Current Affairs Today 7th January 2020-Download in PDF

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Current Affairs Today – 7th January 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

  • The Reserve Bank of India has revised its supervisory framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs).
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted “in-principle” approval to Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank Limited for transition into a Small Finance Bank (SFB).
  • Union Home Minister has laid the foundation stone of Delhi Cycle Walk project.
  • The Union Minister of Commerce and Industries inaugurated the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Knowledge Hub in New Delhi.
  • Himachal State government unveiled the Himachal MyGov portal on 6 January 2020.
  • Commerce and Industry & Railways Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Knowledge Hub in New Delhi on 6 January 2020.
  • Journalists’ Day is being celebrated on 6th of January every year in the state of Maharashtra.
  • The 2nd phase of Mission Indradhanush 2.0 rolled out at block level in 35 districts of Uttar Pradesh.
  • The Mizoram state government is organizing the Zo Festival from 9 January 2020.
  • Kolkata Police has started the third edition of the Sukanya project on 6 January 2020.
  • Andhra Pradesh state government launched the Dr. YSR Aarogyasri scheme.
  • United States President Donald Trump has signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. With the signing of the act, US has authorised the establishment of US Space Force.
  • Zoran Milanovic won Croatia’s presidential election.
  • Kochi, Kerala will host the Global Investors Meet: ASCEND 2020.
  • ASCEND 2020 will showcase 18 mega projects with over Rs 100 crore investment each and offering direct employment to over 9,000 people.
  • Defence Minister inaugurated the National Traders Convention at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi.
  • Pune is to host the fifth edition of the Asia Pacific Drosophila Research Conference (APDRC5).
  • Uber Technologies Inc and automaker Hyundai Motor have teamed up to develop electric air taxis.
  • The Indian Army is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the procurement of over 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles with Russia.
  • Former Director-General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar has been appointed as Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
  • New Zealand‘s batsman Leo Carter has become the seventh batsman in the history of cricket to smash six 6s in an over.
  • The 1st edition of Khelo India University Games is scheduled to be held at the KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from February 22 to March 1, 2020.
  • India’s P Magesh Chandran wins the title in the 95th edition of the prestigious Hastings International Chess Congress at Hastings in England.
  • The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will observe 2020 as the ‘year of mobility’ that will have a special focus on the creation of more residential units and implementation of various welfare measures for the troops.
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has proposed Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) at Challakere in Chitradurga district of Karnataka.
  • Former Western Army Commander Lieutenant general Prem Nath Hoon passed away on 6 January 2020.

BANKING AND FINANCE CURRENT AFFAIRS

RBI revises supervisory framework for Urban Co-operative Bank

  • The Reserve Bank of India has revised its supervisory framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs).
  • Aims: to expedite resolution of UCBs experiencing financial stress.
  • A UCB may be placed under supervisory action framework under the following conditions:
  • When its Net Non-Performing Asset (NPA) exceeds 6% of its net advances.
  • When its Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) falls below 9%.
  • When it incurs losses for two consecutive financial years or has accumulated losses on its balance sheet.

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

UCB: Primary Cooperative Banks, popularly known as Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) are registered as cooperative societies under the provisions of, either the State Cooperative Societies Act of the State concerned or the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.

Shivalik Mercantile Co-op. Bank Ltd gets RBI’s approval to become SFB

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted “in-principle” approval to Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank Limited for transition into a Small Finance Bank (SFB).
  • The transition into a SFB will be under the “Scheme on voluntary transition of Urban Cooperative Bank into a Small Finance Bank” issued on September 27, 2018.

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Home Minister lays foundation stone of Delhi Cycle Walk

  • Union Home Minister has laid the foundation stone of Delhi Cycle Walk project.
  • The project will be installed at Tughlakabad in the National Capital New Delhi.
  • The project aims to make the city most walkable and environment friendly.
  • Delhi Cycle Walk will have network of over 220 km.
  • This cycle walk will cover abundant forests, dense residential areas and work places in close proximity in the city.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industries inaugurates NSE Knowledge Hub

  • The Union Minister of Commerce and Industries inaugurated the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Knowledge Hub in New Delhi.
  • The National Stock Exchange (NSE) Knowledge Hub is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered learning ecosystem that will assist the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector.
  • The Knowledge Hub will fill in these gaps and help the financial sector to move into the future.
  • It will enhance skills and help academic institutions in preparing future-ready talent for the financial service industry.
  • This industry-driven learning eco-system will help India in building next-generation skills and capabilities in the BFSI sector.

