hindi is the 3rd most spoken language of the world in 2019 with 615 million speakers. The 22nd edition of the world language database Ethnologue stated English at the top of the list with 1,132 million speakers.

Chines Mandarin is at the second position with 1,117 million speakers. Government renamed IDSA as Manohar Parrikar Institute The government of India has renamed Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), a government think tank, as Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in order to "honour the commitment and legacy" of the late defence minister.

Manohar Parrikar served as the Defence Minister from 9 November 2014–14 March 2017. He steered the Ministry through the tough challenges of attacks like Pathankot and Uri and responded to these with exemplary boldness. Big archaeological discovery near Varanasi A 4000-year-old urban settlement has been unearthed by a team of the Benaras Hindu University in Varanasi, which experts say is one of the craft villages mentioned in ancient texts.

Current Affairs 2020

The Benaras Hindu University’s Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology which did a preliminary survey of the site in Babhaniyav village, 13 km from Varanasi had found remnants of one of the settlements that have been mentioned in various literatures surrounding the holy city. First anniversary of the iconic National War Memorial The first anniversary of the iconic National War Memorial is being observed on 25 February. A solemn ceremony will be held to mark the first anniversary at NWM.

Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and veterans from the three services will lay wreaths and pay homage to the fallen soldiers. GSI uncovered gold deposits in Sonbhadra district The Geological Survey of India (GSI) discovered gold deposits in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh to the tune of around 3,000 tonnes. The deposit is almost five times India's current reserve of gold.

The gold deposits were found in Son Pahadi and Hardi areas of Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.

Tribal Affairs Minister inaugurated All India Tribal Workers Meet Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs inaugurated the All India Tribal Workers Meet organised by Bharatiya Adim Jati Sevak Sangh (BAJSS). Munda garlanded the portrait of Thakkar Bapa on the occasion.

The meet highlighted the works that are to be carried out to the communities primarily tribals and nomadic, semi-nomadic and Vimukta Jati communities of India and weaker sections of the society. Marathi to be made compulsory in schools in Maharashtra The Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in Schools Bill, 2020 has been passed by the Maharashtra state government which makes Marathi a compulsory subject in all schools across boards, including the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), IB and Cambridge, from the forthcoming academic year.

Marathi will be compulsory for Class 1 in the primary and for Class 6 in the secondary section.

Important Days & Events Foundation Day of Indian Coast Guard Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the Indian Coast Guard on its raising day, appreciating its efforts to keep the country's coasts safe.

Indian Coast Guard is an armed force that protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India. President to inaugurated Surajkund crafts fair The 34th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2020 will be inaugurate by President of India Ram Nath Kovind in Faridabad.

Himachal Pradesh is the theme state of this year's Surajkund Mela, showcasing its rich and unique cultural heritage through various crafts of the country. Goa National Games 2020 'Rubigula', Flame-Throated Bulbul, has been unveiled as the official mascot for the Goa 2020 National Games. The Flame-Throated Bulbul is the state bird of Goa.

The mascot Rubigula will generate the interest of people towards the National Games. The mascot incorporates the best elements and characteristics of Goa and the Goan people. World Wetlands Day 2020 World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year internationally on 2 February. It denotes the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971. Theme: World Wetlands Day 2020 International Theme is Wetlands and Biodiversity. This theme reflected in the February 2020 edition of Wetlands Australia. Biodiversity is a foundational value of wetlands and an inherent part of the significance of these ecosystems. India's biggest rural technical festival 'Antahpragnya 2020' District Collector of Nirmal M Prashanthi, inaugurated National Level India's Biggest Rural

Current Affairs 2020

Technical Festival titled 'Antahpragnya 2020' in the state of Telangana at Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies-Basar (RGUKT-Basar), the temple city, 180 km from Hyderabad, the state capital of Telangana. World Cancer Day 2020 World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4 from 2008 by the Union for International Cancer Control. The day is observed by the United Nations also. I am I will is the subject of the current year's World Cancer Day.

The theme of this year Cancer Day is “I am I will”. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2020 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed on 6 February every year to end the practice of FGM. It creates awareness about FGM which is a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

TRIFED conducted a fashion show in Suraj Kund Mela TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs has organised a unique fashion show titled “Naturally North-East: The Naga Narrative” curated by Mrs. Ritu Beri noted fashion designer and Chief designer of Tribes India, at Suraj Kund Mela on 7th February.

The first of its kind fashion show was organized by TRIFED in association with Tribes India and Suraj Kund authorities. National Deworming Day 2020 National Deworming day is observed on 10 February to improve the overall health, nutritional status, access to education and quality of life of the children.

The main objective of the day is to deworm all preschool and school-age children between 119 years of age through the platform of schools and Anganwadi Center. Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2020 Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on 9 February 2020 on the full moon day in the month of Magh (Magh Purnima). In India, this day is a holiday in the regions of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. Two-day Hornbill Festival in Tripura Tripura has organised two-day Hornbill Festival at Baramura Eco-Park, 35 kilometres west of Agartala for the first time in the state. The festival has been organised with twin goals in sight- conservation of Hornbill and to boost the livelihood of the people through tourism.

Hornbill Festival is considered as the Festival of Festivals in Nagaland. Also, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur are organizing the Hornbill Festival to conserve nature and boost tourism.

World Pulses Day 2020 World Pulses Day is observed on 10 February to increase the public awareness of the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production. International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2020

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on 11 February to achieve the empowerment of women and girls and promote the participation of women and girls in science. According to the UN, less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women. 20th International Seminar on Comprehends the Evolving Contours of Terrorism Government has inaugurated the 20th International Seminar on "Comprehends the Evolving Contours of Terrorism & IED Threat-Way ahead for the Security Community". The seminar was organized by the National Security Guard (NSG), at Manesar, Haryana 12 February 2020. It will be held on 12-13 February. World Unnani Day 2020 World Unnani Day was observed on 11 February each year to pay tribute to Hakim Ajmal Khan for his wonderful contribution to the sustained development of the Unani system of medicine in the country and the rest of the world. National Horticulture Fair 2020 National Horticulture Fair 2020 which inaugurated on 5 February 2020 has concluded on 8 February 2020. It focused on creating awareness about the nutrition and vertical gardening for nutritional security and accentuated the need for horticulture-based integrated farming systems.

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National Productivity Day 2020 National Productivity Day is observed on 12 February by the National Productivity Council (NPC) to promote productivity culture in India to propagate productivity, quality, competitiveness, and efficiency.

