Hello and welcome to exampundit. Here are the important Current Affairs Today 22nd February 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 – 22nd February 2020
NEWS AT A GLANCE
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unveiled a National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2019-24.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Sunil Gurbaxani as Managing Director and CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank.
- Ministry of Railways upgraded services of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based ASKDISHA chatbot to converse with Railway customers in the Hindi language.
- The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) launched a National Level Awareness Programme (NLAP) 2020 from 17-28 February 2020.
- Indian Railways has launched self-sustainable railway stations with high standards and best practices.
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has uncovered gold reserves in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.
- The government is planning to make Chhattisgarh a steel hub of the country.
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the “5G Hackathon” on 21 February to promote applications relevant to India in the 5G realm.
- The world-famous Goa Carnival will begin this evening in the capital Panaji.
- The West Bengal Government has planned to launch in-house radio stations in all 57 correctional homes in the state.
- Bangladesh has observed the “Shaheed Dibash” which is also known as ‘Amar Ekushey‘.
- Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar has resigned. Mr. Varadkar staying on as interim leader while the country’s three main parties battle out deadlocked coalition talks after an inconclusive election.
- International Judicial Conference was held in New Delhi on 22 February.
- Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (Mo I&B) in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted India Networking Reception at Berlinale 2020.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah met his Maldivian counterpart, Sheikh Imran Abdulla, on 21 February 2020.
- The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers Amarjeet Sinha and Bhaskar Khulbe as the Advisers to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Ross Taylor has become the first player in the cricketing world to play 100 matches in all the three formats of the game.
- The Ideal Legislative Assembly Speaker/Ideal Legislative Council Chairman Award was presented to the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Shri P. Ramakrishnan.
- The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Palakkad, is to set up a Centre for Research and Education in Data Science (CREDS) on its campus at Kanjikode, Kerala.
NEWS IN DETAILS
BANKING AND FINANCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
RBI unveiled a 2019-24 National Strategy for Financial Inclusion
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unveiled a National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2019-24.
- The RBI’s Strategy is aimed at providing access to formal financial services in an affordable manner.
- It aims to promote financial literacy among customers.
National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2019-24:
♦ National Strategy for Financial Inclusion method recommends many ways in which the objective can be fulfilled.
♦ It suggested methods to provide access to financial service provides in every village within a range of 5 km.
♦ Every adult registered under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) should be enrolled in insurance, pension schemes.
♦ The public credit registry should be made fully operational by March 2022. The strategy directed to strengthen the digital financial services to facilitate less-cash society.
♦ Every new entrant should be given information on government livelihood programme.
Extra Shots:
RBI: The Reserve Bank of India is India’s central banking institution, which controls the issuance and supply of the Indian rupee.
- Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Governor: Shaktikanta Das
- Deputy Governors: B P Kanungo, M K Jain, N S Vishwanathan, Michael Debaprata Patra
RBI appointed Sunil Gurbaxani as MD and CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Sunil Gurbaxani as Managing Director and CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank.
- Prior to this appointment, he was working with Axis Bank.
- He will serve for a period of three years from the date of taking charge.
- Dhanlaxmi Bank was removed from the RBI PCA framework as it was subject to certain conditions and continuous monitoring.
- The bank reported a 26% rise in net profit to Rs.21.28 crore for the third quarter ended December 2019.
Extra Shots:
Dhanlaxmi Bank:
- Founded: 1927
- Headquarters: Thrissur, Kerala, India
- Chairman: Mr. Sajeev Krishnan
NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Railways launches online Chatbot ASKDISHA
- Ministry of Railways upgraded services of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based ASKDISHA chatbot to converse with Railway customers in the Hindi language.
- It aims to resolve queries of railway passengers over the internet pertaining to various services offered.
ASKDISHA chatbot:
♦ Indian Railways introduced the services of AI-based ASKDISHA chatbot in October 2018.
♦ The chatbot will be used for the benefit of the users of Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited’s (IRCTC) ticketing website www.irctc.co.in and tourism website www.irctctourism.com.
♦ The Chatbot was initially launched in English. In order to further enhance the customer services rendered and to further strengthen the services of the chatbot, IRCTC has now powered voice-enabled ASKDISHA to converse with customers in the Hindi language.
♦ The customers can now ask queries to ASKDISHA in the Hindi language by voice and text.
♦ More than 3,000 inquiries are being handled by ASKDISHA in the Hindi language on a daily basis.
♦ IRCTC also plans to launch ASKDISHA in more languages along with many other additional features in the near future.
♦ ASKDISHA is a special computer programme that was designed to simulate conversations with users.
♦ The initiative was aimed to facilitate accessibility by answering users’ queries pertaining to various services offered to railway passengers. More than 150 million passengers have been benefited by ASKDISHA so far.
MSME launched a 2020 National Level Awareness Programme
- The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) launched a National Level Awareness Programme (NLAP) 2020 from 17-28 February 2020.
- The main objective of NLAP is to spread awareness about the schemes and activities undertaken by the Ministry of MSME and its attached organizations including Office of Development Commissioner (MSME), MSME Technology Centres, Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Coir Board, National Small Industries Corporation Limited, National Institute of MSME, and Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization.
