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Current Affairs [PDF] - March 1-15, 2020
Last Updated: April 2, 2020

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Current Affairs [PDF] - March 1-15, 2020
Contents
......................... ....... ....... _ ......... ...... .................................................
News Headlines: March 1-15, 2020 ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines-1 March, 2020 ........................................................................................................................ 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines-2 March, 2020 ........................................................................................................................ 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines-3 March, 2020 ....................................................................................................................... 4
Current Affairs – News Headlines-10 March, 2020 ..................................................................................................................... 11
Current Affairs – News Headlines-11 March, 2020 ...................................................................................................................... 11
Current Affairs – News Headlines-12 March, 2020 ..................................................................................................................... 11
Current Affairs – News Headlines-13 March, 2020 .................................................................................................................... 12
March 1, 2020 ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Corona Virus: WHO increases Global threat; US postpones ASEAN; Geneva International Motor Show Cancelled
........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Red Panda Species are two separate species ................................................................................................................................... 15
March 2, 2020 .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
RalDer-X: New Explosive Detection Device developed by DRDO and IISc Bangalore ........................................................ 15
Asian Development Bank Sanctions 4 million USD to members to contain Corona Virus ................................................ 16
IMD: Above Normal Heat Wave during Summer in India ......................................................................................................... 16
Zero Discrimination Day observed all over the world ................................................................................................................. 16
India’s 40 million USD defence deal with Armenia beats Russia and Poland ........................................................................ 17
Farmer Welfare: Krishi Vigyan Mela, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference launched ............................................................... 17
March 3: World Wildlife Day ............................................................................................................................................................. 17
March 3, 2020 .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
National Chambal Sanctuary declared as Eco-Sensitive Zone .................................................................................................... 18
EKAM Fest: Event to Promote craftsmanship and products of Divyang entrepreneurs ...................................................... 18
GoI allows Export of Onions .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
Star Rating Programme for Light Commercial Air Conditioners and Deep Freezers launched ........................................ 19
8th Foundation Day of Land Port Authority of India held in New Delhi ................................................................................ 19
The Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2019 introduced ............................................................................................................. 20
GoI Allows Airlines to provide In-Flight WiFi ............................................................................................................................... 20
GoI nominates 2 sites to be included in World Heritage Sites List .......................................................................................... 20
Lok Sabha Speaker launches “Suposhit Maa Abhiyan”: To create Malnutrition free India ................................................ 21
Financial Assistance to Kaziranga National Park under CAMPA ............................................................................................... 21
March 4, 2020 ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
UNHRC files in Supreme Court on Citizenship Amendment Act ............................................................................................ 22
UP Government provides Rs 900 per month to farmers willing to keep stray cattle .......................................................... 22
Finance Minister introduces bill to amend Banking Regulation Act ......................................................................................... 23
Corona Virus: World Bank announces 12 billion USD aid .......................................................................................................... 23
Global Coalition for Biodiversity launched on World Wildlife Day ........................................................................................... 23
Corona Virus: NASA reports Pollution Levels in China have dropped greatly ...................................................................... 24
March 4: National Security Day ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
Ministry of Tribal Affairs constitutes committee on Community Forest Resource Guidelines .......................................... 24
APEDA signs MoUs to implement Agriculture Export Policy .................................................................................................... 25
Luxembourg: The First Country in the World to provide Free Public Transport ................................................................. 25
March 5, 2020 ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Cabinet Approval: Foreign Direct Investment Policy on Civil Aviation ................................................................................... 26
Cabinet Approval: Mega Consolidation of Public Sector Banks ............................................................................................... 26
Delhi announced as next Google Cloud Region after Mumbai ................................................................................................. 26
GoI clears Genome India Project ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
