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Current Affairs Today – 1st February 2020
NEWS AT A GLANCE
- ICICI (Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India) Bank, an Indian financial institution, has launched first-of-its-kind 24×7 self-service delivery tool for customers called “iBox” at one of its branches in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Indian Bank has announced the launch of two tailor made credit products i.e., Corporate Loan and Ind Surya Shakthi/ Indian Bank Solar which will be available across the country for the benefit of the textile sector.
- A remarkable growth in GST collection for last month has been reported by Finance Ministry.
- India bans the exports of all kinds of personal protection equipment, including clothing and masks used to protect people from airborne particles.
- Union Government aims to achieve the objective of Housing for All by 2022 under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen.
- Union Budget 2020-21 provides an additional 69,000 crore rupees for the health sector. The Finance Minister proposed to expand Jan Aushadhi Kendras in all districts of the country to provide medicines at affordable rates.
- In Madhya Pradesh, three-day Narmada Mahotsav is being started from 31st Jan.
- Nagoba Jatara tribal festival was celebrated in the state of Telangana.
- Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar briefed the media here on the preparation of the biennial defence exposition, DefExpo 2020, to be held in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow between February 5-9, 2020.
- Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the 12th edition of the South Asia Conference at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) in New Delhi from January 28-29, 2020.
- Central Government appoints M Ajit Kumar as chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
- Election Commission of India appointed Sh B Murli Kumar (ex IRS-1983) as Special Expenditure Observer as also appointed Sh Mrinal Kanti Das (IPS 1977 Retd) as Special Police Observer for General Election to the Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi, 2020.
- As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI), Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra, a 1988 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Nepal.
- Rubigula, Flame-Throated Bulbul unveiled as the official mascot for the Goa 2020 National Games.
- India beat New Zealand via Super Over in the fourth T20 International after a second successive tie at Wellington.
- IAF achieved a milestone, when an AN-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, powered with a 10% blend of Indian bio-jet fuel, took-off from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh.
- Lieutenant General YK Joshi took over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command at Udhampur.
- Senior journalist Yusuf Jameel from Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) won the 2019-20 PEN Gauri Lankesh Award for Democratic Idealism for his outstanding contribution in journalism.
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) declares that it is preparing low-cost satellite launch vehicles costing around 30-35 crores rupees, each which can put into orbit satellites weighing 500 kgs.
- Social activist, feminist writer and journalist Vidya Bal passed away.
NEWS IN DETAILS
BANKING AND FINANCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
ICICI Bank launches first-of-its-kind 24×7 self-service delivery facility , ‘iBox’
- ICICI (Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India) Bank, an Indian financial institution, has launched first-of-its-kind 24×7 self-service delivery tool for customers called “iBox” at one of its branches in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- The bank has started it in over 50 branches in 17 cities.
- Under this facility, customers will now be able to take their debit, credit card, check book and return check from the branch close to their home or office.
- The iBox terminals are installed outside the premises of the bank’s branches, which can be used even after the bank closes.
- This facility will be more beneficial for people who are not present at their home to receive these deliverables.
- Customers can also access it from their registered phone on even Sundays & holidays.
Extra Shots:
ICICI bank:
- Founded: 1994
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- President: Sandeep Batra
- Tagline: Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka
Indian Bank launches credit products ‘Corporate Loan’ & ‘Ind Surya Shakthi’ for textile sector
- Indian Bank has announced the launch of two tailor made credit productse., Corporate Loan and Ind Surya Shakthi/ Indian Bank Solar which will be available across the country for the benefit of the textile sector.
- The products were launched during a meeting with high officials of the textile industry under the Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF), in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
- Corporate Loan: Under it, the loans will be offered at affordable interest rates.
- Surya Shakthi: It is a term loan to set up roof-top solar power plants for captive consumption.
- This loan is expected to boost the renewable energy utilisation culture in the textile sector.
Extra Shots:
Indian Bank:
- Founded: 1907
- Headquarters: Chennai
- CEO: Padmaja Chunduru
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Gross GST collection for January cross Rs 1 lakh cr
- A remarkable growth in GST collection over Rs 1 lakh crore for last month has been reported by Finance Ministry.
- GST revenues during the month of January from domestic transactions showed a growth of 12% over the revenue during the month last year.
Extra Shots:
GST: Goods and Services Tax is an indirect tax used in India on the supply of goods and services. It is a comprehensive, multistage, destination based tax: comprehensive because it has subsumed almost all the indirect taxes except a few state taxes.
NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
India bans exports of all kinds of personal protection equipment
- India bans the exports of all kinds of personal protection equipment, including clothing and masks used to protect people from airborne particles.
- It is due to the outbreak of novel Coronavirus.
