Current Affairs Today 18th February 2020-Download in PDF

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Current Affairs Today – 18th February 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

1. North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) which is the first small bank of North India has started its services on 16 February.
2. The Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department of government of Odisha has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) Bank Limited.
3. Moody’s Investors Service has cut India’s 2020 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to 5.4% from 6.6% and the next financial year (2020-21) growth rate estimate to 5.8% from 6.7%.
4. The Haryana government has decided to rename the Ambala City bus stand after former Union minister late Sushma Swaraj.
5. The government of India has provided 100% digital/online Haj process in India with an objective of Ease of Doing Haj for the Indian Muslims.
6. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will inaugurate Indian Pavilion at 70th Berlin International Film Festival on Thursday in Germany.
7. Union Government has decided to rename the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, IDSA as Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.
8. The Supreme Court ordered the government to ensure permanent commission (PC) to women officers in the Army.
9. Government is planning to facilitate the doubling of Milk Processing capacity from 53.5 million MT to 108 million MT by 2025.
10. Kala Kumbh – Handicrafts Thematic Exhibition was held in various parts of the country through the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
11. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched “Yodhav” (Warrior) mobile app (application) at Kochi, Kerala.
12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated cultural arts and handicrafts exhibition named ‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’ organized at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. ‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’ showcased products from over 10,000 artisans from all over Uttar Pradesh.
13. In Tripura, 2,000 hectares of land has been certified for organic farming out of 9,000 hectares of identified land for the farming system in the state.
14. The Odisha assembly passed the Odisha State Backward Classes (Amendment) Bill on 17 Monday.
15. Dinkar Gupta, Punjab DGB (Director General of Police), launched the ‘Appreciate and Commend’ scheme in Phillaur, Pujab, in order to boost the confidence of police officers who work extraordinarily and the best cops will be awarded every month.
16. Manipur Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren Singh launched “Anganphou Hunba” (Sowing of First Crop Paddy) programme at Arapti Mayai Leikai in Imphal East.
17. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniwami along with National Cricket Academy Head and Former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid inaugurated the Salem Cricket Foundation (SCF) ground at Valapadi, Salem in Tamil Nadu.
18. Delhi Police along with Uber launched “Himmat Plus app”, at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, New Delhi, to ensure safety and security of the people travelling in cabs.
19. Australia has appointed former New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell as the next high commissioner to India.
20. Srinagar is to host a three-day Global Investors’ Summit 2020 for the first time.
21. Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (FW) Sanjay Agarwal inaugurated the 4th National Conference on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Udaipur, Rajasthan on 17 February.
22. The 5th edition of Difficult Dialogues began in Panji, Goa. Difficult Dialogues (DD) is an annual forum examining issues of contemporary relevance in South Asia.
23. Avenue Supermarts, which is doing business as D-Mart, founder Radhakishan Damani has now become the 2nd richest Indian after Reliance Industries Ltd chairman Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of $17.8 billion.
24. Hindi is the 3rd most spoken language of the world in 2019 with 615 million speakers.
25. Defence deals between India and Russia are to cross $16 billion. The information was passed by the Russian embassy.
26. The National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) has imposed a ban of 4 years on Haryana’s javelin thrower Amit Dahiya.
27. Asian Wrestling Championship 2020 starts in New Delhi. It will be held at the KD Jadhav Hall of Indira Gandhi Stadium.
28. The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee has revealed the official Games motto: “United by Emotion”.
29. India’s Koneru Humpy wins Cairns Cup chess tournament held at St.Louis, US (United States).
30. The Chief of the Defence staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat has announced the plan of establishing the first Integrated Tri-Services Command
31. Indian Diplomat Aditya Narayan Dhairyasheel Haksar has translated the famous aphorisms(sayings) of the ancient master of statecraft Chanakya or Kautilya from Sanskrit to current existing languages for the readers and the book titled as “Chanakya Niti: Verses on life and Living” and it has been published by Penguin Random House India.
32. The 65th edition of Amazon Filmfare Awards 2020 was held at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam from15 Feb 2020 – 16 Feb 2020.
33. As per the annual report of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the space agency is planning to launch 10 earth observation (EO) satellites with space surveillance features during 2020-21.
34. Bengali actor & former Trinamool Congress MP (Member of Parliament) Tapas pal passed away at the age of 61 in Mumbai, Maharashtra due to cardiac arrest.

