VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE - TNPSC Gatewayytnpscgatewayy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/March-01-15... · 2020. 3. 5. · VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE TNPSC Current AffAirs An ISO 9001 :

VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLETNPSC

Current AffAirs

An ISO 9001 : 2015 Institution | Providing Excellence Since 2011

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My Dear Aspirants, Greetings to all of you! “What we think we become” Gautama Buddha. We all have dreams. To make dreams come into reality it takes a lot of determination, dedication, self discipline and continuous effort.

We at VETRII IAS Study Circle are committed to provide the right guidance, quality coaching and help every aspirants to achieve his or her life’s cherished goal of becoming a civil servant.

The class room coaching at VETRII IAS Study Circle is meticulously planned to equip the aspirants with all the relevant facts and fundamentals of the subjects. Further the VETRII IAS Study Circle Study materials aim to support the candidate by providing the most relevant study material in a comprehensive manner.

Wishing You All The Very Best !!

DIRECTOR

(M.Shunmugam) Vetrii IAS Study Circle.

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INDEX

01 - 10 HISTORY

Important Days Defence National Security and

Terrorism World Organisations – Pacts and Summits

Eminent Persons Sports and Games Books & Authors

Awards & Honours Cultural Panaroma India & its

Neighbours Appointments – Who is who?

11 - 13 POLITICAL SCIENCE

India’s Foreign Policy Latest Court Verdicts Govt

– Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility

14 GEOGRAPHY

Policy on Environment and Ecology Natural Disasters

– Safeguard Measures

15-16 ECONOMICS

New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Current Socio

- Economic Problems

14

11

01

15

17 - 19 SCIENCE Latest Inventions in Science & Technology

Latest Discoveries on Health Science

Mass Media & Communication

20 NATIONAL – DIARY OF

EVENTS

27 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

28 TAMIL NADU AFFAIRS

17

20

27

28

Vetrii's Current AffAirs, MArCh - 2020

Vetrii iAs study CirCle 1

History1.1 Important Days

Date Day Theme / Remark

March 1 World Defence Day

March 1 Zero Discrimination Day

March 1 to 7

Janaushadhi Week being

celebrated in India

The main aim of the week is to provide various activities like health checkup Camp, free doctor consultation, free medicine distribution is hosted by Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

March 3 World Wildlife Day Sustaining all Life on Earth

March 4 National Safety Day The Theme of National Safety day 2020 is

“Enhance Health & Safety Performance by Use of Advanced Technology“

March 7 Jan Aushadhi Diwas The day is being celebrated to commemorate

the achievements of Pradhan Mantro Bharatiya Janaushadi Pariyojana.

March 8 International Women’s Day Theme: An Equal World is an Enabled

World.

March 12 World Kidney Day The theme of the year 2020: Kidney Health

for Everyone Everywhere- from Prevention to Detection and Equitable access.

March 13 World Sleep Day The theme of the year 2020: “Better Sleep,

Better Life, Better Planet”.

Important Days

Vetrii iAS Study CirCle2


1.2 Defence, National Security and Terrorism

Defence, National Security and Terrorism

Indian Coast Guard conducts 9th edition of rescue exercise ‘SAREX-2020’ in Goa

Indian Coast Guard (ICG),an armed force that protects India’s maritime interests, has conducted a 2-day 9th edition of national level search and rescue exercise ‘SAREX-2020’ based on the theme ‘Harmonization of Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue (HAMSAR)’ in the sea at Vasco, South Goa.

1.3 World Organisations – Pacts and SummitsFreedom in the world 2020 report: India ranked 83rd among least free democracies; Finland tops

According to the ‘Freedom in the World 2020” report, which analyzes democratic values and people’s freedom in 195 countries & 15 territories, released by the Freedom House, a U.S (United States) -based watchdog that conducts research and advocacy on democracy, India has ranked 83rd in the report along with Timor-Leste and Senegal in ‘Free’category. While, Finland topped the list as the free democratic country.

India’s score fell by 4 points to 71 in the survey results.

Top 3 nation in free category

Bottom 3 nation in free category

Finland IndiaNorway Timor-lesteSweden Tunisia

5th BIMSTEC Summit 2020 to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in September

The 5th edition of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit 2020 to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in the month of September 2020.

Wealth Report 2020: India’s UHNWI population to increase by 73% in 5 years & Ranks 12th

According to the “Wealth Report 2020” released by Knight Frank LLP, a leading International Property Consultant, India had 5,986 UHNWIs Ultra high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) in 2019 and they expected to increase by 73% in the coming 5 years. This will almost double the current count to 10,354.

India, according to Knight Frank, ranks 12th and had 5,986 such individuals in 2019, which is likely to reach 10,354 by 2024. The number of billionaires in India, on the other hand, is likely to reach 113 by 2024, up from 104 in 2019.



World Organisations – Pacts and Summits | Places in News

Girls still face violence and discrimination, 70% trafficked in 2016: UNICEF report “A New Era for Girls”

In accordance with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund report titled “A New Era for Girls: Taking stock on 25 years of progress” in collaboration with UN Women and Plan International, girls still face violence and discrimination even after 25 years of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Beijing Declaration was aimed at advancing women’s and girls’ rights in the country.

The report has been launched in line with the Generation Equality campaign, and to mark the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

UNGCNI organizes 3rd Gender equality summit 2020 in New Delhi

UNGCNI (United Nations Global Compact Network India), a country level platform for public & private sector, businesses to align stakeholders’ responsible practices towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),has organized the 3rd edition of its Gender Equality Summit 2020 with the theme “India Inc. For Generation Equality: Decade of Action” at the Park in New Delhi.

World Economic Forum launches ‘COVID Action Platform’

The World Economic Forum launched the ‘COVID Action Platform’ in collaboration with the World Health Organization to combat the Coronavirus. It aims to act

with the help of the private sector to prevent the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Its main function is to strengthen the supply chain so that essential health equipment and medicines are available. The platform has been built with the help of 200 corporate leaders around the world.

WEF is an international institution, founded by Klaus Schwab to improve the state of the world through public-private collaboration. It was founded in 1971.

1.4 Places in News

J&K: Historic city Chowk renamed as ‘Bharat mata chowk’

The historic City Chowk, which was a commercial center in Old Jammu, has been renamed as ‘Bharat Mata Chowk’. A resolution in this regard was passed by the General house of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)-led Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), after which it was done.

