Hello and welcome to exampundit. Here are the important Current Affairs Today 16th January 2020. These are important for the upcoming Exams. Candidates who were preparing for the examination can use these current affairs and also you can download the same as PDF.
Current Affairs Today – 16th January 2020
NEWS AT A GLANCE
- State Bank of India (SBI) has reduced the fixed deposit rates.It reduced the FD rates by 15 basis points (bps) on long-term deposits maturing in 1 year to 10 years.
- Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas MM Kutty inaugurated fuel conservation mega campaign – Saksham of Petroleum Conservation Research Association, PCRA in New Delhi.
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 7th Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India Region in the legislative assembly building in Lucknow.
- Super Senior Citizens (over 80 years of age) and PwDs now vote through Postal Ballot in Delhi Assembly Election.
- Union Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel launched an exhibition titled “Indian Heritage in Digital Space” at National Museum, New Delhi.
- The 5th edition of Science Film Festival of India (SCI-FFI 2020) was started in Goa’s capital city Panaji.
- Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) celebrated its 5th Annual Day in New Delhi on 15 January 2020.
- In a first in the country, Maharashtra Police would be organising an international marathon in Mumbai on February 9.
- Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has launched the 7th Economic Census process in the state.
- Arunachal Pradesh has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the IUCN on 13 January in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has resigned.
- Union Territory Ladakh is hosting the 1st-ever Food Processing Summit to attract investors to the region.
- Union MoS Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated the exhibition on Indian Heritage in Digital Space and First International Heritage Symposium at National Museum, New Delhi
- Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet 2020 was held on 9 January in New Delhi.
- India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Finland on 15 January 2020.
- Alok Kansal, a senior officer of the 1983 batch of Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) took over the charge as General Manager of Western Railway on Tuesday, 14th January, 2020.
- A noted chemist Bipul Behari Saha has been elected as a bureau member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) for the period 2020-23.
- Janak Raj is expected to be appointed as the third internal member of the central bank in the monetary policy committee (MPC).
- Indo-Japan joint-exercise Sahyog-Kaijin began on 16 January 2020 at the Chennai port.
BANKING AND FINANCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
SBI cuts FD rates by 15 bps
- State Bank of India (SBI) has reduced the fixed deposit rates.
- It reduced the FD rates by 15 basis points (bps) on long-term deposits maturing in 1 year to 10 years.
- The deposit rate reduction will help the bank to retain its net interest margins since SBI had reduced lending rates in December.
Fixed Deposit rate cut:
♦ For deposits below Rs.2 crore, SBI will now offer 6.10% as compared to 6.25% for all maturities of 1 year to 10 years.
♦ Senior citizens will continue to get 50 bps higher than the card rate.
♦ Whereas, the deposits maturing in 7 days to 1 year, the bank has kept the rates unchanged.
♦ The new rates came into effect from 10 January 2020.
♦ SBI’s move is to cut the fixed deposit rates at a time when consumer price index-based inflation shot up to 5 years high of 7.35%.
The FD rates of SBI are:
♦ For 7 days to 45 days 4.50%
♦ For 46 days to 179 days 5.50%
♦ For 180 days to 210 days 5.80%
♦ For 211 days to less than 1 year 5.80%
♦ For 1 year to less than 2 years 6.10%
♦ For 2 years to less than 3 years 6.10%
♦ For 3 years to less than 5 years 6.10%
♦ For 5 years and up to 10 years 6.10%
Extra Shots:
State Bank of India: Founded on: As 2 June 1806 (Bank of Calcutta), 15 April 1840 (Bank of Bombay), 1 July 1843 (Bank of Madras), 27 January 1921 (Imperial Bank of India), 1 July 1955 (State Bank of India)
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Chairman: Rajnish Kumar
- SBI is the largest commercial bank and the largest mortgage lender across the country.
- SBI has 22,010 branches and 58,000 ATM/CDM across India.
NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Mega campaign on fuel conservation ‘Saksham’ inaugurated in New Delhi
- Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas MM Kutty inaugurated fuel conservation mega campaign – Saksham of Petroleum Conservation Research Association, PCRA in New Delhi.
