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INDIAN AFFAIRS
Great Indian Bustard (GIB) announced as the new mascot for the 13th UN Convention on the CMS COP-13
Union Environment Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan,on Friday announced the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) as the mascot for the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) to be held in Gujarat in 2020.The Government also launched a website for the COP-13.
i. CMS-COP 13 is a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. It has over 120 participating countries.So far, 12 COPs (Conference of Parties) have been convened.
ii. COP-13 will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 15 – 22 February, 2020
Related Point
The Indian Sub-continent is part of the Central Asian Flyaway (CAF), a major bird flyaway network, which covers areas between the Arctic ocean and Indian ocean, covering 279 populations 182 migratory waterbird species, including 29 globally threatened species.
Important Migratory birds and animals in India – Amur falcons, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Humpbacked whales.
Suresh Prabhu initiated two schemes in Mumbai for women SHG
On February 9,2019,Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu launched two schemes,the Hirkani Maharashtrachi and District Business Plan Competition in Mumbai.
About Scheme
i. Under Hirkani Maharashtrachi, women’s Self-help group(SHGs) will display their business plan at taluka level. Ten groups will be selected from each taluka and Rs. 50,000 will be given to each SHG to implement their idea.Five SHGs at district level will be selected and Rs. 2 lakh will be given to each SHG to take the idea forward.
ii. Under District Business Plan Competition, competitors at district level will display ideas, out of which five ideas will be selected from agriculture, social service, education and Work order worth Rs. 5 lakh will be given to the 5 selected ideas to implement the same.
Voter verification and Information Programme was launched by Election Commission
On 8th February 2019, Election Commission of India (ECI) launched a Voter Verification and Information Programme (VVIP) for citizens to verify their details, change the details, new registration and corrections. The programme focus on 2019 General Election.
Key Points
i. The ECI has set up helpline centres in all districts in India. The voter helpline number is 1950 and they are well equipped with to help callers with latest information.
ii. VVIP technology was launched during 2day training cum workshop on the use of Information and Communication Technology which was held in New Delhi.
iii. ECI also launched a ‘PwD app’ to enable Persons with Disabilities (PWD) to request to change in address, change in particulars and new registration by using mobile application.
iv. Voter Helpline app was also launched which will help voters to check their names in electoral roll, submit online forms, application status checking and complaints filing.
Two day Bengal Global Summit held in Kolkata
On February 7,2019, The fifth edition of West Bengal Global Business Summit was inaugurated by state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.It is a two day summit held in Rajarhat,kolkata.
About the Summit
i. West Bengal bagged over Rs. 40,000 crore worth of investment proposals from Reliance, Group, ITC and others multinational companies on the first day of the business summit.
ii. The summit came to a end with West Bengal government signing 86 agreements entailing business proposals worth 2.84 lakh crore.
iii. The U.K. India Business Council (UKIBC) signed an MoU to work on promoting trade and investment.
iv. West Bengal with a Gross State Domestic Product of USD 155.32 billion is the 4th largest contributor to India’s GDP and 6th contributor to India’s manufacturing GDP
About West Bengal
♦ Chief minister: Mamata Banerjee
♦ Capital: Kolkata
Assam’s Finance Minister presented 1,193 crore Deficit Budget
Assam’s Finance Minister, Himanta Biswas has presented the fourth Deficit Budget of the state for the fiscal year 2019-20 in the legislative assembly which amounts to 1,193 crore.
Highlights of Budget
i. This budget is the 2nd digital budget of the state
ii. The total revenue of the budget in comparison with previous has increased by 20% and the total expenditure has crossed 70,000 crore.
iii. The budget mainly focuses on dimensions of social security and capital expenditure.
iv. Brides will be given one tola gold belonging to families having income of less than Rs. 5 lakh per annum.
v. Students who passes in 12th class examination with first division will be given e-bike.
vi. Widows below 45 years will be given immediate support of Rs. 25,000.
vii. Rice would be sold at Rs.1 per kg to benefit poor families.
About Assam
♦ Capital- Dispur
♦ CM- Sarbananda Sonowal
♦ Governor- Jagdish Mukhi
Tamil Nadu CM presented Rs. 1,97,721 cr budget for 2019-20
Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister, O Panneerselvam presented the state budget for the Fiscal Year 2019-20. Total revenue of the budget has been pegged at Rs. 1,97,721 crore.