NEWS IN ADVANCE

BANKING AND FINANCE CURRENT AFFAIRS

NESFB began its service and operation

• North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) which is the first small bank of North India has started its services on 16 February.
• On 31 March 2017, Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Nidhi (RVGN) (North East) Microfinance Limited received the Small Finance Bank License from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB):

• Assam’s finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and TATA Trust chairman Ratan Tata launched the first 28 branches of NESFB.
• Tata has invested Rs.40 crore through his investment arm RNT Associates in the bank. North East Small Finance Bank Ltd has a net worth of Rs.300 crore.
• The bank is supported by the infusion of funds from domestic and overseas investors.
• The bank will carry out banking services in remote and unbanked areas of India’s eight

Odisha MSME Dept inked MoU with HDFC Bank to boost startups

• The Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department of government of Odisha has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) Bank Limited.
• Objective :to provide smart banking solutions to Startups recognised by the Startup Odisha and will also extend incubation and acceleration support to all Startups, banking with them.

Extra Shots:

HDFC:

• Establishment– 1994
• Digital Assistant– Eva
• Managing Director– Aditya Puri
• Head Office– Mumbai, Maharashtra

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Moody’s cuts India’s 2020 GDP growth forecast to 5.4%

• Moody’s Investors Service has cut India’s 2020 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to 5.4% from 6.6% and the next financial year (2020-21) growth rate estimate to 5.8% from 6.7%.
• According to Moody’s, due to the spread of novel coronavirus outbreak in China, worldwide growth will be affected and hence India’s economic growth recovery will be slow.
• Moody’s also estimates that G20 economies will grow at a rate of 2.4 % in 2020, a sluggish move from 2019.
• China’s GDP growth estimated at 5.2 % in 2020 & expected to achieve GDP growth at a rate of 5.7 % in 2021.

Extra Shots:

Moody’s Corporation, often referred to as Moody’s, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody’s Investors Service, an American credit rating agency, and Moody’s Analytics, an American provider of financial analysis software and services.

• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
• CEO: Raymond W. McDaniel Jr.

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Ambala City bus stand to be renamed after late Sushma Swaraj

• The Haryana government has decided to rename the Ambala City bus stand after former Union minister late Sushma Swaraj.
• The bus stand will now be called ‘Sushma Swaraj Bus Stand’.
• It is a mark of tribute to Swaraj, launched on 14 February, the birth anniversary of the leader, who was born in Ambala Cantt.
• The Ambala City bus stand has been reconstructed at a cost of Rs 18 crore after it was demolished in 2007.

Extra Shots:

Haryana:

• State formed on: 1 November 1966
• Capital: Chandigarh
• Governor: Satyadev Narayan Arya
• Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar
• Official language: Hindi

GoI has provided 100 percent digital online Haj process

• The government of India has provided 100% digital/online Haj process in India with an objective of Ease of Doing Haj for the Indian Muslims.
• The information was given by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi at a trainers programme for Haj 2020 at Haj House, Mumbai.

Digital/online Haj process:

• The entire Haj process has been made digital, transparent and affordable when compared to the last several decades. The 100% digital/online Haj process will remove middlemen who ensure the Haj pilgrimage. After the removal of the Haj subsidy, no additional financial burden has been put on the pilgrims.
• India became the first country in the entire world to make the entire Haj 2020 process digital.
• Online application, E-Visa, Haj mobile app, E-Medical Assistance System for Indian Pilgrims Abroad (E-MASIHA) health facility, E-luggage pre-tagging that provide all information in India itself regarding accommodation/transportation in Makkah-Madinah have been provided to Indian Muslims going for Haj.
• GoI has also provided a SIM card that has been linked to a mobile app which will ensure Haj pilgrims immediately getting all the latest information regarding Haj in Makkah-Madina on their mobile phone.
• Also, the Indian Government is co-operating with Saudi Arabia to ensure safety and better facilities, medical facilities for the pilgrims during Haj 2020. It is expected that more than 2100 Muslim women will go to Haj without Mehram (male companion) in 2020.

