Current Affairs February 20 2020

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 20 February 2020, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2020 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

India to switch to World’s Cleanest petrol and diesel from April 1,2020: Bharat Stage(BS)-VI
India to switch to World’s cleanest petrol and diesel from April 1,2020, when it proceeds to Bharat Stage (BS-VI) from BS-IV grades at present. India will join the select league of nations using petrol & diesel which contains 10ppm (parts per millions) of Sulphur which cuts down vehicular discharge that is stated to be one of the reasons for pollution.
Key Highlights
i.BS-VI contains 10ppm with good emission standards as Compressed Natural Gas whereas BS-IV contains 50ppm.
ii.Delhi and its surrounding regions supplied  BS-VI by April 2019, while the other regions in India will start to supply from April 2020.
iii.It took 3 years to change from BS-IV to BS-VI.State-owned oil refineries spent about ₹35,000 crore to upgrade plants that could produce ultra-low sulphur fuel.
iv.Sanjiv Singh, chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) stated that new fuel will reduce the Nitrogen Oxide NOx in 25% in petrol cars and 70% in diesel cars with implementation of BS-VI.
Adoption
In the early 1990’s India adopted a fuel upgradation programme. In 1994, low level gasoline (Petrol) was introduced in Delhi, Mumbai & Chennai, while the rest of the parts had been from February 1, 2000.
About Indian Oil Corporation
Chairman – Sanjiv Singh
Headquarter- New Delhi
Products- Petrol, Natural gas, Petrochemicals.

Report “Today for tomorrow: realising the potential of Life Sciences 4.0” released at 17th BioAsia 2020 in Hyderabad, Telangana
BioAsia 2020 was held at the life science capital of India i.e. Hyderabad , Telangana from 17th- 19th February, 2020 on the theme “Today for Tomorrow”. It was hosted by the Government of Telangana in partnership with EY (Ernst & Young Private Limited). It was the 17th edition of the flagship international convention – BioAsia, whose CEO is Shakthi Nagappan. The event was attended by Piyush Goyal, Minister for Commerce and Industry.

• The aim of the conference was to explore the investment capabilities of Life sciences companies. As a part of  it, the event saw the release of a report by EY titled “Today for tomorrow: realising the potential of Life Sciences 4.0”stating India is the largest provider of generic drugs globally.…Click here to Read More

Northeast Frontier Railway Construction built India’s tallest pier bridge in Manipur
The northeast frontier railway construction has constructed India’s tallest railway pier bridge. It is built across the Makru river in the Tamenglong district ,near Noney of Manipur
Structure of the Bridge
i.Total amount spent was Rs 283.5 crore.
ii.It is 100m tall similar to a 33 storey building.
iii.The width 555m is a part of 111km Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal new broad gauge line.
About Northeast Frontier Railway Construction
Set up by- The government of India through the Act of parliament in 1971
General Manager/ Construction- Shri Sanjive roy
About Manipur
Capital- Imphal
Governor- Najma Heptulla
Chief Minister- N. Biren Singh

India to end Thermal coal import from FY 2023-2024- Pralhad Joshi
Union Minister of Coal & Mines Shri Pralhad Joshi stated that India will stop importing thermal coal from FY 2023-2024 at two-day national workshop called ‘Chintan Shivir’ at kevada in Gujarat on 17^th& 18^th February 2020.
Key takeaways discussed by Minister
Following ideas will be implemented only after examining its feasibility
i.The different ways & means were discussed with key stakeholders to achieve 1 billion tonnes(BT)coal production target by coal India limited (CIL) by FY 2023-2024.
ii.The Ministry of coal to coordinate with Indian Railways & shipping ministry and
authorize CIL, Captive and Commercial miners to remove more coal by 2030.
iii.On diversification front, the CIL can think about transforming the pithead thermal
power plant into an integrated energy company.
iv.CIL can generate 5 GW of solar by FY 2023-2024 and diversify them into coal gasification with a target of 50 million tonnes by 2030 to enable a long term energy mix for the country.
v.Drilling agencies like Central Mine Planning and Design Institute(CMPDI) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) should benchmark their operations to global standards by digitizing their databases.
vi.To achieve zero mortality rate by FY 2023-2024 and to introduce Coal Ministry’s award to recognize & appreciate the best practice.