© 2020 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 2

CRISPR (CaS9)-The Gene Editing Tool used to treat blindness for the first time .............................................................. 27
Cabinet Approval: To amend Companies Act, 2013 ................................................................................................................... 27
Black Carbon Levels in Himalayan Glaciers and Biomethanation ............................................................................................. 28
What is BHOG of FSSAI? .................................................................................................................................................................. 28
March 6, 2020 ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
International Conference on Nano-Science and Nano Technology held in Kolkata ............................................................ 29
India-European Union to work together on Integrated Local Energy Systems ..................................................................... 29
Corona Virus: OPEC to cut oil production largely since 2008 financial crisis ...................................................................... 29
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana signs MoU with Amazon to e-market ...................................................................................... 30
RBI capped Rs 50,000 as withdrawal limit of YES Bank customers: What is YES BANK CRISIS in news? ................. 30
Jammu Airport comes under CISF .................................................................................................................................................. 30
March 7: Jan Aushadhi Diwas ........................................................................................................................................................... 31
Mineral Law Amendment Bill passed in Lok Sabha ..................................................................................................................... 31
March 7, 2020 .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
United Nations Global Compact Study: Women Labour-force has declined greatly in India ............................................. 31
India shares two SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequences with Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data ...................... 32
Ministry of AYUSH develop “AYUSH GRID” and “National Ayurveda Morbidity Codes” ............................................... 32
Ghojadanga of West Bengal and Agartala of Tripura designated as immigration check posts ......................................... 32
March 8: International Women’s Day ............................................................................................................................................. 33
CAG Report: 40% of Environment Related Crimes in India are from Rajasthan ................................................................. 33
Facts Box: Major Port at Vadhvan, Maharashtra .......................................................................................................................... 34
India joins Indian Ocean Commission as the fifth Observer ...................................................................................................... 34
Monitoring Cell opened under Mission Bhagiratha ..................................................................................................................... 34
March 8-9, 2020 ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
GoI to create 75 lakh Self Help Group by 2022 .......................................................................................................................... 35
Parliamentary Panel: More than 40% of schools are without power and playgrounds ....................................................... 35
Protected Area Permits stopped in Arunachal to prevent Corona Virus ................................................................................. 35
Facts Box: Fuel Cell Technology for Disaster Management ...................................................................................................... 36
TIFAC under Ministry of Science and Technology launches Vigyan Jyoti ............................................................................. 36
Oil Prices plunge by 20% as OPEC fails to make a deal ............................................................................................................ 36
Australia wins India by 85 runs at Women’s Twenty20 World Cup ....................................................................................... 37
Facts Box: Delimitation Commission set up for Arunachal, Manipur, Assam, J&K, Manipur ............................................ 37
Sanitary Napkin Disposal Bags to be made mandatory from 2021 ......................................................................................... 37
HAL to set up logistics bases in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka ....................................................................... 38
United Nations Development Programme releases Gender Social Norms Index ................................................................. 38
March 10, 2020 ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Gujarat has highest number of Solar Rooftop Installations ........................................................................................................ 38
Stockholm International Report: India is the second largest importer of arms ..................................................................... 39
Anti-HIV drugs used against COVID-19 for the first time in India .......................................................................................... 39
Corona Virus hits Diamond Industry of Surat greatly ................................................................................................................. 39
March 10: CISF Raising Day ............................................................................................................................................................. 40
UNCTAD: FDI inflows are to drop by 15% due to Corona Virus ........................................................................................... 40
March 11-12, 2020 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
World Bank and GoI sign Agreement on Climate Resilient Rain-Fed Agriculture ............................................................... 40
6th International Day of Yoga led by PM Modi to be held in Leh ........................................................................................... 41
WHO declares Corona Virus as GLOBAL PANDEMIC .............................................................................................................. 41