EAM to inaugurate Indian Pavilion at 70th Berlin International Film Festival on Feb 20 in Germany

• External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will inaugurate Indian Pavilion at 70th Berlin International Film Festival on Thursday in Germany.
• The festival will be held till 1st of March. India Pavilion will provide a platform to popularize Indian cinema in the overseas market and facilitate new business opportunities.
• This year for the festival, three Indian feature films, as well as one short documentary film, have been selected.
• These are Pushpendra Singh’s Laipla Aur Satt Geet, Prateek Vats’ Eeb Allay Ooo!, Akhsay Indikar’s – Sthalpuran and Ekta Mittal’s short documentary – Gumnaam Din.

Extra Shots:

Germany (Capital/Currency): Berlin/Euro

• President: Frank-Walter Steinmeier

IDSA to be renamed as Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses

• Union Government has decided to rename the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, IDSA as Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.
• The decision has been taken to honour the commitment and legacy of late Manohar Parrikar.
• It will align the vision and aspiration of the premier defence institute with the contribution of the former Defence Minister and Padma Bhushan awardee.

Extra Shots:

IDSA: The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi, is an Indian think tank for advanced research in international relations, especially strategic and security issues, and providing training to civilian and military officers of the Indian government.

SC permits permanent commissioning of women officers in the Army

• The Supreme Court ordered the government to ensure permanent commission (PC) to women officers in the Army.
• The officers will now be appointed for command posting.
• SC ruled out that the benefit will have to be given to all women officers irrespective of the number of years of service.
• The SC also said that all terms of appointments of women officers shall be the same as their male counterparts.
• Centre now has to implement the policy within three months.

GoI to double the Milk Processing capacity

• Government is planning to facilitate the doubling of Milk Processing capacity from 53.5 million MT to 108 million MT by 2025.
• In the last 5 years, milk production is growing to 6.4% in India.
• It has increased from 146.3 million MT in 2014-15 to 187.7 million MT in 2018-19.

Kala Kumbh is being held to promote GI Crafts at Bengaluru and Mumbai

• Kala Kumbh – Handicrafts Thematic Exhibition was held in various parts of the country through the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
• The aim of the exhibition is to promote Geographical Indication (GI) crafts and heritage of India.
• The exhibition will be held from 14-23 February 2020 at Bengaluru and Mumbai. The event will be conducted in Kolkata and Chennai in March 2020.

Highlights:

• The visitors will see a wide variety of handicrafts. By buying the handicrafts they can directly contribute to the improvement of the livelihood of these artisans.
• The exhibition will create awareness of the rich heritage of the country.

Extra Shots:

GI on handicrafts:

The GI tag is used on handicrafts that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin. As of August 2019, 178 GI handicraft products were registered from across India. The artisans are the backbone of the Indian handicraft sector and possess inherent skill, technical and traditional craftsmanship.

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Kerala launches ”Yodhavu” mobile app to combat drug menace

• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched “Yodhav” (Warrior) mobile app (application) at Kochi, Kerala.
• Through this app, the public can inform police about drug abuse and its distribution.
• The application was introduced by the Kochi city police and the informer’s identity could be kept secret.
• The chief minister also inaugurated a most modern cyber doom cyber crime police station, the new building of the Infopark police station and regional forensic science laboratory’s upper and lower subordinate quarters at the TCS auditorium at Infopark.
• The chief minister also unveiled the model of Kochi city police’s new police complex being constructed at Marine Drive.

Extra Shots:

Kerala:

• Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
• Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
• Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan
• Festivals: Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, Nehru Trophy Boat Race
• National Parks: Anamudi Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Periyar National Park,Silent Valley National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Aralam WLS, Chimmony WLS, Idukki WLS, Periyar WLS, Wayanad WLS, Peppara WLS, Neyyar WLS, Kurinjimala WLS, Malabar WLS etc

PM Modi inaugurates ‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’ exhibition in Varanasi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated cultural arts and handicrafts exhibition named ‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’ organized at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. ‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’ showcased products from over 10,000 artisans from all over Uttar Pradesh.
• In this event, the Uttar Pradesh government had launched the ambitious scheme ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) in which one craft per district was identified.
• The state government has established raw material banks, testing labs, common facility centres, and facilitated direct market access to artisans and weavers and helping them improve their income.