Union Govt aims to achieve objective of Housing for All by 2022 under PMAY-G
- Union Government aims to achieve the objective of Housing for All by 2022 under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen.
- A total of over one crore 50 lakh rural houses have been completed in the last five years.
- Eligible beneficiaries will get one crore 95 lakh houses in the second phase of the scheme.
- The government has set a target of 60 lakh houses for the current financial year.
Extra Shots:
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana, Indira Awaas Yojana, is a social welfare flagship program, created by the Indian Government
- Launch year: 2015
FM proposes to expand Jan Aushadhi Kendras in all districts
- Union Budget 2020-21 provides an additional 69,000 crore rupees for the health sector.
- The Finance Minister proposed to expand Jan Aushadhi Kendras in all districts of the country to provide medicines at affordable rates.
- She announced a 99,300 crore rupee outlay for education sector in 2020-21 and 3,000 crore rupees for skill development.
STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Madhya Pradesh: 3-day Narmada Mahotsav at Amarkantak till Feb 2
- In Madhya Pradesh, three-day Narmada Mahotsav is being started from 31st
- Local tribal art and culture will be duly demonstrated during Amarkantak Narmada Mahotsav-2020.
- The Narmada is a major source of drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectricity for Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
- Narmada River is considered as the mother and the giver of peace.
- During the Mahotsav, one day will be reserved for all women activities under the theme of “Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao”.
- A light and sound show based on the life of Maa Narmada will be organized.
- The rich cultural heritage of the region, art and agricultural products like the healthy Kodo-rice etc will also be demonstrated before the public at the Mahotsav.
- Trekking activities will be organized on 4 routes daily to make nature lovers aware of the natural and physical landscapes of the area in the Narmada Mahotsav.
Extra Shots:
Madhya Pradesh:
- Capital: Bhopal
- Chief Minister: Kamal Nath
- Governor: Lalji Tandon
- National Park: Bandhavgarh NP, Fossil NP, Kanha NP, Madhav NP, Panna NP, Pench NP, Sanjay NP, Satpura NP
Nagoba Jatara festival celebrated in Telangana
- Nagoba Jatara tribal festival was celebrated in the state of Telangana.
- The festival is prominently celebrated in Keslapur village, Indervelly Mandal, Adilabad district of Telangana.
- It is the 2nd biggest tribal carnival which is celebrated by the tribal people from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh belonging to the Mesaram clan of of Gond tribes.
Extra Shots:
Telangana:
- Capital:
- Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan.
- Chief Minister: Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao.
- National Parks: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy NP, Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali NP, Mrugavani NP.
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES
India-Africa Defence Ministers conclave held during DefExpo
- Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar briefed the media here on the preparation of the biennial defence exposition, DefExpo 2020, to be held in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow between February 5-9, 2020.
- Fourteen Defence Ministers from the African countries confirmed participation in this event.
- Defense Ministers of nearly 40 countries confirmed their participation for the DefExpo20, including Czech Republic, Mexico, South Korea, United Arab Emirates.
- The number of companies registered for participating in DefExpo 2020 increased to 1,000 from 702 in the last edition held in Chennai.
- A mobile app (DEFEXPO 2020) recently launched by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh that details, among others, the schedule of Live Demo and other activities during the event in real-time.
- The Ministry of Defence was also present during the media interaction.
12th South Asia Conference held in New Delhi
- Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the 12th edition of the South Asia Conference at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) in New Delhi from January 28-29, 2020.
- The conference deals with issues related to economic cooperation for development, changing political context in India’s neighbourhood etc.
- The theme of the conference was India’s “Neighbourhood First” Policy: RegionalAll members of SAARC and Myanmar participated in the conference. Members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries were called for cooperation to end terrorism.
APPOINTMENT
Union Government appoints M Ajit Kumar as chairman of CBIC ahead of Budget
- Central Government appoints M Ajit Kumar as chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
- The appointment comes just two days before the Union Budget presentation.
Extra Shots:
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs is the national nodal agency responsible for administering Customs, GST, Central Excise, Service Tax and Narcotics in India.
- Founded: 1 January 1964
ECI appointed Shri B Murali Kumar as Special Expenditure Observer
- Election Commission of India appointed Sh B Murli Kumar (ex IRS-1983) as Special Expenditure Observer as also appointed Sh Mrinal Kanti Das (IPS 1977 Retd) as Special Police Observer for General Election to the Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi, 2020.
Extra Shots:
ECI: The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India at national, state and district level.