- India’s share of primary energy demand is set to double to 11 per cent by 2040.
- The one-month long annual event Saksham aims at creating mass awareness among public about conventional fuel conservation.
Extra Shots:
PCRA: The Petroleum Conservation Research Association is an organization established in India in 1978, under the aegis of the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of Government of India that is engaged in promoting energy efficiency in various sectors of the economy.
- Founded: 1978
Om Birla inaugurates 7th Conference of CPA India Region in Lucknow
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 7th Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India Region in the legislative assembly building in Lucknow.
- The main theme of the conference is ‘ROLE OF LEGISLATORS’ and during the Plenary Sessions spread over two days, delegates will discuss the Capacity Building of Legislators for Scrutinizing Budgetary Proposals and Enhancing Focus of Legislators on Legislative Business.
- State Governor, Anandiben Patel will address the Valedictory Session tomorrow.
Extra Shots:
Uttar Pradesh:
- Capital: Lucknow
- Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
- Governor: Anandiben Patel
- State formed in: 24 January 1950
- Literacy Rate: 67.68%
- Nation Park: Dudhwa National Park
Super Senior Citizens and PwDs now vote through Postal Ballot
- Super Senior Citizens (over 80 years of age) and PwDs now vote through Postal Ballot in Delhi Assembly Election.
- Till now, voting through the postal ballot was available to armed forces and those assigned in poll duties.
- For the first time, Delhi Metro, Northern Railway Employees and media persons covering polling can also use postal ballot facility to cast their votes.
- A postal ballot is a facility for those absentee voters, including those who are unable to vote due to some immobility can vote.
Union Culture Minister inaugurates ‘Indian Heritage in Digital Space’ exhibition
- Union Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel launched an exhibition titled “Indian Heritage in Digital Space” at National Museum, New Delhi.
- This exhibition is first of its kind in the country.
- The exhibition will stay online until February 15, 2020.
- The technologies are used to create the models of Heritages were developed by the IHDS programme.
- IHDS is an initiative of Department of Science and Technology.
- Its aims to create 3D LASER scan data, holographic projections, AR and 3D fabrication to showcase the glory of heritages.
- It has so far created a reconstruction of Hampi and other five Indian monuments namely Taj Mahal, Sun Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ramachandra Temple and RaniKiVav Patan.
- The exhibition also consists of a special installation called “VIRAASAT”.
- Viraasat in Hindi means heritage.
- It provides mixed reality experience to visitors through 3D printing.
5th Science Film festival starts in Goa
- The 5th edition of Science Film Festival of India (SCI-FFI 2020) was started in Goa’s capital city Panaji.
- The aims of the festival are instilling the knowledge of science among the youth with the help of exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops, and other activities.
- Films that have been selected to be screened at the event are ‘Mission Mangal’, ‘Antariksham 9000 KMPH’, ‘Everest’, ‘Aamorie’, ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’, ‘Geostorm’ and, ‘Virus’ among others.
- A special workshop titled ‘Million SoUL’ will also be conducted by IIT Bombay on training about making solar lamps.
- The workshop is aimed at empowering people from backward communities.
- The workshop will also aim at teaching participants about the health, educational and environmental benefits of solar energy.
CARA celebrated 5th Annual Day on 15 January
- Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) celebrated its 5th Annual Day in New Delhi on 15 January 2020.
- Secretary WCD, Rabindra Panwar along with other senior officials of the Ministry, its associated Statutory/Autonomous Bodies and representatives from the States and Union Territories participated in the function.
- Souvenirs to commemorate the Annual Day was unveiled during the event.
STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Maharashtra Police to organize international marathon on Feb 9
- In a first in the country, Maharashtra Police would be organising an international marathon in Mumbai on February 9.
- According to officials, around 15,000 runners are expected to take part in the marathon. Maharashtra Director General of Police Subodh Kumar Jaiswal launched the event’s website on Wednesday.
- the marathon would act as a bridge between people and the police and increase communication between them.
- The marathon will start from the iconic Gateway of India in south Mumbai and pass through the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, another city landmark.
- The theme of the marathon would be “Health Run”.
- Besides the regular 42 km marathon, there would be 21 km half marathon and 10 km and 5 km runs too.