8^th edition of Ganga Kayak Festival celebrated in Uttarakhand
On February 17, 2020- 8th edition of the “Ganga Kayak festival” was inaugurated by MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) Vinod Kandari in Devprayag, Uttarakhand. The festival was celebrated for 3 days from feb.17, 2020 to feb. 19, 2020.
Key Points:
i.The festival was organized by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and The Adventure Sports Society witnessed participation of 45 males and  6 women athletes from Russia, Australia and Nepal.
ii.In male sprint category, India’s Ayodhya Prasad stood first followed by Nepal’s Man Bahadur Kandel, Rishi Rana of India coming 3rd place.
iii.In the women’s category, Elizabeth Health of Australia came in first followed by Ekaterina of Russia and Anna of Russia in the 3rd position.
iv.Among the Indian kayakers, Ashu Rawat was presented the best peddler award. Jill of Australia won the first place in women’s water cross while Rishi Rana was the best peddler in mass water cross. Priyanka Rana and Vikas Rawat were presented the best debut award in the women’s and men’s categories respectively.
About Uttarakhand:
Capital- Dehradun.
Chief Minister (CM)- Trivendra Singh Rawat.
Governor- Baby Rani Maurya.

Centre Changes Pension Rules of Government Employees recruited before January 1, 2004 but joined after 01.01.2004
The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has notified that all Central Government employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before January 1, 2004 but who joined service on or after 01.01.2004, for administrative reasons, can now opt to be covered under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 instead of the NPS (National Pension System). This decision followed the demand of Central Government employees whose recruitment was finalized before January 1, 2004 but who had, joined the services on or after January 1, 2004.
Key Points:
i.The pensioner, who was recruited before 2004 has provided with the option of either switch over to the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 or continue to be covered under the National Pension System.
ii.The last date to exercise this option is May 31, 2020 and who failed to do so would continue to be covered by the National Pension System.
iii.The employees who exercise option to switch over to the pension scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, will be required to subscribe to the General Provident Fund (GPF).
About Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare:
It is the nodal department for formulation of policies relating to pension and other retirement benefits of Central Govt. employees covered under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.
Minister of State– Dr. Jitendra Singh

India’s foodgrain production to hit a record high of 291.95 million tonnes for crop year 2019-20
In accordance with the Second Advance Estimates for crop year 2019-20 by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, the total foodgrain production in the country is estimated at record 291.95 million tonnes as compared to the production of foodgrain of 285.21 million tonnes in 2018-19. It should be noted that the 2019-20 production is also higher by 26.20 million tonnes than the previous five years’ (2013-14 to 2017-18) average production of foodgrain. India’s crop year is July-June.
Reason Behind the increase
The cumulative rainfall in the country during the monsoon season (June to September, 2019) has been 10% higher than Long Period Average (LPA), resulting in a boost in foodgrain production….Click here to Read More

MOU signed by India-Myanmar for bus service
India and Myanmar signed an MoU for regular passenger bus service between Imphal and Mandalay. The bus service will begin in April 2020.
Highlights
i.The MOU was signed between the two firms namely Shwe Mandalar Express Company limited, Yangoon & Seven Sisters Holiday, Imphal
ii.Trial run had conducted in December 2015 in the presence of officials from both the countries.
iii.Bus service from Mandalay will end at the border of Tamu from there Indian bus operators will take passengers to Moreh town in Manipur.
iv.Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh stated, an link will be made between Manipur- Myanmar would commence soon.
About Manipur
Capital- Imphal
Governor- Najma Heptulla
Chief Minister- N.Biren Singh
About Myanmar
Capital- Naypyidaw
Currency- Burmese Kyat
President- Win Myint

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India ranks 77^th in terms of sustainability & 131^st in flourishing index:UN report
On February 20, 2020, According to the report, “A future for the world’s children?” commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and The Lancet medical journal, India ranks 77^th in terms of Sustainability Index and 131^st in the Flourishing Index of Children’s Survival, health,education and Well-being.
Sustainability index is associated with per capita carbon emissions and ability of children in a nation to live healthy lives.
i.A commission of more than 40 child and adolescent health experts funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) from around the world has released the report ,where the capacity of 180 countries has been assessed whether they are able to ensure that their children grow and prosper.
List of Top 3 & Bottom 3 countries on Sustainability & Child flourishing Index