Also, National Productivity Week is celebrated from 12-18 February 2020. India Action Plan Summit 2020 India Action Plan 2020 Summit was organized by TV Channel Times Now, India's premium broadcast network on 12 February in Delhi. The aim of the TIMES NOW Summit is to accelerate the 'New India' vision by taking a holistic approach in defining a constructive action plan for India.

National Womens Day 2020 National Women's Day is observed on 13 February every year to marks the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu. The day was first celebrated on 13 February 2014 marks the 135th birth anniversary of late Sarojini Naidu. International Women's Day is celebrated on 8 March every year. World Radio Day 2020 World Radio Day is observed on 13 February to create awareness among the media and the public about the importance of radio. It encourages decision-makers to provide access to information through radio. Valentines day 2020 Valentine's day is celebrated on 14 February every year to marks the death anniversary of Saint Valentine. To celebrate the day, all the lovers in the world express their feelings and remember Saint Valentine. World Pangolin Day 2020 World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in February, and this year, the special day falls on February 15, 2020. The measure comes as the world gets ready to observe the ninth ‘World Pangolin Day’ on February 15, 2020. All India Conference of Central Administrative Tribunal 2020 The annual All India Conference of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was held in New Delhi. The one day conference was attended by Judicial and Administrative Members from all 17 Benches of CAT from across the country, members of the CAT Bar Association and eminent Jurists, who deliberated on key issues related to the functioning of the Tribunal and priorities for 2020. 70th Berlin International Film Festival External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S Jaishankar to inaugurate Indian Pavilion at 70th Berlin International Film Festival. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is participating at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2020 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of great the Maratha emperor Shivaji Maharaj. The Jayanti is mainly observed in Maharashtra. This year’s Shivaji Jayanti marks the 390th birth anniversary of great Maratha warrior. World Day of Social Justice 2020 World Day of Social Justice is observed on 20 February every year to encourage people to look at how social justice affects poverty eradication. National Organic Food Festival Union Minister of Food Processing Industries (FPI) Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani jointly inaugurated National Organic Food Festival on 21 February in New Delhi. The festival is organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). Chitra Bharati Film Festival in Ahmedabad The third edition of the Chitra Bharati Film Festival (CBFF) has been began at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad. The three-day festival was inaugurated by the Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Bollywood filmmaker Subhash Ghai. Central Excise Day 2020 Central Excise Day is celebrated on 24 February each year in India. The day recognizes the contribution of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (at present Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs). The day marks the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act in 1944.

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World NGO Day 2020 World NGO Day is observed on 27 February every year to encourage people worldwide who are involved and dedicatedly working for a good cause. The day aims to raise awareness about the NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) sector. Losar festival is celebrated in Himachal Pradesh The Losar Festival holds a special place in the lives of the people living in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh. The festival originated in Tibet during its pre-buddhist period, when it was known as the Agrarian Festival, as it was organized to celebrate the blossoming of the apricot trees.

The special feature of the festival is the 'Chham Dance.'

National Science Day 2020 National Science Day is celebrated in India on 28 February annually to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman on 28 February 1928.

The main objective of the day is to raise awareness to people about the importance of science in daily life. The day aims to encourage people by popularizing Science and Technology. National Protein Day 2020 National Protein Day is observed on 27 February every year to marks the annual commemorative day to rally Indians towards the mission of protein awareness and sufficiency.

The theme of India Protein Day 2020 is #ProteinMeinKyaHai.

International Affairs 1st India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave 2020 The 1st ever India Africa Defence Ministers Conclave was held today at Lucknow, India, in conjunction with DEFEXPO INDIA on 6th February 2020, co-organised by the Ministry of Defence.

This is the first in the series of Pan Africa events at the Ministerial level in the run-up to India Africa Forum Summit IV. Fancied India met Pakistan in first semifinal India will back themselves to reach their third successive final at the Under-19 World Cup when they face arch-rivals Pakistan in a last four clash.

India, the Continuous Winner of the U-19 World Cup, delivered Pakistan a 203-run pounding in the last version in 2018.

The two groups go into the semi-final round unbeaten. While India beat Australia in the quarterfinals, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan. Bangladesh PM inaugurated month long Ekushey Book Fair Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has inaugurated the month long Ekushey Book fair at the Bangla Academy premises in Dhaka.

Ekushey Book Fair is the most significant and most extended book fair of Bangladesh. New Reserves of Natural Gas found in UAE The United Arab Emirates found shallow flammable gas reserves of around 80 trillion cubic feet. The reserve located between the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In November 2019, UAE declared the disclosure of 7 billion barrels of oil.

This raised the unrefined stores of the nation to 105 billion barrels making it the 6th biggest on the planet.

India-UAE The India-UAE respective exchange at present stands at 59.9 billion USD. India is the third biggest speculator in UAE. There are more than 2 million Indian populace living and working in the UAE. G-7 agreed to work with WHO, EU, China to tackle Coronavirus The Group of Seven leading industrialized democracies, G-7 have agreed to work with the WHO, EU and China seeking a unified procedure to tackle the fast-spreading Novel Coronavirus.

Wellbeing Ministers of Germany, Britain, and France are relied upon on 4th February 2020 on 4th February 2020, where the official G7 Meet to held on 10th June 2020 through 12th June 2020.

Current Affairs 2020

India, Russia signed 14 MoUs at the Fifth round of IRMIC The 5th round of India-Russia Military Industrial Conference (IRMIC) was conducted on 6th February 2020 on the sidelines of Defexpo-2020 at Lucknow. During the conference a total of 14 MoUs were exchanged between the Russian OEMs and the Indian companies.

The first ‘Request for Proposal’ for manufacturing of parts in India under the provision of IGA was also handed over by the Indian Navy to the identified Indian industry. HAL signed MoU with Elbit Systems for digital head-up displays for fighter planes Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed an MoU with Israel-based defense electronics company Elbit Systems during the ongoing DefExpo 2020 for promoting and marketing the Digital Head Up Displays (HUD) units.

The MoU envisages extending cooperation for new HUD technologies and promote Digital HUD to the Indian Defence Services and other potential customers. India and Madagascar reiterate maritime security cooperation in bilateral talks Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Lt Gen Rokotonirina Richard, Defence Minister of Madagascar on the second day of DefExpo 2020 in Lucknow. The ties aim to enhance Maritime security cooperation in the region. India’s Trade Deficit with China Indias trade in China decreased from USD 89.71 billion in 2017-18 to USD 87.07 billion in 201819. India’s trade in China decreased from USD 89.71 billion in 2017-18 to USD 87.07 billion in 2018-19.