- At least 5,000 police personnel are also expected to take part in the event.
- In the run-up to the marathon, a bicycle ride would be organised on February 2.
- Also, the police in every district would organise Mahila Daud’ (women’s run) to promote women empowerment and safety on January 31.
Extra Shots:
Maharashtra:
- Capital: Mumbai
- Chief Minister: Uddhav Thackeray
- Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
- State Formed in: 1 May 1960
- Litracy Rate: 82.34%
- National Parks: Chandoli National Park, Nawegaon National Park, Gugamal National Park, Pench National Park, Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park, Tadoba National Park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Amba Barwa WLS, Bor WLS, Great Indian Bustard WLS,
- Lonar WLS, Melghat WLS, Gangewadi New Great Indian Bustard WLS, etc.
CM Vijay Rupani launches 7th Economic Census process in Gujarat
- Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has launched the 7th Economic Census process in the state.
- Economic Census process is being carried out by Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation with the help of Common Service Centres.
- Nearly 40 thousand enumerators will use mobile application for the first time to gather information under the guidance of 6,500 supervisors.
- They will personally visit door to door for basic information like members of the family, their economic activity, whether it is shop, office or factory.
- It will continue till 30th June 2020.
- The entire data will be compiled by 30th September 2020.
Extra Shots:
Gujarat:
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat
- State formed on: 1 May 1960
- Literacy Rate: 79.31%
- National Park: Vansda NP, Blackbuck NP, Gir Forest NP, Marine NP, Gulf of Kutch
Arunachal Pradesh signs MoU with IUCN to red List Orchids
- Arunachal Pradesh has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the IUCN on 13 January in Arunachal Pradesh.
- The MoU was signed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Manmohan Singh Negi and the IUCN’s country representative Dr. Vivek Saxena.
- The environment & forests department is the nodal department for executing the project.
MoU Highlights:
♦ According to the MoU, the Arunachal Pradesh state government will collaborate with the IUCN and carry out a red-list assessment of the orchids in the state.
♦ The state has become the first state to initiate the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red listing at the state level.
♦ The project will be spread across the state in 12 months
Extra Shots:
IUCN: IUCN aims to conserve nature and work for the sustainable use of natural resources. It collects data and conducts research, analysis, field projects, advocacy, and education.
- Founded on: 5 October 1948
- Located at: Gland, Switzerland
- Director-General: Grethel Aguilar
- President: Zhang Xinsheng
IUCN Red List:
The IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. The list has been acting as a powerful tool to inform and catalyze action for biodiversity conservation and policy change. IUCN has projected that it is complexities to protect natural resources.
INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev submits resignation to Putin
- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has resigned.
- They submit their resignation to President Vladimir Putin. Medvedev would take on a new job as deputy head of Russia’s Security Council.
- The changes would include giving parliament the power to choose the prime minister and senior cabinet members, instead of the president as in the current system.
Extra Shots:
Russia (Capital/Currency): Moscow/Ruble
- Prime Minister: Dmitry Medvedev
- President: Vladimir Putin
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES
1st ever Food Processing Summit hosted by Ladakh
- Union Territory Ladakh is hosting the 1st-ever Food Processing Summit to attract investors to the region.
- This summit is organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the UT Administration of Ladakh.
- Ladakh has vast scope for investment in food Processing Industries in horticulture products like Apricot, SeabuckThorn, Apple and agricultural produce like buckwheat and barley.
- The event is aimed at encouraging the entrepreneurs to begin a StartUp to tap the potential in the Food Processing Industries in Ladakh.
Extra Shots:
Ladakh is a region administered by India as a union territory, and constituting a part of the larger region of Kashmir, which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947.
- Area: 59,146 km²
- Union territory: 31 October 2019
- Population: 2.74 lakhs (2011)
- Administering Country: India
- Districts: 2
- Capitals: Leh, Kargil
Renewable Energy Investors Meet was organized by Indian Railways and REMCL
- Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet 2020 was held on 9 January in New Delhi.
- The meet was organized by Indian Railways and Railway Energy Management Company Ltd. (REMCL).