Highlights of Budget
i. The Revenue Deficit of the budget would be Rs. 14,315 crore and Fiscal Deficit would be of Rs. 44,176 crore with no new taxes.
ii. Tamil Nadu will present policies regarding Farmer Organization and Electronic hardware manufacturing.
iii. Rs. 1700 crore will be allocated for 1 lakh concrete houses which are to be built in Cyclone Gaja affected areas to replace damaged houses and huts.
iv. Rs. 28,757 has been attributed for school and education sector. It will establish a new arts and science college at Rameswaram named after former President APJ Abdul Kalam.
v. Rs. 13,606 has been allocated for the development of ports and highways.
vi. Rs. 6,256 has been allocated for housing and urban development.
vii.On the energy front, the state-run TANGEDCO will be establishing floating solar power projects in Theni, Salem and Erdoe with a capacity of 250 MW at an estimated Rs 1,125 crore”.
viii.Government would set up a Centre of Excellence for Emerging Technologies under TNeGA (Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency) to harness artificial intelligence, machine learning, block chain, big data and Internet of Things.
ix.French food processing to set up an integrated industrial park near Chennai at an investment of Rs 2,000 crore.
About Tamil Nadu
♦ Capital- Chennai
♦ CM- Edappadi K. Palaniswami,
♦ Governor- Banwarilal Purohit.
Kerala HC verdict that banks are liable for unauthorized withdrawals from customer accounts
On February 5,2019,The Kerala High Court Justice P B Suresh Kumar, ordered that banks cannot be absolved of the liability for unauthorized withdrawals from their customers’ accounts.
i. This judgment have been released after the appeal made by SBI against a lower court’s order to compensate a customer who lost Rs 2.4 lakh due to unauthorized withdrawals.
ii. While dismissing the appeal of SBI, the court clarified that SMS alerts cannot be the basis to determine the liability of a customer, as there would be account holders who do not check SMS alerts regularly .
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Multinational Maritime Exercise ‘Aman 19’ commenced in Karachi
The 5-day multinational maritime exercise ‘AMAN-19’ in which 46 nations participated from all over the world was formally commenced at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, with a colorful flag hosting ceremony.
Key Points
i. Pakistan’s Naval Chief, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi welcomed the participations of Exercise AMAN-19, the 6th episode of the AMAN initiative,with motto “Together for Peace”.
ii. Principal aim to conduct this exercise is to facilitate a forum of understanding of each other’s maritime concepts and operation cultures and to produce ways and means to confront common threat at sea.
iii. The exercise will have 2 phases- Harbour phase and sea phase.
About Pakistan
♦ Capital- Islamabad
♦ PM- Imran Khan
♦ President- Arif Alvi
BANKING & FINANCE
Asian Development Bank raised $100 million in international market
On 8th February 2019, The Asian Development Bank raised $100 million from peso-linked bonds in the international market. It was their maiden issue of Philippine peso.
Key Points
i. The move will help to reduce foreign exchange risk for ADB’s borrowers and support its growing local currency lending operations in Philippines.
ii. J P Morgan was the sole lead manager and bonds were fully placed with institutional investors in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
iii. Earlier in 2005 and 2007 ADB issued bond in the Philippine domestic capital market but it was the first time to mobilize Philippine peso funding from international investors through a currency linked structure.
iv. ADB is an international development finance institution and a regional development bank with a motto to fighting poverty in Asia and the Pacific.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB)
♦ Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
♦ President: Takehiko Nakao
RBI Doubles the limit of bulk deposits from Rs. 1 crore to Rs 2 Crore
On 7th February 2019, Reserve Bank of India decided to treat deposits to over Rs.2 crore as ‘bulk’ as they doubled the limit for the same from the earlier Rs.1crore. This move will enhance operational freedom of Banks.
Key Points
i. RBI also proposed banks would maintain their bulk deposits interest rate cards in the core banking system for supervisory review.
ii. The right to offer differential rate of interest in bulk deposits as per their requirements and Asset Liability Management (ALM) projections is vested with banks.
iii. For a similar maturity period interest rate on bulk deposits are marginally higher than smaller amount fixed deposits.
iv. National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies Limited (NAFCUB) has suggested this proposal.
v. The decision in proposal for setting up an Umbrella Organization (UO) for urban cooperative banks in pending with RBI.