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EAM Jaishankar attends Munich security conference 2020 in Germany
External Affairs minister (EAM), Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has attended the 3-day long Munich Security Conference 2020, the world’s leading forum for debate on international security policy, held at Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany from February14 – 16 2020.
Key Points:
i.High-ranking international decision-makers, including more than 35 heads of government and heads of state, as well as more than 100 cabinet ministers  participated in the conference.
ii.On the sidelines of the security conference, Jaishankar met several other world leaders attending the meet including his counterparts of Georgia, Portugal, Singapore and Lithuania.
iii.He also met Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the United States House of Representatives ),U.S. ambassador to the United Nations’ Kelly Knight Craft,U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and discussed bilateral relationship ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to India in February 2020.
About Germany:
Capital– Berlin
Currency– Euro
Chancellor– Angela Merkel

Overview of Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s 3- day visit to Dubai, UAE
The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal has paid a 3-day (February 16-18, 2020) visit to Dubai, UAE (United Arab Emirates) to attend the 25^th Gulfood 2020 & inaugurated the Indian Pavilion in the event.
i.Food Processing Industries Minister, Harsimrat Kaur Badal has met her counterpart Minister of State for Food Security in the United Arab Emirates(UAE), Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Muhairi &they discussed ways to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of food processing….Click here to Read More

Indian Pavilion inaugurated by external affairs minister Dr S. Jaishankar at 70th Berlinale 2020External affairs minister(EAM) Dr S. Jaishankar inaugurated Indian Pavilion at the 70th edition of Berlin International Film Festival( Berlinale) 2020 in Berlin, Germany.
EAM expressed the following
i.The cinemas will be a medium to boost collaboration & partnership between India & World.
ii.India’s partnership at Berlinale provided a chance to strengthen the bilateral relationship and take forward the co-production platform.
Highlights

• EAM invited Berlinale participants, directors, filmmakers to participate at 51^stInternational film festival of India (IFFI) through films, delegates and partnership.
• EAM revealed the poster of the 51st edition of Indian International Film Festival to be celebrated in Goa 2020.
• Delegates released Pickle Magazine at the Pavilion.

Jaishankar holds talk with German Minister of Foreign affairs Heiko Maas
DrS. Jaishankar had a talk with Heiko Maas. Jaishankar tweeted & expressed gratitude for his strong support for expanding India EU ( European Union) cooperation
About Germany
Capital- Berlin
Currency- Euro
About EU
Headquarter- Brusels, Belgium
Capital- Brussels

BANKING & FINANCE

HDFC, MasterCard and SAP concur partnered to manage spending in corporate sector
On February 18,2020  HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corporation), MasterCard and SAP concur collaborated to manage the spending of the corporate sector.
Key points:
i.HDFC Bank will offer a corporate credit card for business travellers, providing a one-stop solution for payment and expense management during business trips. The card will enable seamless integration of all business-related spend into SAP Concur offerings, enhancing employee experience, increasing visibility, saving money, and improving efficiency.
ii.Interest free Credit period for the card is upto 50 days and it will enhance employee experience, accurate view on their spending’s and gives protection against fraud invoice.
iii.SAP Concur offers credit for travel, expense, and invoice management solutions and the corporate credit card is supported by MasterCard.
About HDFC(Housing Development Finance Corporation):
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Founded- 1994
Managing Director- Aditya Puri
Tagline- We Understand your World
SAP Concur India:
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Founded- 1999
Managing Director (MD)- Mankiran Chowhan
Mastercard south Asia
President- Porush Singh

Kotak Mahindra Bank gets RBI’s approval for reducing the promoter’s stake to 26%
On February 19, 2020, Kotak Mahindra Bank,an Indian private sector bank has received final approval from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to reduce the promoter’s stake to 26 %.
Key Points:
i.Earlier on January 30, the bank had conveyed in-principle approval of the RBI to reduce the promoters’ stake to 26 % of the paid-up voting equity share capital (PUVESC) within 6 months of the final approval.
RBI had asked the bank to reduce the stake of the promoters to 20 % of the paid-up share capital by 31 March 2018 and 15 % by 31 March 2020.
ii.Along with this, the bank is moving towards bringing back the case filed against RBI in the Bombay High Court (HC) for reducing the stake of promoters.
iii.Background: Uday Kotak, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Kotak Mahindra Bank, is also the promoter. It is noteworthy that in August 2018, the bank proposed to issue preferential shares to reduce promoter’s stake to 19.70%, which was rejected by RBI. The bank then challenged the RBI decision in the Bombay High Court (HC).
iv.According to RBI’s regulations related to bank licensing, promoters of private sector banks have to reduce their shareholding to 40 % within 3 years. Under this rule, shareholding has to be brought down to 20 % within 10 years and 15 % within 15 years.
About Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd:
Founded– February 2003
Founder– Uday Kotak
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tagline– Let’s Make Money Simple.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Women entrepreneurship can create 170 million jobs: ‘Women Entrepreneurship in India—Powering the economy’ report
In accordance with the report titled ‘Women Entrepreneurship in India – Powering the economy with her’ by Bain & Company and Google, Indian women entrepreneurs can generate transformational employment in India with 150–170 million job opportunities, which is more than 25% of the new jobs required for the entire working age population by 2030. The lead author of the report was Meghna Chawla, a Bain & Company partner.