Corona Virus: Epidemic Disease Act Invoked in India ................................................................................................................. 41
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (amendment) bill passed in the Parliament ...................................................................... 42
Committee formed for the implementation of Kisan Rail Scheme ........................................................................................... 42
CSIR develops Bi-Luminescent Security ink to Curb Fake Currency Notes .......................................................................... 42
March 13, 2020 ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 43
New Name for Mumbai Central Station: Nana Shankarseth .................................................................................................... 43
Animal Protection Index: India ranks second ................................................................................................................................ 43
What is Sir Creek Issue between India and Pakistan? ................................................................................................................. 44
Spanish Flu: Predecessor Pandemic to Corona Virus .................................................................................................................. 44
Iran seeks Financial Help from IMF first time since 1962 to fight against Corona Virus ................................................... 44
GoI develops cost effective Solar Receiver Tube Technology ................................................................................................... 45
March 14, 2020 ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 45

MEIS scheme to be replaced with RoDTEP Scheme .................................................................................................................. 45
“BHOOMI RASHI PORTAL” provides transparent and error free Land Acquisition ......................................................... 46
Exposure Limits for Urban Cooperative Banks revised by RBI ................................................................................................. 46
Parliament passed Direct Tax Vivad Se Viswas Bill, 2020 ......................................................................................................... 46
GST Council Meet: GST of Mobile Phones increased from 12% to 18% .............................................................................. 47
Corona Virus: GoI brings hand sanitizers and masks under Essential Commodities Act ................................................... 47
March 15, 2020 ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
“Ganga Amantran Abhiyan” organized by National Mission for Clean Ganga .................................................................... 47
Corona Virus: ICMR develops testing strategy; WHO shifts epicenter from China to Europe .......................................... 48
Corona Virus: National Emergency in the USA ............................................................................................................................ 48
Poultry Culling ordered by Kerala Government to control Bird Flu ....................................................................................... 48
Corona Virus: India closes 18 of 37 international borders ......................................................................................................... 49
Corona Virus: India declares COVID-19 as “notified Disaster” ................................................................................................ 49
Corona Virus: SAARC Video Conference; India proposes COVID-19 Emergency Funds .................................................. 49
Jammu Kashmir Statehood to be restored soon ........................................................................................................................... 50
Quiz: March 01-02, 2020 .......................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Quiz: March 03, 2020 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 53
Quiz: March 4, 2020 .................................................................................................................................................................................. 55
Quiz: March 5, 2020 .................................................................................................................................................................................. 58
Quiz: March 6, 2020 ................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
Quiz: March 7, 2020 .................................................................................................................................................................................. 64
Quiz: March 8-9, 2020 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 66
Quiz: March 10-11, 2020 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 69
Quiz: March 12, 2020 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 72
Quiz: March 13, 2020 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 75
Quiz: March 14-15, 2020 .......................................................................................................................................................................... 77

News Headlines: March 1-15, 2020
Current Affairs – News Headlines-1 March, 2020
India
PM lays foundation stone of the 296-km-long Bundelkhand Expressway in Chitrakoot (UP)
PM launches Har Ghar Jal Scheme to provide piped water to the households in Bundelkhand region
which comprises certain districts of UP & MP
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla launches ‘Suposhit Maa Abhiyan’ in Kota, Rajasthan to provide
nutritional support to pregnant women and adolescent girls.
Centre for Policy Research (CPR) to organise conclave ‘CPR Dialogues 2020: Policy Perspectives for
21st Century India’ in New Delhi on March 2-3
Norway’s Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein participates in Mithi river clean up in
Mumbai
Indian Railways launches its first ‘Restaurant on Wheels’ at Asansol Railway station in West Bengal
Janata Dal (United) Lok Sabha Member Baidyanath Prasad Mahto from Valmiki Nagar constituency
passed away on February 28, 2020 at the age of 72 in New Delhi.
RVY & ADIP
PM distributed Assistive Aids and Devices to senior citizens and differently-abled at ‘Samajik
Adhikarta Shivir’ (camp) in Prayagraj (UP)
Senior citizens received them under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
Differently-abled received them under Assistance to Disabled Persons for aids and appliances (ADIP)
scheme
FPOS
PM launched 10,000 Farmers Producer Organisations (FPO) all over the country at Chitrakoot (UP)
FPOs will provide small, marginal and landless farmers access to agricultural inputs and marketing
help for selling their products
The Centre will provide fund of Rs 15 lakh to each FPO.