India’s trade deficit with China reduced from USD 63.05 billion to USD 53.57 billion. DRDO signed Technology Development Contract with Rosoboronexport Russia Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a technology development contract with a Russian company Rosoboron export at DefExpo 2020.

The contract has been signed for the development of Advanced Pyrotechnic Ignition Systems. Nepal to count LGBT population in census Nepal's upcoming national census will for the first time count the LGBT population in the Himalayan nation in order to better allocate government jobs and education set aside for minority groups.

The moves come after the demand by the LGBT community of Nepal where the census taken every 10 years to count sexual minorities. India UK partnership on developing jet engine technology India and the U.K. are exploring various options for collaboration on joint defence projects and are close to signing a government-to- government agreement on jet engine technology development.

Both India and the UK are exploring various options for collaboration on joint defence projects. India, African countries resolve to fight terror India and several African countries has pledged to deepen cooperation to combat the growing threat of terrorism and preserve maritime security by sharing information, intelligence and surveillance, in a joint deceleration adopted at the first India- Africa Defence Ministers conclave at the ongoing Defexpo.

India- Africa Defence Ministers' conclave was attended by 12 Defence Ministers. Over 38 countries were represented at the conclave. India-Central Asia business council The government of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) together launched India-Central Asia Business Council. The council will share its recommendations to promote business in the region and with each other.

It will examine the viability of establishing air corridors between and Central Asia to boost trade in perishable goods, agricultural and food products. India, Sri Lanka to strengthen cooperation to combat terrorism Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa on 8 January during his state visit to India. The leaders discussed covering a range of key bilateral issues, including trade, defence and security, and the island nation's Tamil population.

They discussed the joint projects in Sri Lanka apart from deepening trade, investment, and people-topeople ties.

PM Modi reaffirmed that the new lines of credit (LoC) announced in 2019 will strengthen development cooperation between the two countries.

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African Union Summit Commences 2020 The annual African Union Summit has kicked off in Addis Ababa. This 33rd Ordinary Summit, which commenced on 21st January, will run until the 10th of February.

The theme of the summit is "Silencing the Guns: Creating conducive conditions for Africa's development". Iran failed to launch satellite Zafar into orbit Iran launched a communications satellite called Zafar 1 atop a Simorgh rocket from Imam Khomeini Space Center in northern Iran, the Associated Press reported. But Zafar 1 didn't make it all the way to orbit.

The satellite reached an altitude of 540km. The rocket propelled the Zafar satellite into space successfully.

As the carrier did not reach the required speed, it failed to launch the satellite into orbit. US approved sale of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System to India US has approved the sale of an Integrated Air Defence Weapon System to India for an estimated cost of $1.9 billion to moderni se its armed forces and to expand its existing air defence architecture to counter threats posed by air attacks.

The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System is also known as the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS). India, UK begin Ajeya Warrior joint counterterror Army exercises Indian and British armed forces has began their joint 'Ajeya Warrior' exercises in the Salisbury Plain of central southern England to train troops in counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations.

The aim of the exercise is to conduct company-level joint training with an emphasis on counter-terrorist operations in urban and semi- urban areas. Fifth edition of Joint Military Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-2020 Fifth edition of Joint Military Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-2020 between India and United Kingdom will be conducted at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom from 13 to 26 February 2020. The exercise will comprise of 120 soldiers each from Indian and United Kingdom Army who would be sharing their experiences gained during conduct of various counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in the past.

The aim of this exercise is to conduct company level joint training with emphasis on counter terrorists operation in Urban and Semi Urban areas. US president Donald Trump to visit India US President Donald Trump will embark on a two-day visit to India from February 24 during which he will travel to New Delhi and Ahmedabad to further strengthen the strategic bilateral partnership and highlight the strong and enduring bonds between the American and Indian people. MoU signed between India and Iceland in the field of Fisheries Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Iceland in the field of Fisheries. The MoU was signed on 10 September 2019.

The MoU will strengthen the existing friendly relations between India and Iceland. It will also enhance consultation and cooperation on Fisheries including consultation on bilateral issues. India has authorised export of defence products to 42 countries The Centre has authorised companies to export military equipment to 42 countries across the world including the UAE, Sweden and Singapore. Export of Dornier Do 228 aircraft and coastal surveillance system to Seychelles has received authorization from India.

The Companies have also been authorised by the Indian government to export helmets, bomb suppression blankets, soft armour panels and cartridges to Germany. President of Portugal arrives for a 4-day visit in India Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has arrived India for a 4-day visit from 14 February. This is President Marcelo's first visit to India.

He will be accompanied by Professor Eurico Brilhante Dias, Secretary of State for Internationalization, Professor Augusto Santos Silva Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, and Jorge Seguro Sanches, Secretary of State for National Defense. New Zealand unveiled first AI police officer called Ella New Zealand Police has unveiled their first AI officer, with hopes she'll soon be smiling and blinking out of screens in stations all around New Zealand.

Ella is a life-like virtual assistant. It uses real-time animation to emulate face-to-face interaction in an empathetic way.

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Jamuna Progresses Joint Hydrographic Operations Off Sri Lanka Indian Navy’s Sandhayak class Hydrographic Survey Ship, INS Jamuna (J16), commanded by Captain HA Hardas arrived Colombo, Sri Lanka on 06 February 2020. The ship has been deployed to Sri Lanka based on a mutual agreement to carry out Joint Hydrographic Survey off the South West Coast of Sri Lanka. GIC RE gained on Russian business license for subsidiary General Insurance Corporation of India has obtained license from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation for its subsidiary company, GIC Perestrakhovanie, Moscow, for commencement of reinsurance business.

The scrip rose 2.08% to Rs 243.15. It traded in the range of Rs 239 and Rs 243.15 so far during the day.

The license was received by the corporation on 12 February 2020. The permit enables the subsidiary to commence transacting domestic and international reinsurance business in Russia based on the capital invested by the corporation. India, Thailand marching hand-in-hand to foster business relations A Networking Meet called 'India-Thailand: Today, Tomorrow, Together' has organized by AsiaOne Magazine & URS Media on February 6, 2020, in collaboration with the India Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) at their premises at Sathon, Bangkok, which was a prelude to the gala business summit namely the 13th Asian Business & Social Forum 2020. Portugal to keep joint expertise with India on priority To boost cooperation in a range of areas, including defense, investment, transport, ports, culture, and industrial and intellectual property rights and yoga India and Portugal signed 14 agreements.