Maharashtra Government renamed Aurangabad Airport as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport

The Maharashtra Government renamed Aurangabad Airport as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport. The decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet, chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Uddhav Bal Thackeray.



1.5 Eminent PersonsBBC honour for Sindhu Usha gets lifetime achievement award

P.V.Sindhu was voted as the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the year.

She gained more popular votes than boxer Mary Kom, para-shuttler Manasi Joshi, sprinter Dutee Chand and wrestles Vinesh Phogat. Legendary athlete P.T.Usha was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Places in News | Eminent Persons

All-woman crew operates Uday Express to Bengaluru

All operations including that of loco pilot, guard, ticket examiners were handled by women in the train, which left the Coimbatore station.

India wins Ambedkar House case in London, Primrose Hill house to be turned into museum

The BR Ambedkar museum in London’s plush Primrose Hill area will be thrown open to the public soon. This comes after an enforcement notice was quashed by the authorities resulting in a win for India.

The museum came under dispute for its breach of planning pension in 2018 and eventually an enforcement notice was issued on November 16, 2018, which was challenged by Janeevan John of Singhania and Co. on behalf of the Indian government.

Nupur Kulshrestha becomes Indian Coast Guard’s first woman DIG

Nupur Kulshrestha becomes the 1st woman to be promoted as Deputy Inspector General (DIG )of Indian Coast Guard. She joined Indian Coast Guard in 1999.

About Indian Coast Guard On August 18, 1978 ICG was established

by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India as an independent Armed force of India & is operated under the Ministry of defence.

It is an armed forces & multi-mission organisation, which conducts real life operations at sea round the year.

Indian mountaineer Bhawna Dehariya scales Australia’s highest mountain peak

Indian mountaineer Bhawna Dehariya has successfully scaled Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain peak in Australia.

Katerina Sakellaropoulou becomes Greece’s first woman president

High court judge and human rights advocate K a t e r i n a Sakellaropoulou has been elected Greece’s first female president by parliament.

Sakellaropoulou was nominated by the ruling conservative New Democracy party.



1.6 Sports and GamesSports and Games

All India Police Athletic Championship Kick Starts in Haryana

All India Police Athletic Championship-2019 began at Bhanu in Panchkula District of Haryana.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju declared the meet open at Basic Training Centre of ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police).

Mumbai to host 2023 International Olympic Committee (IOC) session

Mumbai will host the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session 2023 as recommended by IOC Executive Board and the decision will be approved at the 136th IOC session in Tokyo in July 2020. The IOC session was held in 1983 in New Delhi and the session is going to be held in India after 40 years.

Philippines will host the Badminton Asia Championships

The Badminton Asia Championships will be held in the capital of Philippines i.e. Manila. The Badminton Asia Championship was earlier scheduled to be held in Wuhan, China. Due to Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China, the Badminton Asia has took a decision to move the Badminton Asia Championships from Wuhan to Manila.

The 44th edition Chess Olympiad of the tournament will be held from August 5 to 18

Five-time World champion Viswanathan Anand will lead the Indian team in the 44th Chess Olympiad to be held in Moscow in August with the legendary Vladimir Kramnik set to train the men’s squad.

World will spearhead the Indian women in the biennial event that is likely to see the participation of around 180 countries, according to a press release from the All India Chess Federation (AICF).

The 44th Chess Olympiad will be held from August 5 to 18.

PV Sindhu is TOISA Sportsperson of Year 2019, Rohit Sharma named cricketer of the year

The 4th edition of TOISA (Times of India S p o r t s A w a r d s ) a w a r d s honoured the best Indian in 2019 sports in New Delhi, India. The event was powered by BHIM-UPI (Bharat Interface for Money- Unified Payments Interface). Rohit Sharma was named as the Cricketer of the year and PV Sindhu was named as the Sportsman of the year as she won gold at the World Championships in Basel, Switzerland.



Ankita Raina shines as India women create Fed Cup history

The Indian Fed cup team created history by earning a promotion to the Play-offs for the first time ever with Ankita Raina leading the side to 2-1 win over Indonesia.

Javelin thrower Shivpal qualifies for Olympics

Shivpal Singh produced an impressive 85.47m effort in the Athletics Central North West League meet at Potchefstroom, South Africa, that helped the 24year-old to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

He is the second Indian javelin thrower to make the cut. Neeraj Chopra, the World No. 4 and the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games champion, had qualified with an 87.86m effort in another ACNW League meet, also at Potchefstroom, in late January. The entry standard for Tokyo is 85m.

Sports and Games | Books & Authors

1.7 Books & Authors“Chronicles of Change Champions” book released by Smriti Irani

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani has released a book titled “Chronicles of Change Champions” in New Delhi. The book is a compilation of 25 innovative initiatives taken at the state and district levels under the Prime Minister’s flagship

scheme of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22nd January 2015 at Panipat, Haryana.

TIME Magazine has named Indira Gandhi & Amrit Kaur -“100 women of the year” Project

TIME Magazine created 100 New Covers for the Project ‘100 women of the year’ to recognize selected women or groups to represent each year from 1920 to 2019. India’s Freedom Fighter Amrit Kaur will be honored as ‘Women of the Year’ for 1947 & Former prime minister Indira Gandhi for 1976.

Profiles according to TIME

f Freedom Fighter Amrit Kaur as ‘Women of the Year’ for 1947.

Odisha CM released book titled “The Adventures of the Daredevil Democrat”

Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Naveen Patnaik released the comic book titled “The Adventures of the Daredevil Democrat” on the occasion of the 104th birth Anniversary of former Odisha CM Late Biju Patnaik in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The book deals about the life and works of legendary leader and Naveen Patnaik’s father Biju Patnaik.



Tahira Kashyap announced a new book titled “The 12 Commandments Of Being A Woman”

Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, writer- producer, professor, announced her 4th book titled “The 12 Commandments of Being A Woman” on the occasion of Women’s Day and the new book will be published by Juggernaut Books, New Delhi.

Apurva Purohit, launched her 2nd book – ‘Lady, You’re the Boss!’

Apurva Purohit the President of the Jagran Group, one of India’s largest multi-media conglomerates launched her 2nd book- ‘Lady, You’re the Boss!’, which aims to address the challenges faced by women climbing the corporate ladder. It is published by Westland Publications (an Amazon company).