KCCS
PM launched saturation drive for distribution of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) Chitrakoot (UP) to ensure
that all beneficiaries of PM-KISAN Scheme have KCCs
Beneficiaries of PM-KISAN scheme who do not possess KCCs will be given KCCs under this drive.
These cards will help farmers in availing short term loans.
World
US, Taliban sign deal in Doha, Qatar for full withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan within
14 months
Muhyiddin Yassin appointed new Prime Minister of Malaysia
World Health Organization raises Novel Coronavirus threat assessment to highest level
India
Indradhanush joint exercise between IAF and UK’s Royal Air Force concludes at Air Force Station
Hindan (UP)
Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan and TN CM Edappadi Palaniswami lay foundation stone for a new
govt. medical college in Ramanathapuram
IAF, Savitribai Phule Pune University sign MoU to set up ‘Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Chair of
Excellence’
Explosive detection device RaIDer-X unveiled; co-developed by High Energy Materials Research

Laboratory (HEMRL) Pune and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Chief Justice of India Sharad Bobde inaugurates 7-day camp for distribution of artificial limbs to
specially-abled persons in Nagpur
Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates Regional Hub campus of National Security Guard (NSG) at
Kolkata
Punjab Govt. prohibits online supply of food from food business operators (FBOs) which don’t have
hygiene rating
Konkani writer Richard John Pais dies aged 51 in Mangaluru
Rashmi Thackeray, the wife of Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, named new editor of Shiv Sena
mouthpiece Saamana
Economy & Corporate
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Haridwar-based Patanjali Bio Research Institute
(PBRI) sign MoU for joint research and education
Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela being organised in New Delhi by ICAR-IARI (Indian Council of Agricultural
Research-Indian Agricultural Research Institute) from March 1 to 3
44th Civil Accounts Day celebrated on March 1
Berlin Film Festival
Berlin International Film Festival concluded
Golden Bear for Best Film awarded to Iranian film ‘There Is No Evil’, directed by Mohammad Rasoulof
Silver Bear for Best Director was won by Hong Sang-soo for ‘The Woman Who Ran’ (Korean)
Silver Bear for Best Actress was won by Paula Beer for ‘Undine’ (German)
Silver Bear for Best Actor was won by Elio Germano for ‘Hidden Away’ (Italian).
World
Malaysia: Former deputy PM Muhyiddin Yassin sworn in as PM
Zero Discrimination Day observed by UNAIDS on March 1
KHELO INDIA UNIVERSITY GAMES
Khelo India University Games 2020 concluded in Bhubaneswar
Panjab University (17 gold, 19 silver, 10 bronze) were crowned champions
Swimmers Sadhvi Dhuri (Savitribai Phule Pune University) and Siddhant Sejwal (Panjab University)
were most successful with five gold each
Sports
Tokyo marathon: Birhanu Legese of Ethiopia (2:4:15) win’s men’s race; Israel’s Lonah Chemtai
Salpeter (2:17.45) wins women’s race
Mexican Open tennis tournament at Acapulco: Rafael Nadal (Spain) and Heather Watson (UK) win
men’ and women’s singles titles respectively
Dubai Championships tennis: Serbia’s Novak Djokovic won the men’s singles title
India’s former national athletics coach and Dronacharya awardee Joginder Singh Saini dies at 90
Ex hockey player Balbir Singh Kullar dies at 77; won 1966 Asian Games gold (Bangkok) and 1968
Olympic Bronze (Mexico
India
Centre declares National Chambal Sanctuary in MP as eco-sensitive zone (ESZ); known for Gangetic
dolphins and Gharial.