NLAP 2020:
♦ The programme is conducted in 126 field offices of the Ministry and its organizations across the country to disseminate information amongst students of colleges and educational institutes.
♦ The awareness drive will be conducted in more than 600 colleges covering almost 60,000 students from all parts of the country.
♦ The programmes are an attempt taken by the Ministry of MSME to encourage students/ youth to take up entrepreneurship as their career.
Extra Shots:
MSME: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, a branch of the Government of India, is the apex executive body for the formulation and administration of rules, regulations and laws relating to micro, small and medium enterprises in India.
- Founded: 2007
- Headquarters: New Delhi
Indian Railways launched self-sustainable railway stations
- Indian Railways has launched self-sustainable railway stations with high standards and best practices.
- The aim is to enhance passengers’ satisfaction and experience.
- Such amenities were inaugurated in Anand Vihar Terminal Station, New Delhi.
New Facilities:
♦ The user-friendly passenger amenities, standards of safety, comfort, value-added services, and efficiency by adopting the best technological practices and optimum utilization of resources.
♦ Indian Railways has added several passenger amenities at Anand Vihar Terminal Station, New Delhi, which is emerging as a multi-modal hub near which two Metro stations and ISBT are already there and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) station on Meerut route is also coming up shortly.
♦ Passengers can avail the facility of Air-conditioned Waiting Hall by paying a nominal charge of Rs.20 for the first two hours and thereafter Rs.10 for every subsequent hour. The Waiting Hall is provided with cushioned chairs, LED TV and Snack Bar.
♦ It has upgraded Non-AC Waiting Halls with LED TV and Snack Bar. There will be no entry fee charged.
STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Chhattisgarh to be made a steel hub of the country
- The government is planning to make Chhattisgarh a steel hub of the country.
- The announcement was made by the Union Minister for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan during his two-day visit to Chhattisgarh.
Highlights:
♦ The Minister visited the Bhilai Steel Plant in Durg district and held meetings with the plant officials.
♦ He directed the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) officials to draw an Action Plan to enhance production and ensure safety at its plants.
♦ He held a discussion with the representatives of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to promote steel ancillaries in the region by developing a local eco-system.
Extra Shots:
Chhattisgarh:
- Established on: 1 November 2000
- Governor: Anusuiya Uikey
- Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel
- Literacy: 70.01%
- Official language: Hindi
DoT launched 5G Hackathon to promote 5G technology in India
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the “5G Hackathon” on 21 February to promote applications relevant to India in the 5G realm.
- The 5G Hackathon was launched by DoT in association with several governments, academia-industry stakeholders.
- Aim:The hackathon is aimed to shortlist India focussed cutting edge ideas that can be converted into workable 5G products and solutions.
Extra Shots:
5G technology:
5G technology will provide over 4G in terms of peak data, rate, speed, latency, spectrum efficiency, and connection density. The special feature of the technology applications in different economic verticals.
World famous Goa carnival to begin in Panaji today
- The world-famous Goa Carnival will begin this evening in the capital Panaji.
- The festival, which displays Goan art and culture, is celebrated with fun, frolic, pomp and splendor.
- The floats carry different messages and themes and there is also a band of music and troupes of artists on each float vehicle.
- Local as well as foreign tourists participate in this Carnival festival.
- Tonight streets in Panaji will be lit up with marching bands, group dances and artists dressed in colourful costumes.
- The thrill of Carnival attracts visitors all across Goa.
Extra Shots:
Goa
- Capital: Panaji
- Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant
- Governor: Satya Pal Malik
GSI discovers gold deposits in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has uncovered gold reserves in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.
- The gold reserves are estimated to be around 3000 tonnes equalling the valuation of Rs 12 lakh crore.
- The estimates are almost five times of India’s present gold reserves.
- It is almost two decades back in 1992-93 when the work on finding gold reserves started in Sonbhadra.
- The gold reserves are estimated to be be around 2,943.26 tonnes in Son Pahadi while it is around 646.16 kilograms at Hardi block.
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
West Bengal govt to launch in-house radio stations in all 57 correctional homes in State
- The West Bengal Government has planned to launch in-house radio stations in all 57 correctional homes in the state.
- The State Correctional Home Minister Ujjal Biswas said that the decision has been taken after the success of a pilot project at the Dum Dum Central Correctional Home recently.
- He said that plans are aimed at ensuring better living conditions of Jail inmates
Extra Shots:
West Bengal:
- Capital: Kolkata
- Chief Minister: Mamta Banerjee
- Governor:
- State formed in: Jagdeep Dhankhar
- Literacy Rate: 76.26%
INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Bangladesh observes language movement martyrs’ day “Shaheed Dibash”
- Bangladesh has observed the “Shaheed Dibash” which is also known as ‘Amar Ekushey‘.
- The day is observed annually to commemorate and to pay tribute to the martyrs of language movement.
- President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh commemorated the day by paying tribute to martyrs who lost their lives during Pakistani police firing on 21st of February 1952 in Dhaka.