1.8 India and its NeighboursWhat is Sir Creek Issue between India and Pakistan?

Recently at the WION’s Global Summit held in Dubai, the Pakistan representative, Minister Kasturi recalled Sir Creeek Pact. The summit was organized under the theme.

Theme: Navigating and Negotiating Global Imperatives.

What is Sir Creek issue? The issue between India and Pakistan

over Sir Creek is the interpretation of boundary between Sindh and Kutch.

The region was under the jurisdiction of Bombay Presidency during British rule. After independence, Kutch came under India and Sindh under Pakistan. But Pakistan claims entire creek as per the agreement signed between Rao Maharaj of Kutch and Government of Sindh in 1914.

1.9 Awards & HonoursJadav Payeng environmental activist of Assam named as Commonwealth Points of Light Award winner

Jadav Payeng, an environmental activist of Assam also known as the “Forest man of India” named as 128th winner of Commonwealth Points of Light Award. He earned the name Forest man of India by spending 30 years of his life planting trees. He was honored by the Head of Common Wealth the Queen Elizabeth II for his exceptional volunteer service in environmental conservation.

Ramnath Govind honors 15 women power awards

Republic President Ramnath Govind has been honored with the ‘Women Shakti’ award for the 15 women who have transformed society and achieved various achievements.

Peena Devi: Beena Devi, a native of Mungo district, is

famous for her mushroom cultivation.

India and its Neighbours | Awards & Honours


Vetrii's Current AffAirs, MArCh - 2020Awards & Honours

Man gour: The 103-year-old deer are known as the

‘Miracle of Chandigarh’. Kalawati Devi:

Goddess of the Sondav Kalawati of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Ivan, who works for Cotton, is hoping to end the practice of constipation in the open air in Kanpur district.

P. Bhudevi : The state of Andhra Pradesh is striving

for the advancement of Sri Boolam Devi, Aboriginal women and widows.

Arifa Jan: Arifa John, from Jammu and Kashmir,

has recovered the extinct Numta artisan craft and trained more than 100 women.

Sammy Mummu : Environmentalist from the state of

Jharkhand, Sami Mummu is known as ‘Lady Dajan’. Partnership with the state forest department, they have planted more than 3 million and planted more than 2.5 million trees.

Nilja Wangmo: Who runs a restaurant in Ladakh, has

provided restaurant management training to over 20 women living in remote areas.

Rashmi Uttwadheshi: Rashmi, who hails from Nagapuri, has

been in the research and development division of the motor vehicle industry for the past 36 years.

Tashi, Nungashi Malik: Twins sisters from Uttarakhand climbed

the summit of Mount Everest in 2013. Kaushiki Chakraborty:

A singer with 15 years of experience in Hindustani music, Iwak excels in both Kayal and Dumri style.

Avani Chathuvedi, Bhavna Kant and Mohana Singh Jitwal

The first female heroes to be inducted into the Indian Air Force.

Bhagirathi Amma: Thovil Thosvil is a class 4 student under

literacy program in Kerala.Khatiyayani Amma:

Eva, who is from Kerala, tops the list in Class 4 of 2018 with 98% marks.

Dr Jaimanti Bakshi, PGI Professor won Best Citizens of India Gold medal Award

Dr Jaimanti Bakshi, Professor & Unit Head II, Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck surgery at PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research), Chandigarh was awarded with “Best Citizens of India”.

The award was given by “GEPRA” (Global Economic Progress and Research Association) during the National Unity conference held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).



1.10 Appointments – Who is who?Ajay Bhushan Pandey appointed as new Finance Secretary

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed the current Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey as the new Finance Secretary. He will replace the current Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar. Ajay Bhushan Pandey had earlier worked as the chief executive officer of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the organization behind the Aadhaar.

Bimal Julka is new Chief Information Commissioner

I n f o r m a t i o nCommissioner Bimal Julka was appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique. President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office to Julka as the CIC in the Central Information Commission at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan

The transparency watchdog has been functioning without a chief after Sudhir Bhargava retired on January 11. It is working with a reduced strength of six information commissioners, against the sanctioned strength of 11 (including

Appointments – Who is who? | Cultural Panorama

the CIC). There is a vacancy of five more information commissioners at the commission after Julka’s appointment as the CIC.

Ponnaiyan is vice-chairman of T.N. Planning Commission

The Tamil Nadu government appointed senior AIADMK leader and former Finance Minister C.Ponnaiyan as the vice-chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission.

Mr.Ponnaiyan has served as a Minister for various portfolios, including Finance.

Govt appoints Justice B L Bhat as officiating chairman of NCLAT

The government has appointed Justice Bansi Lal Bhat as the officiating chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

NCLAT Chairperson Justice Sudhansu Jyoti Mukhopadhaya retired

1.11 Cultural Panorama500 year old war Medal found

500 years ago, the war Medal, which was used as a symbol of the heroes of the war heroes, was found in the Karoo district of Kangu zone, in the bathtub. It is engraved in copper metal and is surrounded by aluminum. It weighs 8.42 milligrams.

It belongs to vijayanagara empire’s period.



in 2014, contributed to mapping and documenting structures throughout the site and helped transform archeologists understanding of the monuments earliest architecture.

Traditional ‘Fagli’ festival celebrated in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur on March 10, 2020

The traditional “Fagli” festival celebrated at kinnaur district in Yangpa village, Himachal Pradesh. This festival is celebrated to denote the end of the winter and the start of the Spring. It is mainly celebrated on the moonless night.

Hola Mohalla’ festival celebrated at Sri Anandpur Sahib in Punjab

‘Hola Mohalla’ is the annual Sikh festival celebrated on the following day of the festival Holi at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. The festival will be celebrated for 3 days from March 10 to 12, 2020. The festival aims to physically strengthen Sikh community by holding acrobatic military exercises and mock battles.

Cultural Panorama | Latest Historical events

Namaste Orchha festival begins in Madhya Pradesh

‘Namaste Orchha’ festival commenced in Orchha, a town in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh. The festival aims to create new opportunities to promote the rich cultural, natural and architectural heritage, traditions and history of the state.

“Namaste Orchha festival will exhibit the cultural landscape of Madhya Pradesh through a series of activities such as art, music, dance, guided history tours and photography.

Chola period stones found Chola period planting and rare species

found in Jawadumalai There is a large Vediyappan Temple

in the hilltop town of Melappattu. The sanctum deity of the temple is a 10th-century Chola-era stone pillar.