• The report is based on responses from more than 60 female entrepreneurs and a granular survey with more than 1,100 women across rural, semi-urban and urban India.

Key Points:
-The report identifies six dominant segments of female entrepreneurs and estimates India to have 13.5–15.7 million enterprises owned by women, representing about 20% of all enterprises….Click here to Read More

EESL, BSNL inks MoU for installing 1000 public EV charging stations
On February 18, 2020 State-owned Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has signed an MoU with BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) for installing 1000 public charging stations for Electric Vehicles.
Key Points:
i.EESL will set up public charging stations in 1000 BSNL sites in a phased manner & also entire upfront investment on the services pertaining to the MoU, along with the operation and maintenance of the charging infrastructure.
ii.BSNL would be responsible for providing the requisite space & power connections for installing the charging infrastructure.
iii.According to the vision of National Electric Mobility Programme, EESL has commissioned 300 AC (Alternate Current) and 170 DC (Direct Current) chargers across India and at present, 66 public charging points are operational in New Delhi, India.
About BSNL:
Founded- October 1, 2000.
Headquarters- New Delhi, India.
Chairman & MD (Managing Director)- Pravin Kumar Purwar.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS          

Centre appoints three experts as NDMA members
On February 19,2020, The Government of India has approved the appointment of Rajendra Singh (former Director General of the Indian coast guard), Syed Ata Hasnain (former Lt. General of Army) and Krishna Vatsa (Policy and Recovery Advisory, Climate change and disaster risk reduction, United nations Development Program) as the members of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Key points:
i.Along with the appointments, the government also extended the tenure of Kamal Kishore presently serving as NDMA member for another 5 years.
ii.The Newly appointed candidates will serve as the members of NDMA for a tenure of 5 years and the appointment is approved by Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi.
iii.NDMA is an apex body of the government of India to lay down the policies for Disaster management.
About National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
Headquarters- New Delhi
Founded- 2005
Chairman- Shri. Narendra Damodardas Modi
Parent Agency- Ministry of Home Affairs

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS  

Twitter acquired Chroma Labs founded by Facebook veterans
On February 19, 2020 Twitter has acquired California-based Chromo Labs for an undisclosed amount. Chromo Labs develop tools for short-form video & photo creation and was founded by 7 Facebook and instagram workers in 2018.
Key Points:
i.About Chroma Stories app: The Chroma Stories app let users fill in stylish layout templates and frames for posting collages and Instagram stories, Snapchat etc.,
ii.In 2019, Chroma Labs has enabled creators and businesses around the world to create millions of stories with the Chroma stories app.
iii.Nearly 6,15,000 people have installed chroma stories app according to Sensor Tower report.
iv.Chroma Labs co-founders include Instagram ‘Boomerang’ inventor John Barnett, CTO (Chief Technology Officer) Alex Li, who was an engineering manager on Facebook photos and Instagram stories & Joshua Harris, product design manager on facebook’s augmented reality team.
About Twitter:
Founded- 21 March 2006.
Headquarters- United States (US).
CEO (Chief Executive Officers)- Jack Dorsey.

     SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

First ever long Endurance solar-powered unmanned aircraft PHASA-35 flies successfully
On February 17, 2020, High Altitude Long Endurance vehicle (HALE), Persistent High Altitude Solar Aircraft (PHASA)- 35 has the potential to remain airborne for a year is the First ever long endurance solar-powered unmanned aircraft which has successfully completed its maiden test flight and it developed by BAE systems in collaboration with Prismatic Ltd.PHASA-35, has a wingspan of 35 metres and can carry upto 15 Kilos.
About Phasa-35:
i.PHASA-35 is an alternative to satellite having all the qualities of an aircraft, and it remains airborne within the stratosphere but above the weather and conventional air traffic level.
ii.PHASA-35 can be used for fire detection, maritime surveillance and Border protection, etc.
And the flight trial is conducted at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Woomera range in South Australia.
iii.The operation is being sponsored by United Kingdom’s (UK) Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Australian Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and the design & product developed by UK based BAE systems aerospace company within 20 months.