RBI slaps Rs 1.5 crore fine on Allahabad Bank for fraud reporting delay
On Feb. 8 2019, Allahabad Bank said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 1.5 crore on them for not monitoring end use of funds, delay in classification and reporting of fraud and non-adherence with RBI guidelines during restructuring of accounts in respect of one of its borrowers.
About Allahabad Bank
♦ MD & CEO – S. S. Mallikarjuna Rao
♦ Headquarters – Kolkata
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
♦ Governor – Shaktikanta Das
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
IRDAI imposes Rs 9 lakh fine on United India Insurance
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority has imposed a fine of Rs nine lakh on state-owned United India Insurance.
i. Insurance regulator IRDAI,imposed a sum of 5 lakh imposed for violation of regulations such as assigning of surveyors and submitting reports,insurer offering a settlement to the insured as well as paying the claim to the insured.
ii. The balance 4 lakh – 1 lakh each was for violations of circular and guidelines on rates and discounts an insurer can offer .
About IRDAI
♦ Headquarters: Hyderabad
♦ Chairperson: Subhash Chandra Khuntia
About United Insurance
♦ Headquarters: Chennai
♦ CEO: Shri Girish Radhakrishnan
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Himachal’s growth rate projected at 7.3% in current financial year
Economic Survey Report for 2018-19 has projected the growth rate in Himachal Pradesh to be around 7.3% for the current financial year, 2018-19, while the per capita income is estimated at Rs 1,76,968. Economic growth was 6.5% in the last fiscal, highest in last 3 years.
Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in current fiscal has increased to Rs 1,36,542 crore and estimated to be about Rs 1,51,835 crore in 2018-19.
About Himachal Pradesh
♦ Capital – Shimla
♦ Chief Minister – Jai Ram Thakur
♦ Governor – Acharya Dev Vrat
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Yes Bank wins the Aegis Graham Bell Award 2018 for ‘Innovation in Data Science’
On Feb. 1 2019, Aegis Graham Bell Award 2018 announced Yes Bank as winner in ‘Innovation in Data Science’ category for their industry-first project ‘Yes EEE (Engage Enrich Excel)’ at Panaji, Goa.9th edition of Aegis Graham Bell Award 2018 was hosted by the Government of Goa.
About Aegis Graham Bell Awards (AGBA)
Promotes innovations and entrepreneurship in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) domain.
About Yes Bank
♦ MD & CEO – Mr. Ajay Kumar
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
Sena Medals awarded to 92 army men, including Lance Naik Wani
Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, GOC-in-C (General Officer Commanding), Northern Command, presented Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards to army officers, other ranks and next of kin (for posthumous awards).
i. The army commander presented 1 Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 76 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 7 Sena Medals (Distinguished)and 8 Vishist Seva Medals.
ii. Lance Naik Wani was conferred with the Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), received by his wife on his behalf.The brave soldier had sacrificed his life while combating terrorists at Batagund Village in Jammu & Kashmir in November 2018.
iii. 20 units were also awarded for their overall outstanding performance in the Command Theatre in the year 2018.
Related Point:
♦ Lance Naik Wani is also a recipient of the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime award.
Canadian Academy conferred Deepa Mehta with Lifetime Achievement award
Acclaimed Indo-Canadian filmmaker, Deepa Mehta will be conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
Key Points
i. This award will be presented in privilege of Deepa’s enormous impact and impression she has had on the essence of Canada’s entertainment industry.
ii. Deepa Mehta is best known for her trilogy- “Fire”, “Earth” and “Water”.
iii. Deepa Mehta was born in India but she had shifted to Canada in 1973 after her marriage. She is currently engaged on Netflix series “Leila”.
iv.In May 2012, she was awarded the Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts named “Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement”.
Canada
Capital- Ottawa
♦ Currency- Canadian Dollar,
♦ PM- Justin Trudeau
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
Radheyshyam Julaniya designated as new Union Sports Secretary
IAS officer (Madhya Pradesh cadre), Radheyshyam Julaniya will replace Rahul Bhatnagar as the Union Sports Secretary.
i. Bhatnagar has been released by the Sports Ministry and is set to join the Ministry on Panchayati Raj.
ii. Notable achievements of the Sports Ministry during the tenure of Mr. Rahul Bhatnagar include opening of the National Sports University, Khelo India Youth Games, hosting international tournaments like Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneshwar and World Women’s Boxing Championship in New Delhi.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Anti-tank missile “Helina” sucessfully test-fired in Balasore
India test-fired Helina, a helicopter-launched version of the Nag anti-tank guided missile, with a hit range of 7-8 km, from the Odisha Coast on Friday.
i. Helina was launched from an Army chopper and the weapon system was tested for its full range at 12:55 PM near the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur in the Balasore District of Odisha.
ii. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Helina is said to be one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons in the world. It is guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in the lock-on-before-launch mode.