Archaeological Survey of Sri Lanka was discovered by the Archaeological Survey at Edathanur in Thundarampattu district in Thiruvannamalai district.

US-funded restoration project of Hyderabad’s Qutb Shahi tombs completed

United States Ambassador to India Kenneth I Juster announced the completion of an American-funded restoration project at the 17th century Qutb Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad.

This is the second grant awarded by the US government for conservation work at the Qutb Shahi Tombs.

An AFCP grant of USD 1,01,000 awarded

1.12 Latest Historical eventsVictoria Memorial Hall to display rare miniature of Rani Padmini

The Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH) will display a unique Rajput miniature painting of Rani Padmini (Padmavati) of Chittor to mark International Women’s Day.



POLITICAL SCIENCE2.

2.1 Latest Court VerdictsSexual harassment at workplace is affront to fundamental rights of woman

Sexual harassment at the workplace is an “affront” to the fundamental rights of a woman to equality, her right to live with dignity and to practice any profession or carry out any occupation.

Sexual harassment at the workplace is an affront to the fundamental rights of a woman to equality under Articles 14 and 15 and her right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution as well as her right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.

RS nod for ‘Vivad Se Vishwas’ The Parliament approved the Direct

Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Bill, 2020, which will give taxpayers a chance to settle tax disputes by paying their dues without any interest or penalty till March 31.

2.2 Political parties and Political system in India

Parliament Passes The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020

Parliament approved the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 on March 12, 2020. Parliament gave its approval to the bill when Rajya Sabha adopted the same. The bill was passed by the majority members and twelve members opposed it during the division of votes in Rajya Sabha.

The Minerals Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 will ensure a new era for promoting the Indian coal and mining sector, especially the ease of doing business. Experts believe that coal production will increase and dependence on imports will be reduced when this action will come into the force.

Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 The amended bill has clear provisions

for companies to participate in the auction of coal and lignite blocks even if they don’t have prior experience of coal mining in India. This will not only increase participation in coal and lignite block auctions but will also facilitate the implementation of FDI policy in the coal sector.

Latest Court Verdicts | Political parties and Political system in India



Now, companies that are not involved in any specific type of end-use can participate in the auction of Schedule II and III coal mines. The removal of the last usage barrier will allow for wider participation in the auction of coal mines specified by the Central Government for various purposes such as its consumption, sale or any other purpose.

SCs, OBCs fear losing benefits under new scholarship plan

The Central government’s proposal to scrap scholarship schemes catering exclusively to students belonging to communities such as Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) and club them into one has drawn criticism from activists in Tamil Nadu.

To be called Pradhan Mantri Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI), the new arrangement is expected to be in place in a few months.

The main objection of critics to the Centre’s initiative is the reduced coverage that the new scheme is likely to achieve.

From 2020-21, there will be only one scheme called Paradhan Mantri Young Achievers Scholar Award Scheme for Vibrant India PM-YASASVI).

This will be for SCs as well as for other Communities such as other backward classes, de-notified and nomadic tribes and economically backward classes. This will replace scholarship schemes in operation for each of them.

WCD ministry notifies new POCSO rules 2020 with stringent punishments for sexual offences against children

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 45 of the POCSO Act, 2012, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), Government of India (GoI), has notified the new Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Rules, 2020 by replacing the earlier 2012 Rules.

The new rule will able to implement the recent amendments to this law, under which the provisions of punishment for sexual exploitation of children have been further made stringent. The new POCSO rules became effective from March 9, 2020.

2.3 Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility

Govt aims to replace all level crossings on NH with Over/under Bridges under the Setu Bharatam scheme

The central Government has aimed to replace all the level crossings on National Highways (NH) by Road Over Bridges / Road Under Bridges under the Setu Bharatam scheme, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to with a aim to get the country on a fast track growth and development and decrease road fatalities by 50 % by 2020.

Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility



Setu Bharatam scheme: It was launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on March 4, 2016 to make all national highways free of railway crossings in order to prevent the frequent accidents and loss of lives at level crossings.

TIFAC under Ministry of Science and Technology launches Vigyan Jyoti

TIFAC operating under Ministry of Science and Technology launched Vigyan Jyoti. The scheme was announced to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Vigyan Jyoti The Vigyan Jyoti was launched by

the Central Government to promote STEM Education among girls. STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It was launched in October 2019.

Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility

It is essential to bring in such initiatives because according to ministry of science and technology only 24% of total passed out students are in the field of STEM and only 22% of the post graduates are women.

Odisha becomes the 1st state to introduce department for SHGs: “Mission Shakti”

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that Odisha is the 1st state to own a separate department for Self Help Groups named as “Mission Shakti”. It is created for the development of women & is dedicated to all the women of Odisha.

Mission Shakti and Mamata Scheme combinedly benefits 70 lakh women.

50% reservation in Panchayati Raj has created a new era for the socio -economic development of women.



3. GEOGRAPHY

3.1 Policy on Environment and Ecology

National Chambal Sanctuary declared as Eco-Sensitive Zone

The Government of India declared National Chambal Sanctuary as Eco -Sensitive Zone.

The Sanctuary is home to Gangetic Dolphins and critically endangered Gharials.

Highlights The Sanctuary is home to naturally living

Gharials. 75% of Gharials live in the Sanctuary. It also harbours 180 species of migratory birds and fresh water Gangetic Dolphins. Being declared as Eco Sensitive Zone, construction of resorts, hotels or other residential and industrial activities are prohibited.

New island discovered as Antarctica melts

February month, record high temperatures were reported in Antartica.

In mid-February, researchers from Brazil claimed to have measured temperatures of 20.75 degrees Celsius on an island off the peninsula beating the record for the entire Antarctic region of 19.8 degrees Celsius in January 1982.

Researchers with the International Thawaites Glacier Offshore Research project discovered the island at the end of February while sailing off the coast of the Pine Island Glacier ice shelf.

Wildlife census in Gudalur forest to begin today

Wildlife census exercise is to begin in the Gudalur forest division in the Nilgiris.

The teams are to record wildlife spotted across the division, and compare the numbers with data from previous years.

Conservationists offer a blueprint to save South India’s vultures

The South India Vulture Conservation Group has come up with a vulture population in five South Indian States, which are home to six of the nine vultures species found in the county at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History in Coimbatore included a plan for a synchronously coordinated survey in five States, need to press the governments to restrict availability of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) for veterinary use and to create a vulture safe zone in each south Indian State.