The agreements were signed after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in New Delhi. FPI Minister inaugurates India Pavilion at GulFood 2020 in Dubai Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal has inaugurated the India Pavilion at 25th Edition of the GulFood 2020, Dubai being held from 16th to 20th February 2020.

FPI Minister took a tour of the fair and interacted with the Indian exhibitors and urged them to make use of the platform of GulFood 2020 for facilitating tie ups between foreign investors and accelerate the pace of export of food products from India to the western market. Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh visited Myanmar Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy is visiting Myanmar from 17 to 20 February 2020. The visit is intended to consolidate and enhance the bilateral maritime relations between India and Myanmar. India, Norway joined to mitigate marine plastic litter and microplastics India and Norway have pledged to work together to address the issue of marine plastic litter and microplastics. Recently, India and Norway acknowledged that it cannot be tackled by anyone country alone and that it would require concerted action through collaboration, and cooperation.

India and Norway agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters. India-Bangladesh concluded Exercise SAMPRITI-IX at Umroi India-Bangladesh military jointly concluded SAMPRITI-IX at Umroi in Shillong on February 15. SAMPRITI-IX was successfully going in from the last two weeks. The exercise was aimed at the participating infantry contingents practicing joint drills for counter-terrorism operations.

It allowed the two armies to understand each other's tactical drills and operating techniques. 17th edition of BioAsia in Hyderabad The 17th edition of BioAsia, a three-day event beginning is set to host an exhibition with about 175 exhibitors and top corporates. The top five of the 75 will be awarded a cash prize co-sponsored by BIRAC and CIE-IIIT Hyderabad at the closing ceremony.

It is considered as Asia's largest Biotechnology and Life Sciences Forum. UAE approved to operate the first nuclear power plant The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the operations of Barakah nuclear power plant. It is the UAE’s first nuclear reactor that has achieved criticality. The plant is located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.

It was built by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation. India and Norway strengthen partnership on blue economy India’s Minister for Earth Sciences, H.E. Dr Harsh Vardhan, and Norway’s Minister for Climate and Environment, H.E. Mr Sveinung Rotevatn, opened the India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development.

Current Affairs 2020

The two countries also commenced a new collaboration on Integrated Ocean Management & Research. India, Maldives agree to take on terrorism, radicalisation India and Maldives agreed to combat terrorism, radicalization in both the countries after Union Home Minister Amit Shah has met his Maldivian counterpart, Sheikh Imran Abdulla, on 21 February 2020. The Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism and counterradicalization.

They also discussed various issues of mutual interest in the area of security and law enforcement cooperation. U.S. signed Peace Deal with Taliban in Afghanistan Recently, the U.S. and the Taliban have signed a deal that paves the way for eventual peace in Afghanistan. U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad and the head of the militant Islamist group, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, signed the potentially historic agreement in Doha, Qatar, where the two sides spent months hashing out its details.

There are more than 12,000 US troops in Afghanistan. A report stated that 2,448 Americans have died in combat there since the invasion in October 2001. Exercise Ajeya Warrior 2020 The 5th edition of joint military Exercise Ajeya Warrior 2020 concluded at West down Camp, Salisbury Plains Training Area, UK. The exercise was held between India and the United Kingdom.

Brigadier Tom Bewick, Commander of UK 7 Infantry Brigade and Brigadier Gavin, Defence Attache of the UK in India attended the closing ceremony of the event. 16th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission between India and Australia The 16th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) between India and Australia was convened in New Delhi on 24th February 2020. The Session was co-chaired by ShriPiyushGoyal, Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Government of India and Hon. Senator Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Government of Australia.

The countries acknowledged the considerable growth in the India-Australia economic relationship in strategic, trade and people-topeople links since the last JMC in June 2018. India, US signed 2 MoUs and 1 Letter of Cooperation during Trump visit to India Three international documents, including two MoUs and one letter of cooperation, have been signed during US President Donald Trump’s official visit. One Memorandum of Understanding is on Mental Health, and the other MoU is on the Safety of Medical Products. US became India's top trading partner The US has surpassed China to become India's top trading partner, showing greater economic ties between the two countries. According to the data of the commerce ministry, in 2018-19, the bilateral trade between the US and India stood at USD 87.95 billion.

The bilateral trade between India and the US stood at $87.95 billion in the year 2018-2019. India Myanmar exchanged 10 agreements in various fields India and Myanmar has exchanged 10 agreements in various fields including infrastructure, energy, communication and health. The agreements were exchanged following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Win Myint in New Delhi. Both leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral issues.

MoU was signed on Cooperation for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons; Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation, and Re-Integration of Victims of Trafficking by HE Shri Saurabh Kumar Ambassador of India to Myanmar and HE Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador of Myanmar to India

An agreement was signed regarding Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIP) by HE Shri Saurab h Kumar, Ambassador of India to Myanmar and HE Moe Kyaw Aung Ambassador of Myanmar to India.

Polity & Governance

CBDT issued clarification on the new provision in Finance Bill 2020 Central Board of Direct Taxes confirms the Finance Bill, 2020 proposed that an Indian citizen deemed to be a resident in India.

The new provision in Finance Bill, 2020, intended to include in the tax were Indian citizens who are bonafide workers in other countries. Cabinet Supported Amendments to Allow RBI to Control Cooperative Banks The arrangements would enable the financial controller to override and assume responsibility for weak co-operative banks.

Current Affairs 2020

RBI New Recommendations Under the new recommendations, the co-operative banks will require to look for the RBI gesture before the arrangement of the CEO. The banks will likewise do reviews according to RBI rules.

Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister of India has approved the Introduction of the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

It also approved Ex-post facto to 21 posts of Directors, one each in 20 IIITs (PPP) and one in IIITDM Kurnool (IIIT-CFTI) and Ex-post facto to 21 posts of Registrars, one each in 20 IITs (PPP) and one in IIITDM Kurnool (IIT-CFTI). Abolition of anti-dumping duty on Purified Terephthalic Acid The government has abolished anti-dumping duty on a chemical called Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA). PTA is an important raw material which is used in making various products, including polyester fabrics.

PTA makes up for around 70-80% of a polyester product and is, therefore, important to those involved in the manufacture of man- made fabrics or their components. National conference on e-governance 2020 The National Conference on e-Governance 2020 concluded in Mumbai after two days of rich deliberations on issues, opportunities and challenges in transforming governance using digital technologies.

