Current Affairs March 3 & 4 2020

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 3 & 4 March 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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Click here for Current Affairs March 1 & 2 2020NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Pune to host 108^th Indian Science Congress with the theme ”Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment” in 2021
On March 2, 2020 The Indian Science Congress association (ISCA) announced that Pune will host the annual session of 108th Indian Science Congress on January 3-7, 2021 at Symbiosis International University’s Lavale campus with the theme,”Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment”.

• Dr Vijay Laxmi Saxena elected as general president of the Indian Science Congress, 2020-21
• In the last 100 years, Pune will host the prestigious meet for the 4th time….Click here to Read More

National Chambal Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh received eco-sensitive zone tag
On March 2, 2020 Centre notified 870 sq km around the National Chambal Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh(MP) as eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) to prohibit polluting activities like  industries, major hydroelectric project,mining, stone quarrying & big construction within the ‘no-go area’ for the purpose of conservation of water bodies, unique geographical features(ravines), flora & fauna.
Highlights
i.It covers about 435 square kilometres & lies across Sheopur, Morena and Bhind districts of MP  with a length of more than 400 kilometers….Click here to Read More

Overview of Myanmar President U Win Myint visit to India from Feb 26-29, 2020The President of Myanmar U Win Myint along with First Lady, Daw Cho Cho, paid a four days visit to India from February 26-29, on the invitation of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, to deepen bilateral ties.

• PM Modi and President Myint held talks; 10 agreements inked.
• India attaches highest priority to its partnership with Myanmar.
• India, Myanmar commits to early conclusion of discussion on bilateral Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA).
• President U Win Myint paid two days visit to Bodh Gaya, Bihar….Click here to Read More

BEE introduces Deep freezer and Light commercial air conditioners under star rating programmeOn March 2, 2020, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE),an agency of the Government of India, under the Ministry of Power, has launched star rating programme for Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC) and Deep Freezers, in its 19^th foundation day under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 in New Delhi.
i.During the occasion, BEE also launched 1^st of its kind initiative, Urja Dakshata Information Tool (UDIT) (www.udit.beeindia.gov.in) developed in association with US (United States)-based World Resources Institute (WRI), to facilitate a database on energy e­fficiency.
ii.A total of 24 devices have been covered under this program so far. These rules are mandatory on 10 appliances such as AC (Air conditioning), frost free refrigerator transformer used in rooms, while appliances like pump sets, ceiling fans, LPG (Liquefied petroleum gas ) stoves are covered under the voluntary scheme….Click here to Read More

11^th National Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) conference 2020 held in New Delhi
A 3-day long 11^th National Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Conference -2020 based on the theme ‘Empowering Youth for Technology Led Farming’ was held in New delhi.It wasinaugurated by Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar.
Key Points:
i.The conference, organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR),focused on technology-led farming and youth entrepreneurship through agriculture.
ii.The conference saw the participation of all the KVKs across India. A number of Krishi Vigyan Kendra publications and different products developed by the KVKs were also launched during the conference.
iii.There are a total of 717 KVKs spread across the country, since the creation of the first KVK at Puducherry in 1974.
About Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare:
Founded– 1947
Headquarters– New Delhi
About Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
Headquarters– New Delhi
Founded– 16 July 1929

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India among top suppliers of pharma drugs used in trafficking: INCB Report 2019In accordance with the “Report of the International Narcotics Control Board for 2019”, by International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) released by United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), India is named among the top manufacturers of illicit and licit drugs that are smuggled to other countries.
Highlights of report with reference to India:
–Non Submission of Form P: India has not submitted Form P of INCB which is used to report annual statistics of substances controlled under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
-Largest seizure in India: 1.8 tons of pseudoephedrine was confiscated in Noida, Uttar Pradesh in a single seizure on May 11, 2019….Click here to Read More

BANKING & FINANCE

SBI switched to Cash Budget Based Assessment (CBBA) method of assessment for corporatesOn March 1, 2020, State Bank of India (SBI) has switched to “Cash Budget Based Assessment (CBBA)” from “Projected Balance Sheet (PBS)” method of Fund Based Working Capital (FBWC) limits for assessment of the working capital requirement for corporates or large advances. CBBA of limits has been initiated for assessment of the FBWC limits for units with total FBWC exposure of more than ₹50 crore from the banking system. SBI has also started Risk Intel, an email service, advising the business units of rating actions in respect of units it has funded….Click here to Read More