Jai Ram Thakur launched MyGov portal, CM app

  • Himachal State government unveiled the Himachal MyGov portal on 6 January 2020.
  • The portal was launched by the Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
  • This is expected to strengthen public participation in the Governance process.
  • He also launched the CM App on the occasion.
  • With this launch, the State has become 11th State to have this facility.

Extra Shots:

MyGov portal: MyGov portal is a platform that aims to provide partnership between Citizens and State/Central Government with the help of technology for the growth and development of India.  The platform is expected to enhance citizen-partnership with the State Government and vice versa.

Piyush Goyal inaugurated NSE Knowledge Hub in New Delhi

  • Commerce and Industry & Railways Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Knowledge Hub in New Delhi on 6 January 2020.
  • The hub will provide an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered learning ecosystem which will assist the Banking, Financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector.

Extra Shots:

NSE Knowledge Hub:

♦ The new AI hub created by NSE is expected to fill in the gaps of the fintech hub and help the financial sector to move into the future.

♦ It will enhance skills and help academic institutions to prepare future-ready talent for the financial service industry.

♦ It is also available on mobile and attempts to bring together world-class content and learners through this platform.

♦ It will help India in building next-generation skills and capabilities in the BFSI sector.

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Maharashtra celebrated Journalists’ Day on 6th January

  • Journalists’ Day is being celebrated on 6th of January every year in the state of Maharashtra.
  • The day is celebrated in the memory of late thespian journalist Balshashtri Jambhekar. Balshastri Jambhekar, is also known as ‘The Father of Marathi Journalism’, for his efforts in starting journalism in Marathi language.

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.

2nd phase of Mission Indradhanush-2 begins in UP

  • The 2nd phase of Mission Indradhanush 2.0 rolled out at block level in 35 districts of Uttar Pradesh.
  • The aim of the program launched by the central government in 2017 is to achieve 90% vaccination coverage in children of less than 2 years in the state.
  • Under the program around 66 thousand sessions will be organized for vaccination of more than 5.5 lakh children and around 1.3 lakh pregnant women of the state.
  • The focus of immunization is on urban, underserved population and tribal areas.
  • Intensified Mission Indradhanush will be conducted till March 2020.

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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

Mizoram government to organize Zo Festival from 9 Jan

  • The Mizoram state government is organizing the Zo Festival from 9 January 2020.
  • The festival is a part of the State’s endeavour to unify different tribes of Mizo.
  • The Festival will be organized under the banner Zo Kutpui in at least 10 different cities across the globe.
  • The aim of the celebration of the Zo Festival is to reunify and strengthen the brotherhood among different tribes of Mizo.
  • The first festival will be held at Vanghmun, a hub town of Mizos in neighbouring Tripura from 9-11 January 2020.
  • It will be graced by the Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga.
  • The event will witness cultural programmes and traditional songs from various Mizo tribes from Mizoram and other northeastern states.

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Mizoram:

  • State formed on: 20 February 1987
  • Governor: P. S. Sreedharan Pillai
  • Chief Minister: Zoramthanga
  • Deputy Chief Minister: Tawnluia
  • Capital: Aizawl
  • Literacy rate: 91.58%
  • Shares borders: Assam, Manipur, and Tripura

Third edition of Sukanya project began in West Bengal

  • Kolkata Police has started the third edition of the Sukanya project on 6 January 2020.
  • The project aims to provide girls studying in schools and colleges in the city with self-defence training.

Sukanya project:

  • The third batch of the project started at 100 city-based schools and colleges situated in Kolkata Police jurisdiction.
  • Girl students from classes VIII, IX, XI and girls studying in the first year at educational institutions will be trained under the project.