Policy on Environment and Ecology



4. ECONOMICS4.1 New Economic Policy & Govt. SectorFitch lowers India’s economic growth forecast for FY20 to 4.9% from 5.1 %

Fitch Ratings Inc, an American credit rating agency,has lowered India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth forecast to 4.9% for the fiscal year –FY20 (2019-2020) ending March 31,2020.

It cuts the rate from 5.1% predicted earlier, due to coronavirus, weak domestic demand and supply disruptions, which put pressure on the manufacturing sector.

India ranked 3rd in trade-related illicit financial flow globally, China tops: GFI Report

In accordance with the report titled “Trade-Related Illicit Financial Flows in 135 Developing Countries: 2008-2017” by US-based think tank Global Financial Integrity (GFI), India has the third-highest trade-related illicit financial flow among over 135 countries in 2017 while China has topped the report.

As an average of 2008-2017, India ranked fourth among 135 countries and China stood at first.

Merger of 10 public sector banks into 4 to come into effect from Apr 1

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the exercise of consolidation of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four is on course and the merger will come into effect from April 1, 2020.

United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce will be merged with Punjab National Bank; Syndicate Bank will be merged with Canara Bank; Allahabad Bank will be amalgamated with Indian Bank; and Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank will be consolidated with Union Bank of India.

Centre approves TCS, DLF proposals to set up special economic zones in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh

The government has approved the proposals of software firm TCS and realty major DLF to set up special economic zones (SEZs) for IT sector in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The approval was given by the Board of Approval, the highest decision-making body for SEZs

The inter-ministerial body is chaired by the commerce secretary. TCS has

New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector



proposed to set up an IT/ITeS SEZ in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, on 19.9 hectares land. The total proposed investment for the project is Rs 2,433.72 crore.

RBI announces draft revival plan for Yes Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) placed in public domain a draft scheme for reconstruction of Yes Bank.

State Bank of India has expressed its willingness to make investment in Yes Bank and participate in its reconstruction scheme. SBI can invest for up to 49 per cent stake for nearly Rs 2,450 crore. The central bank had invited suggestions and comments from members of public,

including the banks’ shareholders, depositors and creditors on the draft scheme. Suggestions will be received by RBI till Monday, March 9, 2020, after which a final call will be taken.

GST Council hikes tax on mobile phones from 12% to 18%

Mobile phones are all set to get expensive after the centre’s decision to hike the Good and Services Tax (GST) on cellular handsets to 18% from the current 12%. The decision was taken during the 39th GST Council meeting held on Saturday in New Delhi.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the meeting also attended by finance ministers of States & UTs and senior officers from both center and states.

New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector



5.1 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology

5. SCIENCE

IIT Madras designs AI drones for armed forces to counter and hack ‘rogue drones’

IIT Madras researchers have developed an AI-powered drone that can help armed forces and security agencies detect and hack into rogue drones. The drone system developed by Indian Institute of Technology Madras’ researchers will prove to be invaluable to law enforcement agencies, security services and armed forces as it will allow them to secure air space over critical civilian and military installations from surveillance by rogue drones.

University of British Columbia discovered 17 new planets

Michelle Kunimoto, a student of the University of British Columbia, has discovered 17 new planets. These planets have been discovered by the Kepler space telescope of the National Aeronautical and Space Administration.

Nearly two million stars have been studied by NASA’s four-year Kepler

mission using the transit method for this discovery.

These new planets have been discovered in the Gold-lock zone where the presence of water on the rocky surface of the planets is also being estimated. Among the discovered planets, KIC-7340288b is an extremely rare planet.

Doctors uses CRISPR technology to cure blindness for the very first time

Doctors from Oregon Health and Science Institute, Portland uses gene editing tool CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology to cure blindness who have suffered from Leber congenital amaurosis.

Key Points:

f Leber congenital amaurosis is the Blindness in early childhood.

f About CRISPR: CRISPR is a tool for locating and cutting DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) at a specific spot.

Chandrayaan-3 will be launched in the first half of 2021: Jitendra Singh

According to the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, a possible schedule for the launch

Latest Inventions on Science & Technology



of Chandrayaan-3 is planned to be implemented in the first half of 2021.

Key Points: The preparation of Chandrayaan-3 has

been done by taking lessons from the previously launched Chandrayaan-2, a Moon mission which was launched in 2019, in which the Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Vikram Lander lost contact following a hard landing on the Moon’s surface.

Nasa’s named Mars 2020 rover as Perseverance

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) announced the name of the 5th Mars (red planet) rover as Perseverance. Previously the rover was known by its codename as Mars 2020. The name was suggested by Alexander Mather, 7th standard student and was announced by Nasa’s director of science, Thomas Zurbuchen at an event in Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia.

About Perseverance: The rover has improved wheel design which is used to collect the samples from the martian rocks and helps scientists to determine about the ancient microbial life that existed in red planet.

ISRO announces Young Scientist Programme

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the list of provisionally selected candidates for ISRO’s ‘Young Scientist Programme 2020’ or ‘Yuva Vlgyani Karyakram 2020’.

YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA) 2020

Indian Space Research Organisation has launched a special programme for School Children called “Young Scientist Programme” “YUva VIgyani KAryakram” from the year 2019. The second session of the programme is scheduled to be held during the month of May 2020.

The Program is primarily aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications to the younger ones with the intent of arousing their interest in the emerging areas of Space activities. The program is thus aimed at creating awareness amongst the youngsters who are the future building blocks of our Nation. ISRO has chalked out this programme to “Catch them young”.

Bio-Hazardous Menstrual Waste-Incinerator Green Dispo MIDI

To overcome the disposal problem, CSIR- National Environrnental Engineering Research Institution (NEERI) along with its partners have designed & developed an Incinerator called GREEN- DISPO MIDI that complies with MHM national guidelines in SBM-G 2016 and also controls obnoxious flue gases that escapes during the process. Easy functionality and portable size makes it convenient to install these units in strategic locations such as schools, colleges and hostels, where Girls & women can use it for safe disposal of used sanitary napkins on large scales, as recommended by CPCB guidelines 2016.

Latest Inventions on Science & Technology



TIFR study reveals role of glucose regulating liver functions, ageing

An enzyme that goes by the name SIRTI is known to be associated with regulation of metabolic activities and also ageing and hence has become a target of therapeutics.

A study by researchers from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai (TIFR) shows that glucose controls the function of SIRTI directly.