RBL Bank ties-up with Zomato to launch co-branded credit card powered by Mastercard
On March 02, 2020, RBL Bank (formerly known as Ratnakar Bank),an Indian private sector bank, has entered into a partnership with Online food ordering and delivery app Zomato to launch co-branded credit cards, powered by Mastercard, for Zomato users.
Key Points:
i.It will be the first of its kind co-branded credit card, available in two variants – basic Edition Classic card and a more premium Edition Card. The basic Edition Classic card starts with an annual membership of Rs.500 (plus taxes).The premium edition is priced at Rs3,000 plus taxes. It will offer benefits such as Zomato Gold membership, cash back as well as airport lounge access.
ii.In the Edition card variant, customers get 10% cashback to their Zomato wallet for payments made via Zomato. In addition, they will also get 2% Edition Cash for all online transactions, 1% on offline purchases and 2000 bonus Edition cash (1 Edition cash is equivalent to Rs. 1) for spending more than Rs 5 Lakh.
While the other variant Edition Classic Card 5% cash bank in Zomato wallet,1.5% Edition Classic Cash cashback for online transactions, 1% on offline transactions & 2000 bonus Edition Classic Cash for spending over Rs 2 Lakh.
About Zomato:
Headquarters– Gurugram, Haryana
CEO– Deepinder Goyal
About RBL Bank:
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
MD & CEO– Mr Vishwavir Ahuja
Tagline– Apno ka Bank
About Mastercard:
Headquarters– New York,U.S.
President & CEO– Michael Miebach (effective from March 1, 2020)

IIT Mandi, EWOK Society sign tripartite deal with NABARD for setting up 3 FPOs in Himachal
On March 2, 2020,The IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) along with Enabling Women of Kamand (EWOK) Society have signed a tripartite agreement with the National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development (NABARD) for collaboration on setting up 3 Farmer Producer Organisation (FPOs) in Himachal Pradesh’s(HP) Mandi district in the next 3 years.
Key Points:
i.NABARD has approved an amount of Rs 35 lakhs in this regard to IIT Mandi and EWOK Society for establishing FPOs, which is a group of farm producers, with members as shareholders in an organisation. It helps them get better access to quality inputs, technology, credit and better marketing access through economy.
ii.The agreement was signed by IIT Mandi’s Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy (SRIC) Dean Venkata Krishnan, EWOK Society Secretary Sandhya Menon and NABARD Chief General Secretary Nilay Kapoor on February 22,2020.
iii.It is to be noted that EWOK is an initiative of IIT Mandi Women’s Center to assist rural women set up small enterprises in 5 panchayats of Kataula, Katindhi, Navlaya, Batheri and Kamand in Mandi by giving them proper guidance, training & information.
iv.Earlier, the union Cabinet gave its nod to set up 10,000 FPOs by 2024.
About Himachal Pradesh:
Capital– Shimla
Governor– Bandaru Dattatreya
Chief minister– Jai Ram Thakur
About National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development (NABARD):
Formation– July 12, 1982
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Chairman– Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala

Paytm Insurance Broking secures brokerage licence from IRDAI
On March 3, 2020, Indian digital payments platform Paytm’s subsidiary, Paytm Insurance Broking, has received the brokerage licence from the Insurance Regulatory and Authority of India (IRDAI).
Key Points:
i.Paytm will now offer insurance in various categories namely automotive, health and life. In addition to this, Paytm customers can also get policy management and claim settlement at select merchant points.
ii.Paytm Insurance Broking aims to support its 16 Million merchant partners to sell its innovative insurance products all over India. Also it aims to expand the outreach of its products in a hassle-free manner and empower the merchant by providing an alternate income source.
iii.Paytm has already partnered with 20 insurance companies and is now planning to get an additional 30 companies in future.
About Paytm:
Parent organization– One97 Communications
Headquarters– Noida, Uttar Pradesh
President– Amit Nayyar
It had incorporated 2 insurancefirms— Paytm Life Insurance Corporation Ltd and Paytm General Insurance Corporation Ltd in 2018.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