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West Bengal:

  • Capital: Kolkata
  • Chief Minister: Mamta Banerjee
  • Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar
  • State Formed in: 1947
  • Literacy Rate: 76.26%
  • National Park: Buxa National Park, Gorumara National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Sunderban National Park, Jaldapara National Park

Andhra Pradesh government launched the Dr. YSR Aarogyasri scheme

  • Andhra Pradesh state government launched the Dr. YSR Aarogyasri scheme.
  • It was inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at Eluru in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
  • This is the second welfare scheme that the government has launched in 2020
  • The scheme aims to provide free medical treatment to the poor.
  • The services will be extended to each district from April 2020 onwards

Dr. YSR Aarogyasri scheme:

  • YSR Aarogyasri scheme will benefit people having an annual income of up to Rs.5 lakh and the eligible people will be given Aarogyasri cards.
  • The scheme benefits the people whose treatment amount crosses Rs.1,000.
  • Under the scheme, the government will distribute 1.42 crores cards with QR codes across the state.
  • Free treatment will be given to cancer patients from February 2020 onwards.
  • The scheme provides one Asha worker for every 350 houses. 150 super-specialty hospitals located in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai will also be included in the Aarogyasri network.
  • The patients will be provided financial aid of Rs.225 per day, to a maximum of Rs.5000 per month, during the recovery or resting period after the operation.
  • Around 510 medicines will be made available in government hospitals.

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Andhra Pradesh:

  • Capital: Amravati
  • Chief Minister: Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy
  • Governor: Biswabhusan Harichandan
  • State Formed in: 1 November 1956
  • Literacy Rate: 67.4 %
  • National Park: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park

J&K registers highest Inpatient Department care in country

  • Jammu and Kashmir has registered the highest Inpatient Department, IPD care in the country.
  • According to the state-wise fact sheets released by National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), New Delhi, overall all women in J&K are availing Antenatal Care (ANC) services.
  • As per the report, the 96 percent IPD care in rural areas of J&K is provided by Public Health Facilities which is highest against the country’s average of 85 percent.

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

Gujarat to set up Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Center in state

  • Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has announced the setting up of the Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Center (VSCIC) in the state.
  • AIM: to identify, nurture and promote children’s innovation in the state.
  • It was announced by him during the felicitation ceremony of Children’s Innovation Festival (CIF) held at Swarnim Sankul in Gandhinagar last evening.
  • Children’s Innovation Festival – CIF has been organized by Gujarat University Start-ups and Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC) – an incubation centre set up by Gujarat University in partnership with UNICEF.
  • CIF initiative was conceptualized to identify, nurture and support children’s innovations in the state.

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

Gujarat: 31st International Kite Festival launched in Ahmedabad

  • In Gujarat, the 31st International Kite Festival has been launched at Sabarmati river front in Ahmedabad.
  • It will continue till 14th January- Makarsankranti- the festival of Kites in different parts of the state.
  • Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has inaugurated the colourful kite festival, which is also attracting large number of foreign tourists in the state.
  • Chief Minister Rupani said that kite has become an identity of Gujarat.

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

INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

United States officially launches “US Space Force”

  • United States President Donald Trump has signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. With the signing of the act, US has authorised the establishment of US Space Force.
  • The US Space Force will become the 6th branch of the armed forces.
  • Space Force would become the youngest US military branch, and the first new service since the establishment of the US Air Force back in 1947.
  • The Space Force would be part of the Department of the Air Force.
  • The launch of the Space Force will be funded by an initial $40m for its first year.
  • It will be led by Air Force General Jay Raymond.

Extra Shots:

USA (Capital/Currency): Washington, D.C./ United States Dollar

  • President: Donald Trump
  • Official languages: English

Zoran Milanovic won Croatias presidential election

  • Zoran Milanovic won Croatia’s presidential election.
  • He Croatia’s center-left former prime minister.
  • He defeated center-right incumbent Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic in a second-round vote.
  • The presidential election was held on 22 December 2019.
  • He belongs to the Social Democrats (SDP).
  • Milanovic won 52.7% of the vote and Grabar-Kitarovic of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) won 47.3%.