SPORTS

Football — India to host 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup
On February 19, 2020 The Women’s Committee of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) informed that India has been recognised as the first South Asian to host the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, in the meeting held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Key Points:
i.Besides India, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan were the other competing candidates.
ii.Venues: D.Y. Patil Stadium (Maharashtra), TransStadia Arena (Gujarat) and Fatorda Stadium (Goa).
iii.The committee expanded the AFC Women’s Asian Cup from 8 to 12 teams will be played in 3 groups of 4 teams with a minimum of 25 matches with eight teams qualifying for the newly introduced quarter finals.
iv.India will also have the experience of hosting the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup in 2020.
About AFC:
Motto- One Asia One Goal.
Headquarters- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
President- Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.
AFC Women’s Committee Chairperson– Mahfuza Akhter Kiron

AIFF received ‘Grassroots Charter Bronze Level’ membership of AFC
On February 18, 2020 The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had received the “Grassroots Charter Bronze Level” membership which will allow the national body to promote its basic-level events recognised by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) .
Key Points:
i.This declaration accords AIFF the right to promote its grassroot events & activities with support and recognition of the AFC in accordance with the applicable terms of the AFC Grassroots Charter.
ii.In 2014, AIFF received President Recognition Award for grassroots football along with Philippines and Tajikistan.
iii.AIFF had achieved a podium finish for its work at the grassroots levels along with Japan and Vietnam in the year 2013.
About All India Football Federation:
Founded- 23 June 1937.
Headquarters- Dwarka, Delhi.
President- Praful Manoharbhai Patel.

Brazil Para badminton International 2020 in Sao Paulo: India finish with 11 medalsBadminton World Federation (BWF) ,the international governing body for the sport of badminton has organized Brazil Para badminton International 2020 in Sao Paulo,Brazil from 10 – 15 February 2020.
The tournament consists of Men’s Singles, Doubles , Women’s Singles, Doubles & Mixed Doubles play. India ended its campaign with 11 medals(4 Gold, 5 Silver,2 Bronze).
While,China emerged the most successful team with 8 gold medals.
Highlights:
i.Indian para-badminton player Pramod Bhagat from Odisha claimed 2 gold medals for India at the Championship in men’s singles SL3 and men’s doubles SL3-SL4 categories along with Manoj Sarkar.
Here’s the full List of Indian Winners:…Click here to Read More

India to host the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2020; ‘Kick Off the Dream’ is official sloganOn February 18, 2020 Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the 5 host cities of India for the FIFA  (Federation Internationale de Football Association) Under-17 Women’s Football World Cup which begins on 2nd November 2020.
The official slogan of the tournament is: Kick Off the Dream.
Key Points:
i.Host cities: Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Guwahati (Assam), Kolkata (West Bengal) and Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) were confirmed as the 5 host cities for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
ii.Finals: The final match will be held at Dr D Y Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra on 21st November 2020.
iii.Participants: 16 teams will compete across 32 matches to lift the title.
About FIFA:
Motto- For the Game, For the World.
Headquarters- Zurich, Switzerland.
FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer- Sarai Bareman.
President- Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino.

OBITUARY

Former FICCI president & Executive Chairman of KCP Group V L Dutt passed away at 82
On February 18, 2020 Velagapudi Lakshmana Dutt, former FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) President & Executive Chairman of KCP Group passed away at the age of 82 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Dutt was born on December 27, 1937 and was educated in London.
Key Points:
i.About V L Dutt: Dr. Dutt served as the past president of All India Organisation of Employers, ICC India, Indian Sugar Mills Association, Cement Manufacturers Association & Andhra Chamber of Commerce. He also served as the past vice-chairman of ICC’s (International Chamber of Commerce) Commission on International Trade and Investment Policy, Paris.
ii.He also served on the boards of various public sector companies such as Air India Limited (Ltd), Indian Airlines Ltd., DCM Shriram Industries Ltd., Salora International Ltd.
iii.Awards & honours: He was awarded honorary degree of Doctor by Nagarjuna University, Andhra Pradesh (AP), for his contribution in the areas of education, industry, rural development & medical care.He was the honorary Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Chennai for TN, Kerala, Karnataka, AP and Puducherry.
iv.Dr. Dutt was awarded the Medal of Friendship by Mr. Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in 2017.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Union Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar unveils an annual reference book India/Bharat 2020On February 19,2020, The Union cabinet Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri. Prakash Javadekar has released the 64th Edition of the book “The Reference Annual- India/Bharat-2020” in both English and Hindi and also released  the e-version of the book.
Key points:
i.The book consists of the information about India and its developments, progress and achievements of various Government Ministries, Departments and Organisations during the year 2019.
ii.The book has been published by the Publications Division (India) along with New Media Wing (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting)
iii.The function was also attended by Shri Ravi Mittal, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and other senior officers of the Ministry.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Day of Social Justice was observed on February 20, 2020World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20. The day creates awareness against social injustice regarding gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.
Theme of 2020: “Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice”.
The theme aims to uphold the principles of social justice by promoting gender equality, or the rights of indegenous people or migrants.
Key Points:
i.Many Organizations, including the UN (United Nations) and the International Labour Office (ILO) create awareness on the importance of social justice for people and also present plans by tackling poverty, social and economic exclusion, unemployment.
ii.Fact: On 26th November 2007, The United Nations General Assembly has approved to observe 20 February every year as the World Day of Social Justice & started observing since 2009.