The conference included discussion on the rich deliberations on issues, opportunities, and challenges in transforming governance using digital technologies. e-Governance is the key to the future of India's developmental journey in the 21st century. Government to launch CPGRAMS reforms at the National Workshop on e-office Government will launch the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) Reforms to create a nation- wide momentum for the creation of e-Office across the State Secretariats at the National Workshop on e-office on 12 February 2020 in Parvasi Bhartiya Kendra, Chankyapuri, New Delhi.

The e-Office Mission Mode Project (MMP) was launched in 2011-12. It was launched in a phased manner and current phase-III is under implementation. UP Cabinet approved 2020 Ground Water Act The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Ground Water Act-2020 on February 11, 2020 to improve the falling groundwater level.

Under the Ground Water Act, 2020, registration is mandatory to install submersible pumps. Cabinet approved amendment of the 2020 Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill The Union Cabinet approved the amendment of the Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020 which was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2020. The Bill seeks to provide resolution for disputed tax cases that involve Rs.9.32 lakh crore. Cabinet approved 2020 Pesticides Management Bill The Union Cabinet has approved Pesticides Management Bill, 2020 on 12 February which aims to regulate the business of pesticides and compensate farmers in case of losses from the usage of spurious agro-chemicals.

The bill aims to promote organic pesticides. Cabinet nod to Major Ports Authority Bill to replace existing law The Union Cabinet has approved the "Major Ports Authority Bill" on 12 February. It will replace the existing 1963 law (Major Port Trusts Act, 1963) that governs the country's 12 major ports. The announcement was made by Union Minister Mansukh Lal Mandaviya.

The proposed law will enhance the overall efficiencies of the ports. Arvind Kejriwal to take oath as Delhi Chief Minister Indian politician and a former bureaucrat Arvind Kejriwal to take oath for the third time as chief minister of Delhi. AAP won 62 seats in the 70-member Delhi assembly while BJP managed eight seats. Congress failed to win any place in the recently held Delhi elections. JK, Ladakh is to come under the jurisdiction of CAT Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh will soon be covered by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Addressing the annual conference of the CAT in New Delhi. The CAT so far had jurisdiction only over central services issues in Jammu and Kashmir.

Current Affairs 2020

Odisha State Backward Classes Amendment Bill passed in State Assembly Odisha State Backward Classes (Amendment) Bill has passed in the Odisha assembly to enable its newly constituted Backward Class Commission to conduct a survey for identifying socially and economically backward classes on the basis of their socio-educational status.

The amendment was necessary to conduct a survey of the households of backward classes. Private member’s Bill calls for two-child norm A Private Member’s Constitution Amendment Bill has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha proposing incentives in taxation, education and employment for people who limit their family size to two children. Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, 2020 The Union Cabinet has approved the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Regulation Bill, 2020 to monitor medical procedures used to assist people to achieve pregnancy.

The Bill will regulate the Assisted Reproductive Technology services in the country. Consequently, infertile couples will be more ensured/confident of the ethical practices in ARTs. 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety The Minister of Road Transport & Highways represented India at the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Stockholm (Sweden). It is organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in association with the World Bank and minister-led delegations from more than 80 countries. Constitution of 22nd Law Commission of India The Union Cabinet has approved Twenty-second Law Commission of India for a period of three years from the date of publication of the order of Constitution in the Official Gazette.

It shall also undertake studies and research for bringing reforms in the justice delivery systems for elimination of delay in procedures, speedy disposal of cases, reduction in cost of litigation etc.

UP became first state to enforce Performance Regulation Act Uttar Pradesh has enforced Performance Regulation Act 2019 for the power department. Under the act, the consumers will now get financial compensation for the delay in solving their complaints by the power department.

The act will benefit 2 crore 87 lakh people under the new law. 23rd National Conference on e-governance The 23rd National Conference on e-Governance was organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) along with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in Mumbai.

The theme for the conference was “India 2020: Digital Transformation”. International Judicial Conference 2020 The International Judicial Conference 2020 was held from 21st-23rd February, 2020 in New Delhi. The Conference was organized by the Supreme Court of India. The theme of the Conference was ‘Judiciary and the Changing World’. Government approved the 22nd Law Commission for 3 years Government has formally approved the twenty-second Law Commission of India for a period of three years. The law commission will provide a recommendation on different aspects of law, to the government, which are entrusted to the Commission for its study and recommendations, as per its terms of reference.

Cabinet its nod to order on adopting central laws in concurrent list for J&K Cabinet has approved issuance of an order for adaptation of Central Acts in Jammu and Kahmir under Section 96 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 by the central government.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 has been reorganized into Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh on 31 October 2019.

High-level committee submitted report on Clause 6 of Assam Accord to Sonowal A high-level committee (HLC) on implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord formally submitted its report to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The committee gave recommendations and measures to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

Current Affairs 2020

17th meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-Linking of Rivers The Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Social Justice & Empowerment Rattan Lal Kataria chaired the 17th Meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-Linking of Rivers (ILR). The Inter-Linking of Rivers, the vision of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was discussed in detail.

The project comprises 16 rivers of Himalayan origin and 14 in the peninsular region. Cabinet approved the Surrogacy Regulation Bill 2020 The Union Cabinet has approved the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2020 which will allow widows and divorced women to be surrogate mothers. The Bill has incorporated all recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha Select Committee. Bihar passed a resolution for caste-based census The Bihar assembly has passed a resolution for a caste-based census in 2021 on 27 February. The move comes after state assembly passed a resolution stating that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is "not needed in Bihar".

Science & Technology World's First Transcatheter Mitral Valve The Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation (TMVI) system received European CE mark this week. It is the world first transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) technology to gain commercial clearance. CADD Centre launched courses in electric vehicles technology CADD Centre, Asia's largest network of engineering design-training institutes launched courses in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology. The courses cover the spectrum of this emerging field, covering design, manufacturing, repair, maintenance, and setting up of the charging infrastructure. India is developing new Swine Fever Control Vaccines The ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research's) Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) has built up a cell culture Classical Swine Fever immunization.

First coil rolled out from RSP's new hot strip mill The Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has achieved a new feat by successfully rolling out the first coil from its newly- installed world-class hot strip mill.