Extra Shots:

Croatia (Capital/Currency): Zagreb/Kuna

  • Prime Minister: Andrej Plenkovic
  • Official languages: Croatian

SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES

Kochi to host Global Investors Meet: ASCEND 2020

  • Kochi, Kerala will host the Global Investors Meet: ASCEND 2020.
  • ASCEND 2020 will showcase 18 mega projects with over Rs 100 crore investment each and offering direct employment to over 9,000 people.
  • The meet will be organised by the Industries Department.
  • The projects include:
  • Kochi-to-Palakkad integrated manufacturing cluster, an electronic hardware park in Ernakulam district, integrated solid-waste management systems in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Malappuram, a medium density fibreboard plant in Perumbavoor and a defence park at Ottappalam, and many other projects.
  • The Invest Kerala Portal: “invest.kerala.gov.in” will also be showcased at the meet.
  • Invest Kerala Portal is a single-window facilitator for hassle-free investment promotion launched under its ease of doing business initiative.

Rajnath Singh inaugurates National Traders Convention in Delhi

  • Defence Minister inaugurated the National Traders Convention at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi.
  • The convention has been organised by Confederation of All India Traders and will deliberate upon various issues concerning traders, including “onslaught of e-commerce companies on retail trade by their malpractices and violation of FDI policy”.
  • The aim of this convention will be to discuss the role of the trading community in achieving a 5 trillion dollar economy goal.

Extra Shots:

Kerala:

  • Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
  • Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
  • Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan
  • State Formed in: 1 November 1956
  • Literacy Rate: 93.91%
  • 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

Pune to host the 5th edition of Asia Pacific Drosophila Research Conference

  • Pune is to host the fifth edition of the Asia Pacific Drosophila Research Conference (APDRC5). The biennial conference is hosted for the first time in India. It is hosted from 6-10 January 2020.
  • Organized by:APDRC5, one of the largest meetings of Drosophila researchers, is organized by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER).
  • Aim:APDRC5 aims to promote the interaction of Drosophila researchers in the Asia-Pacific region with their peers across the world.

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.

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

Uber ties up with Hyundai to develop electric air taxis

  • Uber Technologies Inc and automaker Hyundai Motor have teamed up to develop electric air taxis.
  • The partnership aims to make small self-flying cars to ease urban congestion.
  • The team is heading towards a goal of launching Uber Air by 2023 and urban air mobility service in 2028.
  • Hyundai is the first carmaker to join Uber’s air taxi project.
  • Hyundai will produce and deploy the vehicles while Uber will provide aerial ride-share services. Uber has partnered with eight companies for its air taxi project.

Extra Shots:

Uber Technologies, Inc., commonly known as Uber, is an American multinational ride-hailing company offering services that include peer-to-peer ridesharing, ride service hailing, food delivery, and a micromobility system with electric bikes and scooters.

  • CEO: Dara Khosrowshahi
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
  • Founders: Travis Kalanick, Garrett Camp

India-Russia to sign MoUs on AK-203 assault rifles

  • The Indian Army is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the procurement of over 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles with Russia.
  • The rifles will be manufactured by the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The facility is being set up between the Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) from the Indian side, and Rosoboron Exports and Kalashnikov on the Russian side.
  • The OFB owns 50.5% equity and Russian side holds the remaining 49.5%.
  • The Army has been looking to replace the indigenous INSAS (Indian National Small Arms System) rifles in use with a modern rifle.

Extra Shots;

Russia (Capital/Currency): Moscow/Ruble

  • Prime Minister: Dmitry Medvedev
  • President: Vladimir Putin

APPOINTMENT

Ex-CRPF DG Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar appointed as Advisor to J&K LG

  • Former Director-General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar has been appointed as Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. With this, the Lieutenant Governor of J&K Union Territory will have three Advisors.
  • The other two Advisors: KK Sharma and Farooq Khan were appointed on November 14, 2019.