Extra Shots:
Bangladesh (Capital/Currency): Dhaka/Taka
- Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar resigns
- Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar has resigned.
- Varadkar staying on as interim leader while the country’s three main parties battle out deadlocked coalition talks after an inconclusive election.
- Varadkar has conveyed to the president his resignation from the office.
- “In accordance with the constitution, the (Prime Minister) and the government will continue to carry on their duties until successors have been appointed.
Extra Shots:
Ireland(Capital/Currency): Dublin/Euro
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES
International Judicial Conference was held in New Delhi
- International Judicial Conference was held in New Delhi on 22 February.
- The conference was addressed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
- Distinguished Judges of the Supreme Court and various High Courts, Eminent lawyers and delegates from overseas also took part in the Conference.
Highlights:
♦ The topic of the one-day conference is “Judiciary and The Changing World”.
Also, the theme of ‘Gender Just World’ was introduced at the conference.
♦ They discussed the changes made by GoI to bring gender equality including recruitment of women in military service, changes in the selection process of fighter pilots, and the freedom to work at night in the mines.
♦ The need for technology to deliver speedy justice was emphasized. The government has made an effort to connect every court of the country to the e-court Integrated Mission Mode Project.
♦ So far, 1500 obsolete laws have been abolished in the country. Also, many new laws to strengthen the society have been enacted.
Centre has established National Judicial Data Grid, in order to make court procedures easier.
♦ The synergy of artificial intelligence (AI) and human conscience is expected to give further impetus to judicial processes in India.
India Networking Reception was hosted at 2020 Berlinale
- Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (Mo I&B) in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted India Networking Reception at Berlinale 2020.
- Over 100 participants including prominent Film Festival Heads, International Film Associations, Film Agencies and Renowned Production Houses interested in fostering collaborations with India participated in the event.
India Networking Reception:
♦ The discussion focused on forging ties for the co-production of films. It also aims to develop partnerships for the 51 edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be held in 2020.
♦ They also apprised about policy initiatives of Government to ease filming in India through the web portal www.ffo.gov.in.
Extra Shots:
70th Berlin International Film Festival: The 2020 Berlinale marked the 70th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival. The festival is headed by Executive Director Duo Mariette Rissenbeek and Artistic Director Carlo Chatrian.
- Held at: Berlin, Germany
- Held from: 20 February to 1 March 2020
AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED
India, Maldives agree to combat terrorism, radicalization
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah met his Maldivian counterpart, Sheikh Imran Abdulla, on 21 February 2020.
- The Ministers agreed to combat terrorism, radicalization in both the countries.
Highlights:
♦ The Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism and counter-radicalization.
♦ They also discussed various issues of mutual interest in the area of security and law enforcement cooperation.
♦ A meeting was organized to discuss the measures to combat terrorism. It was attended by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and other senior officers from both countries.
Extra Shots:
India-Maldives ties:
The bilateral cooperation between India and Maldives has been strengthened in diverse fields, including policing and counter-terrorism, law enforcement, counter-radicalization, drug trafficking, organized crime, and capacity building.
APPOINTMENT
Amarjeet Sinha & Bhaskar Khulbe appointed as Advisers to PM
- The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers Amarjeet Sinha and Bhaskar Khulbe as the Advisers to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The appointments of the retired administrative officers has been made on contractual basis.
- Both the officers are from the 1983 batch, Bhaskar Khulbe from the West Bengal Cadre while Amarjeet Sinha from the Bihar Cadre.
SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
Ross Taylor becomes world’s first cricketer to play 100 matches in all 3 formats
- Ross Taylor has become the first player in the cricketing world to play 100 matches in all the three formats of the game.
- He reached the landmark feat during the first international cricket match of India and New Zealand bilateral test series started at Basin Reserve in Wellington.
- Former New Zealand wicket-keeper Ian Smith presented Ross Taylor with 100th Test cap before the match.
- With this, he has represented New Zealand in 100 or more times in all the three formats of cricket at international level.
- Ross Taylor has represented New Zealand in 231 One Day International matches, 100 T20 International matches and 100 Test matches.
AWARDS
Sreeramakrishnan was conferred the Ideal Legislative Assembly Speaker Award
- The Ideal Legislative Assembly Speaker/Ideal Legislative Council Chairman Award was presented to the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Shri P. Ramakrishnan.
- It was conferred by the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the 10th edition of Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad in New Delhi on 20 February 2020.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
IIT-Palakkad to set up a Centre for Research and Education in Data Science
- The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Palakkad, is to set up a Centre for Research and Education in Data Science (CREDS) on its campus at Kanjikode, Kerala.
- CREDS will be established with an aim to provide quality education and research.
- It also aims to develop data science and artificial intelligence (AI).
Centre for Research and Education in Data Science (CREDS):
♦ Along with IIT-Palakad experts from engineering streams such as computer science, electrical, civil and mechanical engineering will join hands to promote the centre.
♦ The centre would foster active collaboration with industries, government, and other academic institutes and research labs.
♦ CREDS has identified AI, its application for education and its sustainability as broad areas of focus.
♦ CREDS will organize a one-day symposium on data science on the Nila Campus at Kanjikode.