City Chowk, Circular Chowk in Jammu named as Bharat Mata Chowk, Atal ji Chowk
Ramniklal Solanki, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of UK-based ‘Garavi Gujarat’ newsweekly and the
Asian Media Group (AMG), dies in Ahmedabad at 88

BJP MLA from Sadar seat in Bulandshahr (UP) Virendra Singh Sirohi dies aged 74
Exhibition-cum-Fair “EKAM Fest” being organized by NHFDC (National Handicapped Finance
Development Corporation) under M/o Social Justice & Empowerment in New Delhi on March 2-8
Economy & Corporate
Power Ministry’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) launches star rating programme for Deep Freezer
and Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC)
Government allows export of onions from March 15
Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar launches Humsafar mobile app for doorstep diesel delivery in the
national capital region
OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) lowers its India’s GDP growth
forecast for 2020-21 to 5.1% from the earlier projection of 6.2%
World
Saudi Arabia starts issuance of permanent premium residency permit to foreigners; Indian investor
Yusuffali M A, Chairman of the Lulu group, is among the first recipients
Iraq’s prime minister-designate Mohammed Allawi announced his withdrawal from the post
Telecom equipment maker Nokia on March 2, 2020 said its board of directors has appointed Pekka
Lundmark as President and CEO to succeed Rajeev Suri.
Jack Welch, former Chairman and CEO of General Electric, dies aged 84 in US
Sports
New Zealand (235, 132/3) defeat India (242, 124) by 7 wickets in 2nd test at Hagley Oval in
Christchurch, win 2-test series 2-0
India
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights moves the Supreme Court against CAA
(Citizenship Amendment Act)
issues format for filing complaints of alleged corruption against public servants with the Lokpal, 11
months after the anti-corruption ombudsman was formed
UP Govt. to pay Rs 900 per month to farmers willing to keep stray cattle at their houses
Jharkhand govt. to provide Rs 5000 to Rs 7000 per annum assistance to unemployed graduate and
post-graduate youth
Sanjay Kumar Panda appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Turkey
Janaushadhi week being celebrated across the country from March 1 to 7 at various Jan Aushadhi
Kendras
Economy & Corporate
introduces bill in Lok Sabha to bring cooperative banks under the RBI regulations
FDI rises 10% to USD 36.76 billion during April-December period of 2019-20; Singapore (USD 11.65
billion) largest source, Services (USD 6.52 billion) largest recipient
Revenue Secretary Dr Ajay Bhushan Pandey appointed new Finance Secretary
FCA India launches Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV at Rs 68.94 lakh
World
Assam-based Jadav Payeng wins Commonwealth Points of Light Award for environmental
conservation
China assumes presidency of UN Security Council for March, 2020
Donald Trump administration imposes personnel cap on Chinese media entities in US
World Wildlife Day celebrated on March 3 with its theme as ‘Sustaining all life on Earth’

Lalit Kala Akademi Awards
PHASE– II Of SBM(G)
Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launches Phase II of Swachh Bharat Mission
(Grameen) [SBM (G)] in Delhi
It will focus on sustaining the gains made under the programme in last five years in terms of toilet
access and usage.
It will ensure that effective solid and liquid waste management (SLWM) is instituted in every Gram
Panchayat
India
Lalit Kala Akademi organising 61st National Exhibition of Art (March 4-22) and National Kala Mela
(March 4-9) in New Delhi; inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (IC) Prahlad
Singh Patel
Indian Army’s Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) organising “PRAGYAN CONCLAVE 2020” in
New Delhi on March 4-5
QS World Ranking for engineering colleges: 5 from India in top-100 — IIT Bombay (44), IIT Delhi (47),
IIT Kharagpur (86), IIT Madras (88) and IIT Kanpur (96)
QS World Ranking for arts and humanities: JNU at 162nd, Delhi University at 231st
Dr Shweta Rawat of Delhi-based Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS)
develops Full Body Protector (प्रबला) for safety of female troops on riot control duties
IIT Delhi’s Dr. Shalini Gupta develops Septiflo technology for fast and affordable diagnosis and
treatment of bacterial septicaemia
Kerala govt. issues order capping the retail price of bottled drinking water at Rs 13 per litre
Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma lays foundation stone for an integrated sports complex in Tura
district named after ex-CM late PA Sangma
10 PSBS to merge into 4
The government on March 4, 2020 approved a scheme for the amalgamation of 10 state-owned banks
into four.