A shortage or absence of this control can lead to a diabetic-like state, while excess feeding and sustained low levels of SIRTI can lead to obesity and enhanced ageing.

The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

5.2 Mass Media & Communication“Sebi SCORES” mobile app launched by SEBI for investors to lodge grievances

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a mobile application ‘Sebi SCORES’ for convenience of investors to lodge grievances in Sebi Complaints Redress System (SCORES). The mobile app will make it easier for investors to lodge their grievances with SEBI, as they can now access SCORES at the convenience of their smartphone.

Andhra Pradesh CM lauched NIGHA app to control electoral malpractices

Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister (CM) Yeduguri Sandinti Jaganmohan Reddy launched the NIGHA application at Tadepalli, Andhra Pradesh.

The app is aimed at curbing the use of money and alcohol in the upcoming local body elections & launched in addition to the measures taken by State Election Commission & Police department in order to control the electoral malpractices.

GOKADDAL, World’s first Digital Solutions Exchange Cloud launched in India

GOKADDAL, the World’s first Digital Solutions Exchange in Cloud, was launched in India on March 11, 2020. www.gokaddal.com, a cloud-based solution exchange platform mainly focuses on 4A’s – Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Analytics and Augmentative Technologies.

GOKADDAL – It is a Business to Business (B2B), Business to Government (B2G), Business to Consumer (B2C) solution platform which connects solution providers to solution seekers and an innovative platform for Startups and SME companies.

It is a Dubai based emerging Technology company led by Ravinder Pal Singh (Digital Disrupter, Industry Expert, Ex Cisco and Dell Executive) and it is a part of the Mekado Group at Bangalore, Karnataka.

Mass Media & Communication



6. NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENT

Suposhit Maa Abhiyan Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has

launched ‘Suposhit Maa Abhiyan’ in his constituency Kota, Rajasthan, to provide nutritional support to pregnant women and adolescent girls.

Aim: The aim of the campaign is to preserve & maintain the health of our future generations.

Key Points: About Suposhit Maa Abhiyan: The

objective of this campaign is to keep pregnant women and newborn health. In the first phase of the campaign, 1,000 kits of 17 kg balanced diet each were provided to 1,000 pregnant women.

Under this Abhiyan, 1,000 women would be given food items for 1 month. At the same time, the health of the child, including medical examination, blood tests, medicines, delivery would be covered.

‘Pension Adalat’ inaugurated in Jammu

The Union Minister of State PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Jitendra Singh inaugurated the ‘Pension Adalat’ and National Pension System (NPS) Awareness and Grievance

Redressal Programme. The programme was inaugurated in

Jammu. The Pension Adalats will help in on-the-spot redressal of pensioners’ grievances which has given the right of ‘Ease of Living’ to the pensioners.

International food and hospitality fair ‘AAHAR 2020’

A 5-day-long 35th edition of the International Food and Hospitality fair ‘AAHAR 2020’ has commenced in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal.

This fair has been specially focused on promoting the agriculture-community as well as tourism sectors especially hospitality companies.

India Pharma & India Medical Device 2020 Conference

The 5th edition of India Pharma 2020 and India Medical Device 2020 Conference & Exhibition will be held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat from March 5 to 7, 2020.

The conference was organized by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)

National – Diary of Event



Gairsain will be the summer capital of Uttarakhand

Chief Minister (CM) of Uttarakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat announced ‘Gairsain’ as the summer capital of the state, on the 3rd day of the budget session held in Gairsain, Uttarakhand.

Indian Army’s International Seminar “Pragyan Conclave 2020” begins

The Indian Army’s International Seminar “Pragyan Conclave 2020” has begin at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi and has been organised by Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). The seminar united the national and international experts to discuss the complex topic of ‘Changing Characteristics of Land Warfare and its Impact on the Military’.

Yoga to be introduced as separate subject in senior secondary schools in Himachal: Education Minister

Yoga will be introduced as a separate subject for study in government senior secondary schools in Himachal Pradesh, Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj told the state Assembly.

Yoga will be introduced as a separate subject for students of Classes 9 to 12, Bhardwaj added.

Safe homes for inter-caste couples in Kerala soon

Health and social welfare minister K K Shailaja told assembly on Wednesday that ‘safe homes’ for accommodating inter-caste married couple, who might face difficulty in finding an independent

accommodation, will be launched in the state soon.

4th Global Ayurveda Festival to be held at Kochi

The 4th Global Ayurveda Festival will be held at Kochi, Kerala with the theme of Ayurveda Medical Tourism: Actualizing India’s credibility. GAF2020 is being organised by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA). It will be the largest Ayurvedic event ever to be held anywhere across the world. GAF-2020 will bring together the world of Ayurveda wellness providers and it’s seekers to one platform.

International Conference on Nano-Science and Nano Technology held in Kolkata

The Department of Science of Technology operating under Ministry of Science and Technology organized an International Conference on Nano-Science and Nano Technology (ICONSAT) at Kolkata. The Conference is to be held between March 5, 2020 and March 7, 2020.

New Delhi hosts India Smart Utility Week 2020 (ISUW)

New Delhi based India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) has been organizing India Smart Utility Week 2020 (ISUW) as an International Conference and Exhibition on Smart Energy and Water for Smarter Cities in New Delhi from March 3-7, 2020.




Indian female labour-force participation dropped from 34% in 2006 to 24.8% in 2020: UNGC Study

In accordance with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) India study, India is the only country among the 153 surveyed countries where the economic gender gap is larger than the political gap. Its female labour-force participation has declined from 34% in 2006 to 24.8% in 2020.

Key Points: If women participation raised in the

labour force same as men then it can boost India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by 27%.

Globally, 38.7% of employed women are working in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, but only 13.8% of landholders are women.

Monitoring Cell opened under Mission Bhagiratha

A dedicated monitoring cell was opened under Mission Bhagiratha to invite grievances and issues of supply of drinking water.

Mission Bhagiratha The Mission Bhagiratha is a safe drinking

water project that was launched for the state of Telangana. It aims to provide drinking water to every village and city household. It will supply clean drinking water from the rivers Krishna and Godavari.

CAG Report: 40% of Environment Related Crimes in India are from Rajasthan

The Comptroller and Auditor General tabled the report for the year that ended on 31st March 2018 (2017-18). The report was tabled in the assembly. According to the report, between 2014 and 2016, 40% of environmental crimes in India were from Rajasthan.