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

2,000 hectares of land certified for organic farming in Tripura

• In Tripura, 2,000 hectares of land has been certified for organic farming out of 9,000 hectares of identified land for the farming system in the state.
• This was announced by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Dev yesterday while addressing a district-level Kisan Mela and Exhibition held in Gomati district.
• The crops produced from such certified lands can be sold in international markets with a high value of rates. The State Government is planning to procure three lakh metric tonnes of paddy, in the next few years for the welfare of farmers.

Extra Shots:

Tripura:

• Capital: Agartala
• Governor: Ramesh Bais
• Chief Minister: Biplab Kumar Deb
• Literacy: 87.75%

Odisha passed the Odisha State Backward Classes Amendment Bill

• The Odisha assembly passed the Odisha State Backward Classes (Amendment) Bill on 17 Monday.
• The new Bill will amend the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.
• The amendment will empower the Backward Class Commission to conduct a survey to identify socially and economically backward classes in the state.
• It will conduct the survey on the basis of their socio-educational status.
• The Bill was passed unanimously.

Bill provision:

• The Odisha state assembly passed a resolution to take up the survey of the social and educational conditions of people of backward classes (BC).
• The amendment was necessary to conduct a survey of the households of backward classes.
• So far, over 209 communities identified as socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC).
• Also, on 12 February, Odisha state government constituted the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes headed by Retired Justice Raghunath Biswal as its chairperson.

Extra Shots:

Odisha:

• Capital: Bhubaneswar
• Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik
• Governor: Ganeshi Lal
• National Park: Bhitarkanika NP, Simlipal NP

Punjab to honour cops under ‘Appreciate and Commend’ scheme

• Dinkar Gupta, Punjab DGB (Director General of Police), launched the ‘Appreciate and Commend’ scheme in Phillaur, Pujab, in order to boost the confidence of police officers who work extraordinarily and the best cops will be awarded every month.

Extra Shots:

Punjab

• Capital: Chandigarh
• Chief Minister: Captain Amarinder Singh
• Governor: V.P. Singh Badnore

Manipur’s ‘Anganphou Hunba’ programme launched at Arapti Mayai Leikai in Imphal East

• Manipur Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren Singh launched “Anganphou Hunba” (Sowing of First Crop Paddy) programme at Arapti Mayai Leikai in Imphal East.
• The programme was organised by Arapti Urup Farmers’ Association under the supervision of Keirao AC Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Lourembam Rameshwor.

Initiatives by Manipur Government:

• The state govt has prepared a Rs 260-crore project to provide irrigation facilities by pumping ground water and is awaiting the Centre’s approval.
• The government has also planned to provide irrigation water by the Minor Irrigation Department to places having adequate arable land and large number of farmers.

Extra Shots:

Manipur

• Capital– Imphal
• Chief Minister: N. Biren Singh
• Governor– Najma Heptulla

Tamil Nadu CM Inaugurates SCF cricket ground in Salem

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniwami along with National Cricket Academy Head and Former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid inaugurated the Salem Cricket Foundation (SCF) ground at Valapadi, Salem in Tamil Nadu.
• Former BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) president N. Srinivasan and Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) president Rupa Gurunath were also presented in the inauguration ceremony.

Extra Shots:

 BCCI:

• Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Founded- 1928
• President- Sourav Ganguly
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Rahul Johri

Tamilnadu

• Capital: Chennai
• Chief Minister: Edappadi K.Palanisamy
• Governor: Banwarilal Purohit
• Chief Justice of Madras High Court: Vijaya Kamlesh Tahilramani
• National Park: Guindy NP,Gulf of Mannar Marine NP, Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) NP,             Mudumalai NP, Mukurthi NP.

Delhi Police integrated with Uber launched “Himmat Plus app”

• Delhi Police along with Uber launched “Himmat Plus app”, at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, New Delhi, to ensure safety and security of the people travelling in cabs.
• The police headquarters will receive the real time location of a driver or rider in case of emergency through this app so that PCR (Police Control Room ) van can be assigned to provide assistance.
• Nearly, 1000 Himmat QR (Quick Response) verification cards were distributed among drivers. Once a rider scans the QR card, they can access a driver’s details and vehicle information on the Himmat app & can report their journey directly to police.

Extra Shots:

Delhi:

• Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal.
• Deputy CM: Manish Sisodia.
• Governor: Anil Baijal.

INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Australia appoints former New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell as next high commissioner to India

• Australia has appointed former New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell as the next high commissioner to India.
• Mr O’Farrell will succeed Harinder Sidhu who has been in the office since 2016.
• Mr O’Farrell served in the New South Wales Parliament from 1995-2015 and the 43rd Premier of the province.

Extra Shots:

Australia (Capital/Currency): Canberra/Australian Dollar (AUD).

• Prime Minister: Scott John Morrison.

SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES

Srinagar to host 2020 Global Investors Summit

• Srinagar is to host a three-day Global Investors’ Summit 2020 for the first time.
• The objective of the summit is to invite investments to the newly formed Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The event was organized by J&K Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO). It is the nodal agency that functions under the Industries and Commerce department Government of J&K.
• Aim: The aim of the Global Investors’ Summit is to exhibit investment opportunities that are available in the Jammu & Kashmir in different sectors including horticulture & post-harvest management, tourism, film tourism, Mulberry production for silk, Agro and Food Processing, Health & Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, IT/ ITes, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure and Real Estate, Handloom and education.
• Pre-Summit Investors’ Meet and curtain-raiser were held on 20 January in New Delhi as a precursor to the mega event. The event showcased 14 focus sectors that are available for investment opportunities to boost manufacturing and employment generation in the region.
• Over 350 delegates from various sectors and leading organizations participated in the event where more than 45 Business to Government (B2G) meetings took place.

Extra Shots:

Jammu & Kashmir:

• Capitals- Jammu (Winter), Srinagar (Summer)
• Lt Governor- Girish Chandra Murmu
• National Parks: City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park, Dachigam National Park, Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Baltal-Thajwas WLS, Changthang Cold Desert WLS, Gulmarg WLS, Jasrota WLS, Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) WLS etc

Sanjay Agarwal inaugurated 4th National Conference on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Udaipur

• Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (FW) Sanjay Agarwal inaugurated the 4th National Conference on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Udaipur, Rajasthan on 17 February.
• The conference was held from 17-18 February.

Highlights:

• The conference was aimed to create awareness at the grassroots about the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
• Discussions were held to ensure effective consultation amongst all the stakeholders, namely the State Governments, the Banking sector, and the Insurance sector, for the smooth implementation of the scheme that benefits farmers.
• The conference highlighted the need to understand the direction that the scheme forays into and individual roles thereof and to cross-learn from other institutions to resolve all the issues.
• It directed the need of the Insurance companies to address grievances raised by the farmers on social media within a stipulated timeframe.

Difficult Dialogues 2020 began in Goa

• The 5th edition of Difficult Dialogues began in Panji, Goa. Difficult Dialogues (DD) is an annual forum examining issues of contemporary relevance in South Asia.
• Difficult Dialogues 2020 will focus on the “State of Law”.
• The conference will bring together lawyers, some eminent Chief Justices, civil society, media, academic experts, activists, and people working at the community level in law, education, health, labour, with government and non-governmental organizations.
• DD 2019 Summit focused on “Education: Illuminating the myriad facets”.
• The same was held in partnership with Oxford University, Goa University, ICG, Brookings India, PLAN India, CBPS, NIPFP.

Extra Shots:

Goa

• Capital: Panaji
• Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant
• Governor: Satya Pal Malik

RANKS AND INDICES

Radhakishan Damani becomes India’s 2nd richest person

• Avenue Supermarts, which is doing business as D-Mart, founder Radhakishan Damani has now become the 2nd richest Indian after Reliance Industries Ltd chairman Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of $17.8 billion.
• He has left behind many heavyweights to acquire the coveted spot including the likes of philanthropist Shiv Nadar, banker Uday Kotak, and industrialists Gautam Adani and Lakshmi Mittal.

Top 5 persons:

1.Mukesh Ambani ($57.4 billion),

2.Radhakishan Damani ($17.8 billion),

3.Shiv Nadar ($16.5 billion),

4.Uday Kotak ($14.9 billion),

5.Gautam Adani ($14.1 billion).

Extra Shots:

DMart:

• Founded- 2000.
• Founder- Radhakishan Damani.
• Headquarters- Mumbai.

Hindi is 3rd most spoken language in the world with 615 million speakers after English, Mandarin

• 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.
• Bangla has been ranked as the 7th most spoken language of the world. Bangla has 228 million native speakers.