STATE NEWS

TN govt announced 5 girl child welfare scheme & will celebrate former CM Jayalalitha’s birth anniversary as ‘State Girl Child Protection Day’ on Feb 24
On February 20, 2020, According to the Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister(CM) ,Karuppa Gounder Palanisamy (known as Edappadi K. Palaniswami),the state government will celebrate the birth anniversary of former CM Jayaram Jayalalithaa on February 24 as ‘State Girl Child Protection Day’ in honor of the passion with which she worked for the well-being of children, especially girls.
5 schemes for children living in government-run homes
i.When the orphan girl residing in government-run homes complates 21 years of age, the state government of Tamil Nadu will deposit ₹2 lakh in the bank in their name to help them get a better life in society after they leave the government homes.
ii.The state Government also increased the monthly amount paid to the foster parents of the girls to ₹4,000 from ₹2,000.
50% subsidy for ‘Ulemas’ to buy two-wheelers, pension doubled
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) Palaniswami has announced a 50 % subsidy for ‘ulemas’(Muslim scholars who are recognized as having specialist knowledge of Islamic sacred law) to purchase a new two-wheeler and increase their pension to Rs 3,000 from Rs 1500.….Click here to Read More

Current Affairs Headlines: 20 February 2020

1. India turn on to World’s Cleanest petrol and diesel from April 1,2020: Bharat Stage(BS)-VI
2. Report “Today for tomorrow: realising the potential of Life Sciences 4.0” released at 17th BioAsia 2020 in Hyderabad, Telangana
3. Northern Frontier Railway Construction built India’s tallest pier bridge on February 2020 in Manipur
4. India to end Thermal coal import from FY 2023-2024- Pralhad Josh
5. Ganga Kayak Festival celebrated in Uttarakhand
6. Centre Changes Pension Rules of Government Employees recruited before January 1, 2004 but joined later
7. India’s foodgrain production to hit a record high of 291.95 million tonnes for crop year 2019-20
8. MOU signed by India-Myanmar for bus service
9. India ranks 77^th in terms of sustainability & 131^st in flourishing index:UN report
10. EAM Jaishankar attends Munich security conference 2020 in Germany
11. Overview of Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s 3- day visit to Dubai, UAE
12. Indian Pavilion inaugurated by external affairs minister Dr S. Jaishankar at 70th Berlinale 2020
13. HDFC, MasterCard and SAP concur jointly developed Corporate credit card for Travelers
14. Kotak Mahindra Bank gets RBI’s approval for reducing the promoter’s stake to 26%
15. Women entrepreneurship can create 170 million jobs: ‘Women Entrepreneurship in India—Powering the economy’ report
16. EESL, BSNL in MoU for 1000 public EV charging stations
17. Centre appoints three experts as NDMA members
18. Twitter acquired Chroma Labs founded by Facebook veterans
19. First ever long Endurance solar-powered unmanned aircraft PHASA-35 flies successfully
20. Football — India to host 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup
21. AIFF received ‘Grassroots Charter Bronze Level’ membership of AFC
22. Brazil Para badminton International 2020 in Sao Paulo: India finish with 11 medals
23. India to host the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2020; ‘Kick Off the Dream’ is official slogan
24. Former FICCI president & Executive Chairman of KCP Group V L Dutt passed away at 82
25. Union Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar unveils an annual reference book India/Bharat 2020
26. World Day of Social Justice was observed on February 20, 2020
27. Tamil Nadu govt to celebrate former CM Jayalalitha’s birth anniversary as ‘State Girl Child Protection Day’ on Feb 24

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