- Formed: 25 January 1950
- Objectives: Constitutional Autonomous Body conducts the elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President of India,Parliament,State Legislative assemblies and Legislative councils
- Jurisdiction: Government of India
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- First executive: Sukumar Sen
- Preceding executive: Om Prakash Rawat
Vinay Mohan Kwatra designated as the next Ambassador of India to Nepal
- As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI), Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra, a 1988 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Nepal.
- He will replace Manjeev Singh Puri.
Extra Shots:
Nepal (Capital/Currency): Kathmandu/ Nepalese rupee
- President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari
- Vice President: Nanda Kishor Pun
- Prime Minister: Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli
SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
Goa 2020 National Games unveils Rubigula as mascot
- Rubigula, Flame-Throated Bulbul unveiled as the official mascot for the Goa 2020 National Games.
- The Flame-Throated Bulbul is the state bird of Goa.
- The mascot Rubigula will generate the interest of people towards the National Games. The mascot incorporates the best elements and characteristics of Goa and the Goan people.
- The Games will help imbibe a sports culture in the State.
- Goa will be hosting the 36th edition of the National Games from 20th October to 4th November 2020.
- The event will see participation by 36 states, and union territories, 12,000 + athletes, officials and will host 37 sports disciplines across 24 venues in Goa.
- 36th National Games will begin in Goa from October 20 to November 4.
- More than 12,000 athletes, as well as officials, will participate in the tournaments.
Extra Shots:
Goa:
- Capital: Panaji
- Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant
- Governor: Satya Pal Malik
- National Park: Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park
India beat New Zealand in 4th T20 International at Wellington
- India beat New Zealand via Super Over in the fourth T20 International after a second successive tie at Wellington.
- Chasing the target of 166 set by India, New Zealand were coasting at one stage before the hosts were restricted to 165 for 7.
Extra Shots:
New Zealand (Capital/Currency): Wellington/ New Zealand dolla
- Prime Minister: Jacinda Ardern
DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
IAF AN-32 Lands at LEH with Indigenous Bio-Jet Fuel
- IAF achieved a milestone, when an AN-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, powered with a 10% blend of Indian bio-jet fuel, took-off from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh.
- It is the first time that the bio-jet indigenous fuel-powered both engines of the aircraft.
- The aircraft was flight tested, and its performance was validated at Chandigarh Air Base before undertaking the operational flight to Leh.
Extra Shots:
Leh: Leh, a high-desert city in the Himalayas, is the capital of the Leh region in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. Originally a stop for trading caravans, Leh is now known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking areas. Massive 17th-century Leh Palace, modeled on the Dalai Lama’s former home (Tibet’s Potala Palace), overlooks the old town’s bazaar and mazelike lanes.
- Elevation: 3,500 m
- Area: 45,110 km²
Lt Gen Y K Joshi takes over as GOC-in-C Northern Command
- Lieutenant General YK Joshi took over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command at Udhampur.
- Before assuming the charge, he visited “Dhruva War Memorial”.
- He paid tribute to martyrs who have sacrificed their lives under the Northern Command since 1972.
- Gen Joshi commanded 13 JAK RIF in Operation VIJAY and PARAKRAM.
- Nicknamed ‘Joe’, he also displayed outstanding leadership during the Kargil war.
AWARDS
Journalist Yusuf Jameel won 2019 PEN Gauri Lankesh Award for Democratic Idealism
- Senior journalist Yusuf Jameel from Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) won the 2019-20 PEN Gauri Lankesh Award for Democratic Idealism for his outstanding contribution in journalism.
- This was the 2nd edition of award instituted in 2018 by PEN South India and PEN Delhi in the name of editor late Gauri Lankesh, who was assassinated in 2017.
- The award carries a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh and a citation.
- The 1st edition was given to cartoonist P Mahamood in September 2018.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ISRO launches a low-cost satellite launch vehicles
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) declares that it is preparing low-cost satellite launch vehicles costing around 30-35 crores rupees, each which can put into orbit satellites weighing 500 kgs.
- The first launch is expected to take place in the next four months from the country.
- The ISRO has a significant commercial boost as it will be able to cater to micro, mini, and medium segments of the market.
- ISRO earmarked 1,600 million Dollars for launch vehicles, of which 870 million Dollars will be for PSLV and the remaining for GSLV.
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
Veteran social activist and feminist writer Vidya Bal passes away
- Social activist, feminist writer and journalist Vidya Bal passed away.
- She was known for her heroic oppressive practices involving women.
- She was a forefront fighter for women equality with men.
- She approached Mumbai High Court demanding enforcement of the law to allow women in all Hindu Religious places.
- Her Public Interest Litigation was against the restriction of women at Shani Shingnapur temple under Maharashtra Hindu Place of Worship Act, 1956.
- She won the case paving way for women’s right inside the temple.