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

India, Russia defence deals to cross USD 16 billion

• Defence deals between India and Russia are to cross $16 billion. The information was passed by the Russian embassy.
• Also, Russia has reaffirmed the timely implementation of contracts, including the supply of S-400 air defence systems and the production of Kamov helicopters and Kalashnikov rifles.

Deals between India and Russia:

• The two countries signed 14 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) during the Defexpo 2020 that covered the development and production of land, air and naval systems and hi-tech civilian products.
• Another MoU was signed by Russian Helicopters and Indo-Russian Helicopters Ltd for localization of component to be used in Kamov Ka-226 helicopters. India has plans to buy 200 Ka-226 helicopters.
• Rosoboronexport signed an agreement with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for advanced pyrotechnic ignition systems, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for export of spares and services to friendly countries, and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) for land systems.

ExtraShots:

Russia (Capital/Currency): Moscow/Ruble

• Prime Minister: Dmitry Medvedev
• President: Vladimir Putin

SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS

NADA bans Haryana’s javelin thrower Amit Dahiya for 4 years

• The National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) has imposed a ban of 4 years on Haryana’s javelin thrower Amit Dahiya.
• He has been banned for avoiding sample collection and for his attempt of trying to cheat officials during the 2nd National Javelin Throw Open Championship 2019 held at SAI Centre in Sonipat.
• The Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) of the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) took the landmark decision of banning the player for 4 years.

Reason for his 4 year ban:

• Amit Dahiya secured third position in the 2nd National Javelin Throw Open Championship 2019 with a best throw of 68.21 m. After the conclusion of the event, he was asked by NADA officials to provide his dope samples but he sent another person to the collection room. During the verification process the NADA Dope Collectors found that the person whose sample was taken, was not the athlete himself. After the failed plan of avoiding the dope test, Dahiya’s proxy went missing from the collection room.
• As a result, the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) imposed a ban of 4 years on Haryana’s javelin thrower Amit Dahiya for avoiding sample collection and for his attempt of trying to cheat officials.

Extra Shots:

NADA: The National Automobile Dealers Association is an American trade organization representing nearly 16,500 franchised new car and truck dealerships, both domestic and foreign. Established in 1917, the organization is based in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

• CEO: Peter K. Welch
• Headquarters: Tysons, Virginia, United States
• CFO: Joe Cowden
• Revenue: 9.02 crores USD
• Founded: 1917
• Parent organization: Nada Retirement Trust

Delhi host Asian Wrestling Championship 2020

• Asian Wrestling Championship 2020 starts in New Delhi.
• It will be held at the KD Jadhav Hall of Indira Gandhi Stadium.
• The event will have a total of 30 weight classes, 10 each in Freestyle Men, Women, and Greco Roman.
• Team India will be represented by a 30 member squad with Deepak Punia, Dahiya, Bajrang, and Vinesh leading the pack.
• India last hosted the championships in 2017.
• The 2018 edition was held at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and in 2019, Xi’an province of China.
• Asian Wrestling Championship organized by Asian Associated Wrestling Committee (AAWC).
• In 1979 men’s tournament began and in 1996 women’s tournament was first staged, after that, it is held every year.

Extra Shots:

Asian Wrestling Championships is the Wrestling Asian Championship organized by the Asian Associated Wrestling Committee. The men’s tournament began in 1979 and The women’s tournament was first staged in 1996, and it has been held every year.

‘United by Emotion’ chosen as Tokyo 2020 Olympics motto

• The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee has revealed the official Games motto: “United by Emotion”.
• The motto emphasises the power of sport to bring together people from diverse backgrounds of every kind and allow them to connect and celebrate in a way that reaches beyond their differences.
• The official Olympic motto is “Citius, Altius, Fortius” or “Faster, Higher, Stronger”, but each host city chooses its own motto to accompany that edition of the Games.
• The Games will bring together athletes from more than 200 National Olympic Committees and the Refugee Olympic Team, as well as millions of spectators & media representatives.