Effective from April 1, 2020, the balance sheets as well as stocks of these banks will be integrated.
Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, and United Bank of India will combine to form
India’s 2nd-largest bank.
Canara Bank will take over Syndicate Bank
Union Bank of India will be amalgamated with Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank
Indian Bank will subsume Allahabad Bank
After the process is complete, India will have 12 PSBs
Economy & Corporate
Union Cabinet approves amendments in the Companies Act, 2013; Both listed and unlisted Indian
companies allowed to list their shares on overseas stock exchanges
The Direct Tax Vivaad Se Vishwas Bill 2020 passed by Lok Sabha; taxpayers can settle disputes by
paying just due taxes with complete waiver of interest and penalty by March 31
to amend FDI policy on civil aviation allowing NRIs to acquire 100% equity stake in Air India from 49%
earlier
SC stays RBI’s April 2018 circular asking banks and FIs to stay away from dealing in crypto
currencies, including Bitcoin
Chief Economic Adviser K V Subramanian delivers 7th Dr Raja J Chelliah Memorial Lecture on Ethical
Wealth Creation in Chennai

FICCI organising India Pharma 2020 & India Medical Device 2020 Conference & Exhibition at
Gandhinagar on March 5-7
National Safety Day observed by National Safety Council of India on March 4; National Safety Week
from March 4
AP govt. to permit GMR Group to develop Bhogapuram International Airport near Visakhapatnam
World
World Bank President David Malpass unveils USD 12 billion aid package to help countries combat
coronavirus outbreak
UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore unveils report ‘A New Era for Girls: Taking stock on 25 years
of progress’
Draft EU law mandates member nations to achieve “climate neutrality” — net zero greenhouse
emissions — by 2050
Sports
BCCI appoints former India spinner Sunil Joshi as Chairman of the national selection panel
India
Lok Sabha suspends 7 Congress MPs for remaining period of Budget Session for “gross misconduct”
and “utter disregard” for House rules
“Chronicles of Change Champions”, a compilation of 25 innovative initiatives taken under Beti Bachao
Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, released by WCD Minister Smriti Irani
No scientific evidence to show that coronavirus spreads through eating chicken, mutton and seafood:
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) CEO G. S. G. Ayyangar
Maharashtra: Aurangabad airport renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport
Punjab Govt. to install statues of religious figures and freedom fighters — Parshuram at Ludhiana,
Maharaja Agrasen at Bathinda, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Sirhind, Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna at
Amritsar and Dr. B R Ambedkar at Phagwara/Jalandhar
IIT-Madras researchers claim to have developed an AI-powered drone to counter ‘rogue drones’
Yes Bank
RBI imposes moratorium on the capital-starved Yes Bank, caps withdrawals at Rs 50,000 per account
till further orders
Board of Yes Bank superseded with immediate effect for a period of 30 days owing to serious
deterioration in the financial position of the Bank
Former SBI CFO Prashant Kumar appointed as administrator for Yes Bank
Economy & Corporate
EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) lowers interest rate on provident fund deposits to a
seven-year low of 8.5% for 2019-20
SEBI launches mobile app ‘SEBI SCORES’ for investors to lodge grievances in SEBI Complaints
Redress System (SCORES)
Trade impact of the coronavirus epidemic for India is estimated at $348 million; India to be 15th most
affected economy: UNCTAD
RBI Deputy Governor N. S. Vishwanathan to step down by March 31, 3 months before the end of his
extended one-year tenure
World
Singapore’s Daren Tang elected new Director General of Geneva-based WIPO (World Intellectual
Property Organisation)
Former UN Secretary General (1981-1991) Perez de Cuellar of Peru dies at 100

Former PM Indira Gandhi and freedom fighter Amrit Kaur named by the TIME magazine among
world’s 100 powerful women who defined the last century
IMF makes available $50 billion to help combat the spread of coronavirus in low income and
emerging market countries
Ukraine’s Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, accepts resignation of PM Oleksiy Honcharuk; Denys
Shmygal appointed new PM
Sports
PV Sindhu named Sportsperson of the Year at the fourth Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2019
India
Organisations supporting public cause can’t be barred from receiving foreign funds: SC
reconstitutes the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) with Union Home Minister
Amit Shah as its chairperson
Information Commissioner (IC) Bimal Julka appointed as Chief Information Commissioner (CIC);
Amita Pandove appointed IC
‘The Future of Work: Women in India’s Workforce’ seminar organised by Women and Child
Development (WCD) and the World Bank in New Delhi
Diet chart for pregnant women and lactating mothers formulated by Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR) and shared with all anganwadi centres across the country: WCD Minister Smriti Irani
MP govt. to set up trust headed by CM Kamal Nath for the project of constructing ‘Ram Van Gaman
Path’, a route taken by Lord Ram during his 14-year exile.