Andhra Pradesh ranked 1st for overall implementation of Poshan Abhiyan

The state of Andhra Pradesh has been ranked first for the overall implementation of Poshan Abhiyan, as per a recent report by NITI Aayog. The state has trained all its Angan Wadi Workers on modules created based on a lifecycle approach, first 1000 days of life, with the support of the incremental learning Approach (ILA).

The State Government has also given smartphones to all the 55,607 angan wadi workers to improve service delivery and for day-to-day reporting.

The Poshan Abhiyan seeks to reduce malnutrition in a phased manner across the country through a life cycle approach, by adopting a synergized and result oriented approach. It aims to achieve improvement in the nutritional status of children up to 0-6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers in a time-bound manner.

The Union Government is implementing Poshan Abhiyan, which was earlier known as National Nutrition Mission, across the nation since December 18, 2017 to address the problem of malnutrition.




MWCD & world bank organizes a discussion programme-“The Future of Work: Women in India’s Workforce

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) & the World Bank organized a discussion programme on the topic “The Future of Work: Women in India’s Workforce” at New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Minister of WCD, Smriti Zubin Irani & Dr. Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director India, World Bank. It is a part of a series of events to observe International Women’s Day 2020.

MSDE launches Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF) in IIM-Bengaluru

Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey has initiated Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship programme (MGNF) in the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bengaluru in Karnataka. This fellowship is a part of SANKALP (Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) programme of the ministry to boost skill development at the district level.

National Conference on Women in Police and CAPFs held in New Delhi

Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister for Women and Child Development inaugurated the “National Conference on Women in Police and CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces)” in New Delhi, India. The Conference was organized by the Bureau of Police Research and

Development (BPR & D). Smriti Irani also released a hand-out- ‘BPR & D Mirror- Gender Bender’ and also the book titled “To Greater Heights”. Themes of the Conference 2020: ‘Cyber Stalking and Bullying of Women: Steps for Protection” and ‘Challenges faced by CAPF Women in Operational Areas”.

Kerala to launch digital literacy drive named “I am also digital” in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

Kerala will soon launch a digital literacy drive named “I am also digital” in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Kerala, to create public-awareness about e-governance and use of various digital platforms through which wide ranges of services are being delivered. The literacy drive is organized by Kerala State IT mission under the Department of Information Technology (IT) and Kerala Literacy Mission.

Stockholm International Report: India is the second largest importer of arms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) recently released its report on “Trends in International arms transfers 2019” According to the report, India is the second largest arms importer in the world.

Gujarat has highest number of Solar Rooftop Installations

Gujarat has topped solar roof top plants across the country. The state government



Vetrii's Current AffAirs, MArCh - 2020National – Diary of Event

has taken up dedicated schemes in order to achieve renewable power goals.

6th International Day of Yoga led by PM Modi to be held in Leh

The Major national event for the 6th International Day of Yoga is to be held in Leh, the capital of Ladakh on 21st June, 2020. The event is to be led by PM Modi.

Jewar Airport, UP receives international recognition for strategic infrastructure

The first phase of Jewar Airport, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has been included in the world’s 100 strategic global infrastructure projects for the year 2020. It has been recognised in the CG LA Infrastructure List. UP (India) and Yugoslavia (Europe) have been chosen in the field of aviation category all over the world.

Haryana Panchayati Raj Bill, 2019 passed in state Vidhan Sabha

Haryana State Assembly passed the Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2015 which seeks to amend the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 and fixes minimum educational qualification relating to eligibility criteria for elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Significance: This is to improve the quality of leadership

and governance in gram panchayats and also to enable elected representatives of PRIs to be more accountable and responsible towards their people.

‘Women’s economic empowerment a long-term solution to combating gender violence’

Women’s economic empowerment is the long-term solution to combating gender-based violence and working towards fulfilling the 2030 agenda for women’s human rights affirmations, said Nandini Azad, president of the Working Women’s Forum (India) and the Indian Cooperative Network for Women.

Data from 170 countries in the report was well below standards on the progress of gender equality.

India post launches India’s 1st digital parcel locker service in Kolkata, West Bengal

For the 1st time in India, the Department of Posts (DoP), Kolkata (West Bengal circle), has launched free digital parcel locker service in 2 post offices (The Nabadiganta IT post office in Sector 5 of Salt Lake City & at the post office in New Town’s Action Area I).

Key Points: Under this service, customers will be

able to collect their parcel from the post office according to their convenience. This facility is quite popular in European countries but is starting for the first time in India.

This service has been done for such people of working-class, who do not have to receive any parcel at home. Such people can take their parcel and letters addressed to them from the kiosks at 24×7.




Maharashtra Govt approved auto-rickshaws “happy hours”, reducing 15% of fare prices from 12 pm to 4 pm

Maharashtra Government (govt) has approved the implementation of “happy hours” for auto rickshaws, reducing 15% of fare prices from 12 pm to 4 pm, barring the minimum fare for first 1.5 km, as recommended by Khatua panel.

Key Points: The decision will not be applicable to

local taxis and app-based taxis. The panel also recommended a new

concept will turn lean hours to happy hours, for housewives and senior citizens who normally don’t have a fixed schedule for their outings.

The auto-rickshaw unions have indicated that they will oppose the move while the citizens appreciated the move.

Karnataka Govt launched ‘Namaste over Handshake’ campaign to prevent from COVID-19

The Karnataka Government (govt) launched ‘Namaste over Handshake’ campaign in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19 (CoronaVirusDisease-19) and advises people to keep a safe distance from one another.

Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri

Amit Shah presided over the Flag-in ceremony of the Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan, organized under the National Mission for Clean Ganga, in New Delhi.

From 1985 to 2014, the government had spent merely Rs 4,000 crore

From 2015 to 2020, the Modi government has sanctioned Rs 20,000 crore and started the Namami Gange project. In the Ganga basin, the centre and state together flagged off 310 projects worth Rs 28,790 crores, of which 116 projects have been completed and rest are running smoothly which will be completed soon.

Govt to draw up National Fisheries Policy: Giriraj

The government plans to formulate a National Fisheries Policy for holistic development of the sector, which is growing at an annual rate of 8 per cent

The government will take care of the interests of traditional fishermen while framing the policy

The policy will focus on bringing new technology and ways to deal with threat from cyclones as part of the overall objective to improve the income of fishermen.