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

Ravindra Nath Mahto elected as Jharkhand Assembly Speaker

  • Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) legislator Ravindra Nath Mahto from Nala constituency was unanimously elected as the new Assembly Speaker.
  • Protem Speaker Stephen Marandi administered the oath to the newly elected Speaker of the State Assembly.
  • Chief Minister Hemant Soren wished the newly elected Speaker on taking up the new position. Speaker Ravindra Nath Mahto expressed his gratitude towards the Members of the Assembly for his election for the post.

Extra Shots:

Jharkhand:

  • Capitals- Ranchi
  • Governor- Draupadi Murmu
  • Chief Minister: Hemant Soren
  • State Formed in: 15 November 2000
  • Literacy Rate: 67.63%
  • National Parks: Betla National Park

SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS

Leo Carter becomes 7th cricketer to hit six 6s in an over

  • New Zealand‘s batsman Leo Carter has become the seventh batsman in the history of cricket to smash six 6s in an over.
  • He achieved the feat in New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament Super Smash. Representing Canterbury, he smashed Knight’s bowler Anton Devcich for six 6s in the 16th over of the innings.
  • Other 6 players who have achieved the feat are: Gary Sobers (West Indies), Ravi Shastri (India), Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa), Yuvraj Singh (India), Ross Whiteley (England) and Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan).
  • When it comes to T20 cricket, Carter is just the fourth batsman to achieve the feat. Yuvraj is the only batsman to have scored six 6s in an international T20I.

Bhubaneswar to host 1st edition of Khelo India University Games

  • The 1st edition of Khelo India University Games is scheduled to be held at the KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from February 22 to March 1, 2020.
  • Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the logo and jersey of Khelo India University Games.
  • Khelo India University Games will witness over 4,000 athletes from 100 Universities across India vying for top honours in 17 different disciplines namely archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weight-lifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby and kabaddi.

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Odisha:

  • Capital: Bhubaneswar
  • Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik
  • Governor: Ganeshi Lal
  • State Formed in: 1 April 1936
  • Literacy Rate: 72.87%
  • National Park: Bhitarkanika NP, Simlipal NP

P Magesh Chandran wins 95th Hastings International Chess title

  • India’s P Magesh Chandran wins the title in the 95th edition of the prestigious Hastings International Chess Congress at Hastings in England.
  • France’s Romain Edouard, who was the only player to end the tournament a half-point behind Chandran, took the second spot.

DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS

CISF to observe 2020 as ‘year of mobility’

  • The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will observe 2020 as the ‘year of mobility’ that will have a special focus on the creation of more residential units and implementation of various welfare measures for the troops.
  • In the year 2020, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will aim at creating an infrastructure for their families.
  • It will also aim at focusing on sports and physical fitness leveraging modern gadgetry
  • They guard civil airports, nuclear power stations, mines, thermal power stations in the private domain as well.

Extra Shots:

CISF: The Central Industrial Security Force is a Central Armed Police Force in India. It was set up under an Act of the Parliament of India on 10 March 1969 with strength of 2,800. Its current active strength is 148,371 personnel.

  • Headquarters location: New Delhi
  • Motto: Protection and Security
  • Minister responsible: Amit Shah, Union Home Minister
  • Agency executive: Rajesh Ranjan, IPS, Director General of CISF
  • Constituting instrument: Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Challakere to be ISRO’s astronaut training hub

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has proposed Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) at Challakere in Chitradurga district of Karnataka.
  • The facility is expected to become operational in 3 years.
  • ISRO aims to establish a self-contained training facility here. At present, astronauts part of Gaganyaan Mission, the Human Spaceflight Programme of ISRO are trained in Russia.
  • The centre aims at bringing in all the features that are provided by Russia and begin training astronauts within the country.

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

Lt Gen Prem Nath Hoon passed away

  • Former Western Army Commander Lieutenant general Prem Nath Hoon passed away on 6 January 2020.
  • He was 90 years old. Lt Gen Hoon was admitted to Command Hospital, Chandimandir, Panchkula due to illness.

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