OECD downgraded India’s GDP growth to 5.1% from 6.2% for 2020
On March 2, 2020, Global agency Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in its report titled “OECD Interim Economic Assessment Coronavirus: The world economy at risk” has trimmed India’s real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth forecast to 5.1% from the earlier projection of 6.2% for 2020 due to the impact of deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) on the domestic as well as the global economy. For 2021, India’s real GDP growth is projected at 5.6% from the earlier forcast of 6.4%.
Key Points:
-This downward revision is not slated only for India but all G20 economies in 2020 will face this decline.
-On global front, GDP growth is projected to drop to 2.4% in 2020 from 2.9% in 2019. It is expected to recover to 3.3% in 2021.
Point to be noted:
The Economic Survey 2019-20 tabled by the government in Parliament has projected India’s economic growth at 6 -6.5% in the financial year starting 1 April, 2020. The National Statistical Office (NSO) estimates India’s GDP growth at 5% during 2019-20. OECD has projected the growth at 4.9% for the financial year ending March 2020.Click here for full report
About OECD
Headquarter– Paris, France
Member Countries– 36
Secretary-General– Jose Angel Gurria Trevino

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS         

Sudhanshu Pandey appointed as new CMD of MMTC
On March 3, 2020 Sudhanshu Pandey, Additional Secretary at the Department of Commerce, assumed additional charge as CMD (Chairman & Managing Director) of MMTC (Metals & Minerals Trading Corporation). He was the successor of Ved Prakash. Pandey currently discharges functions as the Chief Negotiator of India.
Key Points:
i.About Pandey: Sudhanshu Pandey is an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer & has experience of over 32 years in different senior positions in state governments, the Centre and also Indian delegate in Germany.
ii.He also served many high-level government and trade delegations to various countries.
About MMTC:
MMTC is one of the two highest foreign exchange earners for India (after petroleum refining companies), largest international trading company of India & also largest public sector trading body. The main objective of the company was export of mineral ores & import of essential metals.
Headquarters- New Delhi.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

MoS Santosh Kumar Gangwar launched Humsafar mobile app for doorstep diesel delivery in New Delhi
On March 2, 2020 Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (MoS- Independent charge) for Labour & Employment, launched ‘Humsafar’ mobile application in New Delhi, which delivers diesel to doorstep of bulk users.
Key Points:
i.Uses of app: The app will be used for the fuel delivery services to housing societies, hotels, hospitals, malls, construction sites, industries, banquets & other bulk buyers of the diesel in various cities, including Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, Hapur, Kundli, Manesar & Bahadurgarh.
ii.The benefits of the diesel delivery service are live tracking of the delivery vehicle, good quality & quantity of fuel delivered, automated billing.
iii.The diesel will be delivered within the period of 8 hours, without wastage and spoilage of fuel.
iv.Humsafar consists of 12 bowser tankers of different capacity from 4 kiloliters to 6 kiloliters & an experienced team of 35 people, excluding bowser crews.
About Ministry of Labour & Employment (MOL&E):
Headquarters- New Delhi.
Santosh Kumar Gangwar Constituency– Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh (UP)

Tourism minister (MoS), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel launched Multilingual version of “Incredible India” website & Mobile app in New Delhi
On March 2, 2020, The Minister of State (MoS) for Tourism & Culture, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel has launched the multilingual version of ‘Incredible India’ website and mobile app in New Delhi with the aim to provide more information about India’s tourist destinations, attractions, experiences, and where the value lies.
i.The website was earlier hosted in only 2 languages i.e. English & Hindi and now  it has been launched in 3 new languages i.e. Chinese, Arabic and Spanish.
ii.The upgraded version will help boost the tourism awareness, attractions and opportunities by facilitating tourists with personalised and contextual digital experiences….Click here to Read More

SCTIMST develops Flow Diverter Stents Technology for the treatment of Aneurysms of brainOn March 2, 2020 a research team of Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute of Medical Science and Technology (SCTIMST),Thiruvananthapuram, an Institute of National Importance under the Department of Science and Technology  has developed an innovative intracranial flow diverter stent  named as Chitra Flow Diverter for the treatment of aneurysms of the blood vessels of the brain.

• The new technology is ready for transfer & further testing in animals, followed by human trials….Click here to Read More

SPORTS

Indian Hockey men’s team ranked 4^th for the 1st time, Belgium topped & Women’s team ranked 9^th , Netherlands topped : FIH World Rankings 2020
Fédération Internationale de Hockey or International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Rankings 2020, ranks Indian Hockey men’s team in 4th place for the first time with 2064.14 points  & Women’s team is ranked  9th with 1543 points.The men’s list is topped by Belgium for the first time with 2481.34 & women’s list is topped by Netherlands with  2626.03 points.
i.Indian Men’s team’s excellent performance in the 1st 3 rounds of the 2nd edition of FIH Hockey Pro League paved the way….Click here to Read More