The Mill setup at the expense of about Rs. 3000 Crore and will advance the item bushel and will improve the Company's piece of the overall industry. India to develop 200-km range tactical ballistic missile India is going to launch a new tactical ballistic missile capable of striking targets at a range of 200km. The surface-to-surface missile, being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The new weapon traces its origin to the Prahaar missile developed by the DRDO. The Prahaar has a range of 150km. E-calculator to compare due income tax under new, old regime The Income-Tax Department has launched an e-calculator for individuals to estimate their tax liability if they opt for the new tax slabs, without claiming deductions and exemptions, for ITR filing as announced in the recent Budget. World's first bulletproof helmet against AK-47 bullets An Indian Army Major has developed a helmet which is claimed to be first such in the world that can stop an AK-47 bullet round from a distance of 10 meters.

The ballistic helmet was developed under project Abhedya by Major Anoop Mishra. NASA to send Solar Orbiter probe to map Sun's poles NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are gearing up to send a new probe toward the Sun to take a unique look at its blazi ng poles, an unprecedented view expected to help researchers grasp how the star's vast bubble of energy affects Earth and humans in space.

The Solar Orbiter was launched atop an Atlas 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida on February 9.

Current Affairs 2020

World's Cheapest Gun Shot Locator developed by Indian Army Indian Army's College of Military Engineering (CME) has developed the cheapest gunshot locator device "Parth" in partnership with a private firm.

The cost of the device is Rs.3 lakh. If the device is inducted into the Army, it will replace a similar imported item which costs around Rs.65 lakhs.

NASA and ESA set to send Solar Orbiter probe to map Sun's poles The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the European Space Agency (ESA) are gearing up to send a new probe toward the Sun to take a unique look at its blazing poles, an unprecedented view expected to help researchers grasp how the star's vast bubble of energy affects Earth and humans in space. BARC’s Bhabha Kavach now protect the CISFT Bhabha Kavach developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is the lightest level III plus bullet proof jacket (6.8 kgs nominal weight) available in India. The jacket is based on indigenous hot pressed boron carbide and carbon nanotube technologies. Aditya-L1, first Indian mission to study the Sun The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for its first scientific expedition to study the Sun, Aditya-L1. It would be placed into a point in space known as the L1 Lagrange point. Aditya L1 will be ISRO’s 2nd space-based astronomy mission after AstroSat, which was launched in 2015. Pakistan successfully tested Ra'ad-II cruise missile Pakistan conducted a successful flight test of the air launched nuclear-capable cruise missile Ra'ad-II with a range of 600 km significantly boosting the military's "deterrence capability" on land and at sea. India Railways launched online Chatbot ASKDISHA Indian Railways had introduced the services of Artificial Intelligence based ASKDISHA chatbot in October 2018 for the benefit of the users of the ticketing website www.irctc.co.in and tourism website www.irctctourism.com of its PSU, Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC).

The Chatbot was initially launched in English. In order to further enhance the customer services rendered and to further stre ngthen the services of the chatbot, IRCTC has now powered voice-enabled ASKDISHA to converse with customers in the Hindi language. Scientists discovered the first animal that doesn't need oxygen to live A team of researchers have discovered a unique organism that doesn't need to breathe at Tel Aviv University. Henneguya salminicola, the tiny parasite, is the first known multicellular animal that can survive without oxygen. It lives in an anaerobic environment. AIM launched AI-based Module for students in Indian schools Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has launched an AI-based Module rolled out for students in Indian schools on 27 February.

The AI module aims to leverage the full potential of AIM's Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL). It will also empower them to innovate and create valuable solutions benefiting societies at large.

Society and Social Justice NCRB released a study on missing persons in India The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released a study on missing persons (especially on women and children) in India. The analysis was directed by the Supreme Court of India in 2019 to identify the areas prone to child and women trafficking. Karnataka launched scheme to provide Govt services at Home Delivery The Karnataka government has recently launched the Janasevaka scheme in a few municipal corporation wards to ensure home delivery of various services like ration cards, senior citizen identity and health cards. Supreme Court panel recommends several prison reforms The Supreme Court of India has appointed Justice Amitava Roy (retd.) Committee has given recommendations to reform prisons. T he Court appointed the Committee in 2018 to examine the various problems plaguing prisons, from overcrowding to lack of legal advice to convicts to issues of remission and parole.

A total of 1,341 prisons were functional in India as on 30th November, 2018. The total population of prisoners in India was 4.68 lakh against total sanctioned strength of 3.83 lakh.

Current Affairs 2020

India ranked 40th in the International IP Index India’s slipped to 40th position on the International Intellectual Property (IP) Index, which analyses the IP climate in 53 global economies, this year. Last year India was ranked at 36th position out of 50 countries. NIDM organized Conference on DisabilityInclusive Disaster Risk Reduction The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), organized “National Conference on Disabilityinclusive Disaster Risk Reduction: Pathways for Inclusion and Action for Resilience”.

The event was focused to bring together the stakeholders from Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and disability inclusion to delib erate on actions and strategies for mainstreaming disability-inclusion in DRR process. Prince Charles unveils children's protection fund for India Britain's Prince Charles has unveiled a new children's protection fund for India as part of British Asian Trust, the charity founded by him in 2007 to fight poverty in South Asia.

The main areas of focus for the British Asian Trust's Children's Protection Fund will cover child sexual abuse, child labor, and trafficking, and it would aim to develop school safety nets through child-friendly village models. Govt approved proposals under Atal Bhujal Yojana Government of India has approved Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal), a Rs.6000 Crore Central Sector Scheme, for sustainable management of ground water resources with community participation in water stressed blocks of Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

The scheme will be implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25. Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative Report The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) 2020 observes that in India, there were 271 million fewer people i n poverty in 2016 than in 2006, which shows improvement in status.

The Government of India accords high priority to the issue of poverty alleviation in India. Ease of Living Index and Municipal Performance Index 2019 To help assess the progress made in cities through various initiatives and empower them to use evidence to plan, implement & monitor their performance, two Assessment Frameworks, viz.

Ease of LivingIndex (EoLI) and Municipal Performance Index (MPI) 2019 have been launched by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. Separate identity card for the transgender community Rajasthan state government has announced that it is to connect the transgender community with the mainstream society. It is to provide separate identity cards for transgenders in the state. The announcement was made by the Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Master Bhanwarlal Meghwal. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Campaign Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat Campaign has been launched which was organised by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry across the country. It will continue until the 28th of this month.

The aim of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat is to promote the spirit of national integration through engagement between all states and union territories. UP to launched Internship scheme for students Uttar Pradesh government has announced a slew of measures, including internship for students and hiring of girls in police, aimed at increasing employment in the state. Under the scheme, the students will be linked to various technical institutes and industries. First Disha Mahila Police Station The Andhra Pradesh state Government has got its first Disha Mahila Police Station in the state in Rajahmundry. It was inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on 8 February.