Related point:
♦ On July 13, 2015, 3 round trials of Helina were conducted at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It was also test-fired from Rudra helicopter at Pokhran Test Range on August 19, 2018.
SPORTS
Rohit Sharma becomes 1st Indian to smash 100 sixes in T20 Cricket
Indian opener Rohit Sharma became the first man from his country to smash a century of sixes in T20I cricket in the second T20 between India and New Zealand held in Eden park in New Zealand.
i. He made his T20I debut against England but played his first innings against South Africa in 2007 T20I .
ii. Rohit Sharma surpassed Martin Guptill to become the highest scorer in T20 Internationals with 102 sixes.
Ricky Ponting has been appointed the assistant coach of Australia for 2019 World Cup
On 8th February 2019, Cricket Australia appointed Ricky Ponting as assistant coach for Australia’s cricket team for 2019 World Cup. He had won world cup for three times.
Key Points
i. The main coach for Australian Cricket team is Justin Langer. Ponting was appointed after David Saker’s resignation from the post.
ii. Ricky Ponting worked as assistant for Australia’s T20 in 2017 and 2018. The current batting coach for the team is Graeme Hicks.
iii. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Scheduled to be hosted by England and Wales from 30th May to 14th July 2019.
iv. Ponting played 375 ODI’s and 168 tests for Australia. He won the World Cup for the 1st time in 1999 before captaining and in 2003 and 2007.
About International Cricket Council (ICC)
♦ Headquarter: Dubai, UAE
♦ Chairman: Shashank Manohar
♦ CEO: David Richardson
About Australia
♦ Capital: Canberra
♦ Currency: Dollar
♦ PM: Scott Morrison
International Paralympics committee lifted ban on Russian athletes
On 8th February 2019, International Paralympics Committee (IPC) lifted the ban on Russian Para athletes under certain conditions. The ban was active since August 2016.
Key Points
i. Russian Paralympic Committee was suspended and Russian athlete were banned from Rio de Janeiro Paralympic by IPC on August 2016.
ii. IPC modified the decision as Russian Paralympic Committee had met 69 of the 70 reinstatement criteria outlined in 2016.
iii. IPC plans to arise additional conditions and reinstatement Russia on 15th March. Russia had made insufficient efforts to restore its status as per IPC.
iv. Russian Para athletes after clearing severe doping tests will only be allowed to participate in 2020 Tokyo Games. It will be the first time in six years for Russia to compete.
About Summer Olympics 2020
♦ Host city: Tokyo, Japan
♦ Motto: Discover Tomorrow
♦ Olympics Mascot: Miraitowa
♦ Paralympic Mascot: Someity
♦ 2024 Summer Olympics host city: Paris, France
OBITUARY
British actor Albert Finney ,five time oscar nominee died at age of 82
On February 9,2019,Five time Oscar nominated actor Albert Finney died at the age of 82 due to chest infection in London.The veteran actor was best known for his roles in Tom Jones, Erin Brockovich and Annie.
IMPORTANT DAYS
A toll free cleft helpline number was launched on National Cleft Day
On 8th February 2019,India’s first toll free national cleft helpline named Smile Train India cleft Helpline launched by Smile Train India on National Cleft Day.National Cleft Day is Observed on February 8 2019.
Key Points
i. The number 18001038301 is accessible to people throughout India and they can receive 100% free, quality and safe cleft treatment.
ii. It will create awareness about cleft surgery support by Smile Train and their partner hospitals across India.
iii. Leading specialist in oral health care GSK consumer Health Care Ltd has support Smile Train to provide cleft treatment and aimed to ensure more children get quality treatment and care.
iv. Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding and resources to provided free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally.
v. The Right to Smile Campaign serve as a reminder to all that many children in India continue to live with untreated cleft due to challenges of awareness accessibility and affordability.