Aim:
♦ The Investors’ Meet aimed to disseminate information about the opportunities available under renewable energy in Indian Railways.
♦ Various experience of developers with Railways and key benefits of partnering with Indian Railways was showcased during the meet.
♦ The investors shared their expectations of being partners in the journey of renewable energy of Indian Railways.
♦ The participants acknowledged the efforts of Indian Railways in leading the development of renewable energy
♦ They re-affirmed their strong support to Indian Railways on the path of going green and achieving the net-zero carbon emissions target by 2030.
Extra Shots:
Indian Railways is India’s national railway system operated by the Ministry of Railways. It manages the fourth largest railway network in the world by size, with a route length of 67,368-kilometre and total track length of 121,407-kilometre as of March 2017.
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Founded: 16 April 1853, India
AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED
India signed MoU with Finland to deepen defence cooperation
- India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Finland on 15 January 2020.
- The MoU was signed by Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Finland Mr. Jukka Juusti.
- The MoU is signed on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020.
MoU Highlights:
♦ The MoU is aimed at further defence cooperation between India and Finland.
♦ It will enhance co-operation in the field of Production, Procurement, Research and Development (R&D) of Defence-related Equipment and Industrial cooperation.
♦ The MoU will induce cooperation between Finnish companies and Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings.
♦ Since DefExpo 2018, a draft MoU between the two countries in the field of defence cooperation was under discussion. It has now been approved in the run-up to DefExpo 2020.
Extra Shots:
Finland (Capital/Currency): Helsinki/ Euro
- Prime Minister: Sanna Marin
APPOINTMENT
Alok Kansal takes over as General Manager of Western Railway
- Alok Kansal, a senior officer of the 1983 batch of Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) took over the charge as General Manager of Western Railway on Tuesday, 14th January, 2020.
- Prior to his posting as General Manager of W. Rly, Alok Kansal served as Principal Executive Director/Civil Engineering (Planning) at Railway Board.
Extra Shots:
Indian Railways is India’s national railway system operated by the Ministry of Railways. It manages the fourth largest railway network in the world by size, with a route length of 67,368-kilometre and total track length of 121,407-kilometre as of March 2017.
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Founded: 16 April 1853, India
IUPAC elected Bipul Behari Saha as bureau member
- A noted chemist Bipul Behari Saha has been elected as a bureau member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) for the period 2020-23.
- He is the second Indian after CNR Rao to be elected for this position in a century.
- IUPAC is the largest global organization of Chemistry professionals. It was founded 100 years ago.
- IUPAC has the responsibility of naming all new elements and compounds, declare atomic weights and physical constants, update Periodic table and carry out research projects.
- It is comprised of 12 Committees and 8 Divisions.
Extra Shots:
IUPAC: The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry is an international federation of National Adhering Organizations that represents chemists in individual countries. It is a member of the International Science Council.
- Headquarters: Research Triangle Park Headquarters, North Carolina, United States
- Founded: 1919
- President: Zhou Qifeng (China)
- Motto: Advancing Chemistry Worldwide
Janak Raj to be the third internal member of the monetary policy committee
- Janak Raj is expected to be appointed as the third internal member of the central bank in the monetary policy committee (MPC).
- He is currently serving as Reserve Bank of India’s principal adviser in the monetary policy department.
- He will replace Michael Patra, the executive director of the monetary policy department, who was elevated as deputy governor.
Extra Shots:
MPC: The Monetary Policy Committee of India is responsible for fixing the benchmark interest rate in India. The meetings of the Monetary Policy Committee are held at least 4 times a year and it publishes its decisions after each such meeting.
- Founded: October 2016
DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Exercise Sahyog Kaijin began in Chennai port
- Indo-Japan joint-exercise Sahyog-Kaijin began on 16 January 2020 at the Chennai port.
- This is the 19th edition of the exercise that is being conducted between the two Coast Guards.
- The exercise is aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties and mutual understanding between the two coast guards.
- It also aims to enhance interoperability in communication, search and rescue procedures and sharing of best practices.
Extra Shots:
Japan (Capital/Currency): Tokyo/Yen
- Prime Minister: Shinzo Abe