Disha (name changed) was brutally raped and killed on the outskirts of Hyderabad on 26 November 2019. Four suspects in the case were arrested on 28 November and killed in an alleged encounter by the Telangana police on 6 December. National Water Conference was in Madhya Pradesh National Water Conference was inaugurated by Chief Minister Kamal Nath in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Well-known water experts in the country have expressed concern over the growing water crisis.

Current Affairs 2020

Kisan Credit Card Saturation Drive for PMKISAN Beneficiaries Government of India has initiated a drive in Mission Mode for saturating all PM-KISAN beneficiaries with Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to enable universal access to Concessional Institutional credit.

This will help all such farmers to get short term loan for crop & animal/fish rearing at a maximum interest of 4% on timely repayment. Mumbai and Kolkata hold the highest cases on women and child trafficking According to the latest study by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the highest incidence of children and women being trafficked were observed from the cities of Mumbai and Kolkata. The data on missing children and women was compiled on the directions of the Supreme Court.

Government inaugurated Conference on Combating Drug Trafficking Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah has inaugurating the two-day 'Conference on Combating Drug Trafficking' for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Partner Nations, in New Delhi.

The conference is in pursuance of the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 4th BIMSTEC summit held at Kathmandu in 2018. Annual fund for juvenile homes in Maharashtra The Maharashtra state Government has recently approved a Juvenile Justice Fund for the welfare and rehabilitation of children in juvenile homes across the state on 12 February 2020.

The cabinet also approved a proposal to make an Rs.2 crore annual budgetary provision for the fund. The fund will be used for the welfare of more than 21,178 children in over 560 juvenile homes across the state. National Conference on Policy Framework for Skilling of Women and Children National Conference on Policy Framework for Skilling of Women and Children was held on 14 February in New Delhi. The Ministries of Women & Child Development (WCD) partnered with Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to enable and empower the women and youth of India with skilling in every segment where India is competent to make a mark. National Workshop on Disaster Risk Financing, Insurance and Risk Transfer The one-day workshop was jointly organized by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and the Insurance Institute of India (III).

The workshop included discussion on the Prime Minister's 10-point agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction and Report of 15th Finance Commission. MoFPI organized National Organic Festival to empower women Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) have jointly organized a National Organic Festival with a special focus on women entrepreneurs. The festival will be held from 21-23 February 2020 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. Soil health card scheme completed 5 years Soil Health Card Scheme which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19.02.2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan completes 5 years on February 19, 2020. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare reported that so far 6954 villages have been identified by the States/UTs in which against the target of 26.83 lakh samples, 20.18 lakh samples have been collected, 14.65 lakh samples have been analyzed and 13.54 lakh cards have been distributed to farmers. The Soil health card scheme completes 5 years on 19 February 2019. 4th National Conference on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana The two-day long 4th National Conference on Review of Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) began in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Secretary, Agriculture & FW, Shri Sanjay Agarwal has inaugurated the Conference.

The conference was aimed to create awareness at the grassroots about the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II The Union Cabinet has approved the Phase II of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM (G)] till 2024-25, which will focus on Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF Plus), which includes ODF sustainability and Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM).

The program will also work towards ensuring that no one is left behind and everyone uses a toilet. Worldwide Educating for the Future Index (WEFFI) 2019 India ranked 35th in the Worldwide Educating for the Future Index (WEFFI) 2019, as per a report published by The Economist Intelligence Unit. This year, India scored 53 and has jumped five ranks from the 40th rank with an overall score of 41.2 across categories in 2018. Finland topped the index followed by Sweden.

Current Affairs 2020

1 in 3 payments for maternity benefit scheme credited to wrong account One in three Aadhaar-based payments for the Centre’s maternity benefit scheme, or Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), was credited to a wrong bank account, according to a progress report on Poshan Abhiyaan (Nutrition Mission) released by the NITI Aayog. India ranked 77th on the Sustainability Index as per UN report India secured 77th rank on the Sustainability Index and 131st on the Flourishing Index in the UN report that was commissioned by a Commission of World Health Organization (WHO), UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and The Lancet.

The report was released by over 40 child and adolescent health experts from around the world. Haryana to inaugurate Atal Kisan Majdoor canteens Atal Kisan -Majdoor canteens would be established in Haryana in the 'mandis' and sugar mills of the state to provide affordable, cheap meals to farmers and labourers at concessional rate of Rs 10 per plate.

The aim of the move is to provide affordable and cheap meals to farmers and labourers at a concessional rate of Rs.10 per plate. Shyama Prasad Mukherji National Rurban Mission completed its 4th years The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) has completed its fourth year which was launched on 21 February 2016.

The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The aim of the vision is to deliver catalytic interventions to rural areas on the threshold of growth. Government launched PM-KISAN mobile application Recently Government of India has launched PM-KISAN mobile application on the first anniversary of the launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) on 24 February.

PM-KISAN App aimed to broaden the reach of the scheme further. NITI Aayog organized SDG Conclave 2020 NITI Aayog has organized Sustainable Development Goals Conclave 2020: Partnerships, Cooperation and Development of North Eastern states- in Guwahati, Assam. The conclave is organized by GoI's policy think tank NITI Aayog in association with North Eastern Council, Assam government, Tata Trusts, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). Responsible AI for Social Empowerment by Govt of India The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is organizing the first Global AI Summit in India (RAISE 2020), “Responsible AI for Social Empowerment” with a focus on AI for Social Transformation, Inclusion, and Empowerment.

RAISE 2020 will be organized by the Government in partnership with Industry & Academia. Daily Living Aids and Devices to senior citizens and Divyangjan Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shall be distributing Assistive Aids and Devices to Senior Citizens (under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana-RVY) and Divyangjans (Under ADIP Scheme) at a mega distribution camp at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on the 29th of February 2020.

The event will be the biggest ever distribution camp being conducted under RVY and ADIP schemes.

Sports Senior Women's National Weightlifting Championships In Senior Women's National Weightlifting Championships Rakhi Halder of Bengal has bagged gold in the 64kg category of the 35th edition of the event in Kolkata.

She lifted 93 kg in snatch and 117 kg in clean and jerk on 5 January 2020. She lifted 10kg ahead of Harjinder Kaur of Chandigarh, her rival. Gulmarg to host 2020 National Winter Games The world-famous ski destination Gulmarg is all set to host a five-day national winter games event from 7th March under Khelo India - a national programme for the development of sports.