Extra Shots:

Upcoming Olympics events:

• Summer Olympics- 2020, Tokyo, Japan
• Winter Olympics- 2022, Beijing, China
• Youth Olympics (summer)- 2022, Dakar, Senegal (1st IOC event to be held in Africa)
• Youth Olympics (winter)- 2020, Lausanne, Switzerland (Headquarters for IOC)

Koneru Humpy wins Cairns Cup chess tournament

• India’s Koneru Humpy wins Cairns Cup chess tournament held at St.Louis, US (United States).
• She won the title after finishing 6 points off 9 rounds. Reigning world champion Ju Wenjun finished with 5.5 points secured 2nd place while Russia’s Alexandra Kosteniuk came 3rd who finished with 5 points followed by Ukranian Mariya Muzychek with 5 points and India’s Harika Dronavalli secured 5th with 4.5 points.
• This tournament consists of 9 round classical events & top 3 finishers will receive $45,000, $35,000 & $25,000 respectively.

DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS

India to have 1st “Integrated Tri-services Command” by year 2020

• The Chief of the Defence staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat has announced the plan of establishing the first Integrated Tri-Services Command. The Integrated Tri-Services Command will be responsible for handing the air defence of the entire country. The command is expected to be established by June 2020. The planned Integrated Tri-Services command will be headed by an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer.

Objective of Integrated Tri-Services Command:

The Integrated Tri-Services Command aims is to unite the resources of the three defence services of India under one command to protect the air space of the country. The air defence set-up of the the Army, Air Force and Navy would integrate to provide air defence cover to the country.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Penguin published the Book Chanakya Niti: Verses on Life and Living translated by A.N.D. Haksar

• Indian Diplomat Aditya Narayan Dhairyasheel Haksar has translated the famous aphorisms(sayings) of the ancient master of statecraft Chanakya or Kautilya from Sanskrit to current existing languages for the readers and the book titled as “Chanakya Niti: Verses on life and Living” and it has been published by Penguin Random House India.

AWARDS

65th Amazon Filmfare Awards 2020 in Guwahati, Assam: Gully Boy’ bags best film

• The 65th edition of Amazon Filmfare Awards 2020 was held at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam from15 Feb 2020 – 16 Feb 2020.
• The event was hosted by Karan Kumar Johar( often referred to as KJo), an Indian film director, producer, actor and television personality & Varun Dhawan ,Vicky Kaushal.

Highlights:

• Zoya Akhtar’s directorial ‘Gully Boy’ emerged as big winner as it bagged several awards including the prestigious best film award.
• Ranveer Singh bagged Best Actor’s trophy for his performance in Gully Boy, while Alia Bhatt won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for the same film.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ISRO to launch 10 Earth Observation Satellites in 2020-21

• As per the annual report of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the space agency is planning to launch 10 earth observation (EO) satellites with space surveillance features during 2020-21.
• The space agency aims to boost space surveillance in order to keep an eye on terror launchpads along the borders, check infiltration and keep an eye on China’s naval activities in the Indian Ocean Region.

ISRO upcoming projects:

• Of the planned 10 EO satellites, only three communication satellites and 2 navigation satellites have been scheduled to be launched, starting from April 2020 to 2021 (FY 2020-21). The 10 EO satellites include the high-tech Geo Imaging Satellite GISAT-1, highly advanced radar imaging satellites RISAT-2BR2, RISAT-1A, and 2A.
• The report stated that ISRO has planned 36 missions, including satellites and launchers, in 2020-21. These missions include the launch of 1 unmanned flight of Gaganyaan in 2020-21, 3 space science satellites, 1 technology demonstrator test, 2 small satellite launch vehicle demonstration tests, 10 Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV), 3 Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)-MkII and one GSLV-MkIII.

Extra Shots:

ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation is the space agency of the Government of India and has its headquarters in the city of Bengaluru. Its vision is to “harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research & planetary exploration”.

• Headquarters: Bengaluru
• Founder: Vikram Sarabhai
• Founded: 15 August 1969
• Director: Kailasavadivoo Sivan
• Subsidiary: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre

OBITUARIES

Tapas Pal, former Trinamool Congress MP & Bengali actor, passed away at 61

• Bengali actor & former Trinamool Congress MP (Member of Parliament) Tapas pal passed away at the age of 61 in Mumbai, Maharashtra due to cardiac arrest.
• He was born on 19th September 1958 in Chandannagar, West Bengal and completed his graduation from the Hooghly Mohsin College in Bio-Science.
• Tapas Pal was a member of All India Trinamool Congress. He was an MLA from Alipore for 2 terms (2001-2006 & 2006-2009) and former MP (Member of Parliament) of Krishnanagar constituency from 2009 to 2019.

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