The proposed policy will incorporate the provisions of the existing National Policy on Marine Fisheries 2017. It will have provisions for sub-sectors of inland fisheries, aquaculture, and mariculture, including elements of post-harvest.

India’s first Living Culinary Arts and Museum of WGSHA enters Limca Book of Records

Welcome group Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) entered the Limca Book of Records (LBR)


Vetrii's Current AffAirs, MArCh - 2020National – Diary of Event

for establishing “India’s First Living Culinary Arts Museum” at WGSHA, Manipal, Karnataka.

The process of WGSHA’s Culinary museum’s entry into the popular LBR started almost 6 months back and Chef Vikas Khanna was the founder of the first living culinary arts museum at WGSHA.

Ministry of Home Affairs sanctions Rs 365 crore for Sabroom ICP in Tripura

Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned Rs.365 crores for constructing New Integrated Check Post (ICP) of about 130 km at Sabroom, Tripura.

This is the second Integrated Check Post to be built along the Indo-Bangla border.

Key Points: This Integrated Check Post is built to link

the bridge of river Feni with Chittagong division of the neighbouring country.

The Akhaura Integrated Check Post is the First check post built in the Indo-Bangla border at Agartala, Tripura in 2013.

Nitin Gadkari requests to spread information about “Udyam Sakhi” portal: Lok Sabha

Minister of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), Nitin Gadkari has requested the Lok Sabha members to spread the information about an MSME initiative “Udyam Sakhi” Portal, which was launched in 2018.

This portal is for women entrepreneurs of India and to facilitate the networking of women startups, entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, mentors, students and enterprise facilitators.



7. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Luxembourg becomes the world’s 1st nation to make all public transport free from Feb 29

In order to reduce traffic pressure on the road, Luxembourg, the 7th smallest country in Europe, has been made public transport free from February 29, 2020. It became the first country in the world to do so.

However, this free public transport system does not include 1st - class travel tickets on trains and certain night bus services. Commuters can still pay for first class, at a cost of 660 euros a year.

EIU’s Inclusive Internet Index 2020:Sweden tops globally; India topped among South Asian Countries & ranked 46th globally

Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released the 4th iteration of the Inclusive Internet Index 2020 for 100 countries where India is overall ranked in 46th place & Sweden in 1st place.

The index aims to measure the extent to which the Internet is not only accessible & affordable, but also relevant to all, allowing usage that enables positive social & economic outcomes at the individual & group level.

International Affairs



8. TAMILNADU AFFAIRS

Tamilnadu Affairs

Buddha Tower of World Peace Opened

A 100-foot-tall world peace Buddhist tower built in Veeriruppu village near Sankarankoil in Tenkasi district was opened

World Peace Buddhist Towers have been erected in some places in India including Bihar, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Delhi. Subsequently, the tower was erected on the Western Ghats in the village of Viriruppu, the first in South India.

What is BHOG of FSSAI? The Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug

Administration recently asked the administrators of temples to obtain BHOG certificate from FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). This was launched in 2018.

What is BHOG? BHOG is Blissful Hygiene Offering to

God. These are certificates issued by FSSAI. The BHOG certificates ensure quality of food offered to devotees and deities as well. It was launched as a precautionary measure to maintain hygiene of foods at the temples.

Centre sanctions eight food processing projects for T.N.

The Union government’s Inter-Ministerial Approval Committee has sanctioned eight food processing projects worth `220 crore for Tamil Nadu.

The projects, which would be implemented in eight districts, are likely to generate around 8,000 jobs and benefit 32,000 farmers.

The Committee, headed by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal, sanctioned a total of 10 projects worth `301.54 crore with grant-in-aid of `67.29 crore under the Agro Processing Cluster Scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

₹5,000 cr. for water security, disaster preparedness

World Bank is planning to give funds to the tune of `5,000 crore for improving water supply and resilience during disasters.

Chennai Corporation is likely to get funding for eco-restoration of 25 waterbodies in various parts of the city.



Tamilnadu Affairs

The eco-restoration work is expected to improve groundwater level and promote resilience. Many areas affected by the floods in 2015 are likely to improve after the eco-restoration.

State has powers to decide on hydrocarbon projects: Centre

The Centre has only changed the procedure for grant of environmental clearance for hydrocarbon exploration projects and the power to decide on whether to allow a particular project in a particular region remained with the State government.

Grand Anaicut project Implementing for the benefit of farmers,

including Kudimaramathu and building of check dams, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced that the `2,298 crore project to modernise the Grand Anaicut canal would be launched soon.

Similarly the `5,590 crore Cauvery delta irrigation modernisation project would be inaugurated soon .

Preliminary work for Godavari-Cauvery link project had commenced. “A detailed project report (DPR) is being readied”, the State governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana would have given their approval.

Food Museum in India for the first time

For the first time in the country, the Food Museum is being constructed on behalf of the Food Corporation of India at a cost of ` 1.23 crore.

The Food Corporation of India was set up in 1964 by the Federal Government. Under the Public Distribution Scheme, farmers can distribute food products at reasonable prices and distribute food products throughout the country and safeguard against food shortages. The organization has been ensuring food security for the country for more than 50 years.

Govt. adds a third site to options for developing city’s second airport

In a development, the State government is now looking at a new site, between Cheyyar and Kancheepuram, for Chennai’s second airport.

The site is around 75 km from the existing airport, and it will take nearly two and-a-half hours by road.

Class 10 certificates to include parents’ names from this year

From this year class 10 students’ public exam marksheets will include the names of the parents.

With new facility in Tiruvarur, T.N. now has three testing labs

With the addition of the Viral Research and diagnostic Laboratory at Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu now has three testing facilities for SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19.

The King Institute of Preventive Medicine, Guindy, has tested a majority of samples till date. The facility at Government Medical College, Theni, is the second.



First regional edition of “Divya Kala Shakti event” held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN)

First regional edition of “Divya Kala Shakti Event” (Witnessing the Abilities in Disabilities) held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN). Shri Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of TN witnessed the performances and V. Saroja, Minister of Social Welfare and Nutritious Noon Meal programme and senior officers participated in the occasion.

The event was organised by the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), in association with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Aim: The Divya Kala Shakti event aims to provide a platform for the disabled to exhibit their talents.

Tamilnadu Affairs

Documents

VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE - TNPSC Gatewayytnpscgatewayy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/March-01-15... · 2020. 3. 5. · VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE TNPSC Current AffAirs An ISO 9001 :