National Winter Games is aimed to develop sports across the nation.

Current Affairs 2020

Manpreet Singh won the FIH Mens Player of the Year award Indian hockey team captain Manpreet Singh won the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Men's Player of the Year award. He created a record as he became the first Indian hockey team player to win the awards since its inception in 1999. Khelo India Winter Games in Jammu and Kashmir Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the first-ever five-day Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg.

Khelo India Ladakh Winter Games will feature an open ice hockey championship, figure skating, and speed skating, and the competition will be conducted at the block, district, and UT levels with the expected participation of about 1700 athletes.

Khelo India University Games to begin in Odisha The first-ever Khelo India University Games will begin in Odisha at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. The multi-disciplinary sporting event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Games will be held from 22 February to 1 March 2020 a t Bhubaneswar, Odisha. India won 11 medals at the Brazil Para Badminton International Championships India won Brazil 11 medals at the Para Badminton International Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Among the total are 11 medals, 4 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze medals.

Security Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) inaugurated the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and also dedicated the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to the Nation, where people across the country can lodge their cybercrime complaints online. National War Memorial Prime Minister paid homage to fallen soldiers at the newly-built National War Memorial on the Republic Day instead of Amar Jawan Jyoti beneath the India Gate arch.

It is a monument built near India Gate, New Delhi, to honour the Indian Armed Forces, and it was inaugurated last year on February 25, 2019.

Miscellaneous IAF AN-32 Lands at LEH with Indigenous Bio-Jet Fuel The Indian Air Force (IAF) has achieved another milestone, when an AN-32 aircraft of the IAF, powered with a 10 per cent blend of Indian bio-jet fuel took-off from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh.

This is the first time that both engines of the aircraft were powered by the bio-jet indigenous fuel. APEDA-CFTRI Sign MoU for Guwahati Liason Office A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by CSIR-CFTRI with APEDA to set up a Liaison Office in Guwahati, Assam, to give specialized help to the nourishment businesses in the North East district. It will profit the ranchers, makers, and business people. Winner of the Aussie Open Novak Djokovic returns to No. 1 Novak Djokovic came back to No. 1 in the ATP rankings 3rd February in the wake of winning his eighth Australian Open title, while Sofia Kenin's first Grand Slam trophy helped her to a vocation high No. 7 — and made her the leading American — on the WTA list. Department of Science & Technology launched a unique scheme SATHI The Department of Science & Technology (Ministry of Earth Sciences) has launched a unique scheme called Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institutes (SATHI).

SATHI will address the problems of accessibility, maintenance, redundancy and duplication of expensive equipment in the institutions. DefExpo 2020 attracts more than 1,000 defence companies Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will commence DefExpo 2020 in Lucknow on 5th February 2020. The ministry claimed that exhibitors had booked 42,800 square metres of exhibition space this year, 60 per cent higher than the 26,774 square metres booked in Chennai. Defence ministers and military chiefs of 40 countries will attend the event this year.

Current Affairs 2020

Meghalaya CM inaugurated Meghalaya Police Academy at Umran Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the Meghalaya Police Academy at Umran in Ri-Bhoi district in the presence of Home Minister James K Sangma.

The Meghalaya Police Academy is located at Umran, Niangbyrnai. It is close to the North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA) in the Ri- Bhoi district.

Initially, the academy will take in 40 trainees. The setting up of the academy began in 2011. KVIC designed Apiary on Wheels-A concept for Bee Keeping Khadi and Village Industries Commission has designed ‘Apiary on Wheels’, a unique concept for the easy upkeep and migration of Bee Boxes having live Bee colonies.

Apiary on Wheels is a holistic approach to address the challenges faced by the beekeepers.

It has been designed to reduce the labour and cost of maintaining and upkeeping Bee Boxes and live bee colonies across India. Govt inaugurated the Phase I of East-West Metro corridor of Kolkata Metro Government of India has inaugurated and flagged off the Phase I of East-West Metro corridor of Kolkata Metro on 13 February at a function in Kolkata. He also dedicated a project in Katwa-Azimganj and Monigram-Nalhati sections of Howrah and Malda Divisions.

The East-West corridor up to Howrah Maidan is expected to be completed by December 2021. India first inter-city electric bus service between Mumbai and Pune launched Government of India launched India’s first inter-city electric bus service between Mumbai and Pune. The company associated with this service said that they are planning to extend these services in other parts of Maharashtra and adjoining states in the near future.

The 43-seater capacity luxury electric bus is capable of operating within a range of 300 kilometers on a single charge and would be administered twice daily between the two cities. Titabor became Assams first zero-waste town Titabar town in Assam under Jorhat District has bought laurels to the state by becoming Assam's first ‘zero waste town’ by revolutionizing management of solid waste.

Any town that has processed up to 80% of waste can be claimed to be a zero-waste town.

Titabor has set up a material recovery facility where all organic waste is managed through aerobic composting. Centre for Research and Education in Data Science The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Palakkad set up a Centre for Research and Education in Data Science (CREDS) on its campus at Kanjikode, Kerala. It will be established with an aim to provide quality education and research. It also aims to develop data science and artificial intelligence (AI).

NFR Constructed India’s tallest pier bridge in Manipur The Northeast Frontier Railway (NF) Construction Organisation has built India's tallest railway pier bridge across river Makru in the Tamenglong district of Manipur.

India's tallest pier bridge is 100 m tall. It is equivalent to a 33-storey building. Trump became 3rd US President to visit Taj Mahal Donald Trump becomes the 3rd US President to visit the Taj Mahal. He visited Taj Mahal with his wife Melania Trump during his two- day state visit to India. He visited India in 2000. Also, in 1959, then US president David Dwight Eisenhower had visited Taj.

Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It is a mausoleum of white marble. It is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. Exercise Indradhanush 2020 The fifth edition of Exercise Indradhanush was held between the Indian Air Force (IAF), India and Royal Air Force (RAF), the UK at Air Force Station Hindan, Airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh on 24 February 2020. The exercise will formally conclude on 29 February 2020.

The focus of the exercise is 'Base Defence and Force Protection'. The exercise considers the recent threats to military establishments from terror elements. Offshore Patrol Vessel-6 “VAJRA” launched at Chennai The 6th Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-6) 'VAJRA' was launched on 27 February at Chennai, Tamil Nadu where Union Minister of State for Shipping (I/C) and Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the launching ceremony.

The 6th OPV VAJRA will strengthen the efforts of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to secure over 7500 km of vast coastline.

Current Affairs 2020

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