New Zealand won the test series against India held in New Zealand
The Indian men’s cricket team Played 2-test matches against New Zealand as part of the India Tour of New Zealand 2020 from February  21- March 2, 2020.
The matches were held in Basin Reserve, Wellington (1^st test) and Hagley Oval, Christchurch (2^nd test) in New Zealand.
New Zealand made a clean sweep with 2–0 scores in the two-match Test series after beating India by 7 wickets in the second and final Test.
The highlights of the match are as follows:
i.Ross Taylor became the 1st New Zealand male cricketer to play 100 matches in all three formats of cricket. Taylor made his Test debut in 2007.
ii.Playing his first series, New Zealand bowler Kyle Jamieson was voted man of the match. He took 5 wickets in the first innings, and came in ninth order and scored a crucial 49 runs with the bat.while Tim Southee, who took the most 14 wickets in the series, was adjudged Man of the Series.
iii.With this victory, the New Zealand team reached the 2^nd position in the ICC( International Cricket Council) Test team rankings. While the Indian team remains in first place with 116 rating points.

OBITUARY

Former Chairman & CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch passed away at 84 On March 1, 2020 John Francis Welch Jr., former chairman & CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of General Electric (GE) Company passed away at the age of 84, in New York, US (United States). He was born on March 19, 1935 in Massachusetts, US. He grew General Electric company during the 1980s & 1990s into the most valuable public company in the US.
Key Points:
i.About Jack Welch: He was also known as “Neutron Jack” & under his guidance the GE’s market value grew from $12 billion to $410 billion.
ii.In 1999, Fortune named him the “Manager of the Century” and the Financial Times named him “One of the 3 most admired business leaders in the world”.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World wildlife day celebrated on 3 March 2020On March 3, 2020,The World Wildlife Day (WWD) has been celebrated based on the theme “Sustaining all life on Earth”. The day aims to celebrate the beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora & raises awareness for conservation of wildlife.
i.The main objective of  this day is to familiarize the common people with the diverse forms of wildlife and flora. At the same time people have to create awareness about the many benefits for their conservation….Click here to Read More

World Hearing Day was observed on March 3, 2020World Hearing Day (WHD) is observed annually on 3rd March by the Office of Prevention of Blindness and Deafness of the WHO (World Health Organization) to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss. The day is being observed since 2007 and before 2016 it was known as International Ear Care Day.
Theme of WHD 2020: Hearing for life: Don’t let hearing loss limit you.
The theme ensures that the people with hearing loss are able to achieve their full potential.
About WHO (World Health Organisation):
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland.
Director General- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

STATE NEWS

TN CM Edappadi Palaniswami launched Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Programme (TNHSRP) On March 3, 2020 Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister (CM) Shri Edappadi K. Palaniswami launched the 5 year Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Programme (TNHSRP) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The programme will be implemented with the World Bank’s fund .This was the first Program-for-Results (PforR) project for the Bank in India and the first for Tamil Nadu.
Aim: To strengthen the management of non-communicable diseases (NCD) & injuries, improve the quality of care & reduce the inequities in reproductive and child health services in the State.
Key Points:
i.The total cost is Rs 2,857.003 crore, of which World Bank has provided Rs 1999.902 crore.The remaining cost will be provided by Tamil Nadu State government.
ii.The activities under the Programme includes improving quality of care in all government health institutions, interventions to address quality of care in primary, secondary and tertiary-level facilities, NQAS (National Quality Assurance Standards) and NABH (National Accredited Board of Hospitals and Healthcare Providers quality) accreditation of select hospitals and primary health centres.
iii.Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) O. Panneerselvam, TN Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar, Dr. Junaid Kamal Ahmed, Country Director of India, World Bank participated in the occasion.
About Tamil Nadu:
Governor- Banwarilal Purohit.
State Animal- Nilgiri Tahr.
State Bird- Emerald dove.

Tripura Govt and AAI signed MoU for construction of 6 equipment hiring centers at Tripura
On February 29, 2020 Tripura State Government (govt) and Airport Authority of India (AAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the 6 equipment hiring centers in Manu Block, Dhalai district, Tripura.
Key Points:
i.The project has been taken by the AAI as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme and the project will benefit 6000 families.
ii.The equipment hiring centers consists of equipment related to agriculture, animal husbandry & fisheries and the equipment will be rented to the needy farmers, Self Help Groups (SHG) & to other needy at a minimal cost.
About Tripura:
Capital- Agartala.
Chief Minister (CM)- Biplab Kumar Deb.
Governor- Ramesh Bais.
State Bird- Green imperial pigeon.
State Animal- Phayre’s leaf monkey.
State Tree- Agar (Aquilaria malaccensis).

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