Railways conducting ‘Each for Equal’ campaign to promote gender equality from March 1 to 10
Jammu & Kashmir: Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu launches ‘Student Health Card’ for
better healthcare for school children
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting suspends broadcast of two Kerala based news channels —
Media One and Asianet News TV Channel — for 48 hours for insensitive reporting of Delhi Violence
Coronavirus: Centre govt exempts employees from marking biometric attendance till March 31
Agartala (Tripura) and Ghojadanga (West Bengal) designated as authorised land immigration check
posts on the Bangladesh border
2020 Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META): 76-year old theatre director Barry John chosen
for Lifetime Achievement honour
Female labour-force participation in India declined from 34% in 2006 to 24.8% in 2020: UNGC (United
Nations Global Compact)
India has been ranked at 83rd position in ‘Freedom in the World 2020’ report of US-based democracy
watchdog Freedom House.
Yes Bank
RBI unveiled a draft scheme of reconstruction for Yes Bank and invited suggestions from members of
public, including the banks’ shareholders, depositors and creditors on the scheme.
SBI has expressed its willingness to make investment in Yes Bank and participate in its
reconstruction scheme.
IBC
Lok Sabha passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill
Bill seeks to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) so that successful bidders of insolvent
companies are ring-fenced from any risk of criminal proceedings for offences committed by previous
promoters of the companies concerned

Economy & Corporate
India’s forex reserves rise to a new lifetime high of US$ 481.54 billion as February 28
Lok Sabha passes Mines and Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill that removes end-use restrictions for
participating in coal mine auctions
World
The US Congress (Senate & House of Representatives) passes USD 8.3 billion emergency funding bill
for response efforts to the novel coronavirus outbreak
US: NASA announces ‘Perseverance’ as official name of its Mars 2020 rover; name suggested by
school student Alexander Mather
India
PM launches She Inspires Us campaign., to hand over his social media accounts “to women whose
life, work inspire us”
Coronavirus: Civilian visitors prohibited at BSF, BGB (Border Guards Bangladesh) Joint Retreat
Ceremony at Fulbari ICP (Integrated Check Post) in West Bengal
EC approves the merger of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) party, led by Babulal Marandi with
the BJP
Indian Army unveils the renovated Animal Memorial at Agram Grounds in ASC Centre and College in
Bengaluru
Kerala government launches digital literacy programme titled ‘I am also digital’
Veteran DMK leader K. Anbazhagan dies in Chennai at the age of 97
Comic book on former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik (1916-97) titled ‘Adventures of a Daredevil Democrat’
released
Yes Bank
SBI to pick up a 49% stake in Yes Bank for Rs 2,450 crore and clarified that all the deposits and
liabilities of the reconstructed bank will continue in the “same manner”
The crisis-hit Yes Bank was on March 5 superseded by a RBI appointed administrator Prashant Kumar
Customers have been restricted with a withdrawal cap of Rs 50,000 only till April 3
Economy & Corporate
sets up 12-member high-level panel chaired by Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas to prepare
an investigation manual for probe agency SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office)
‘Conference on Empowering Women Entrepreneurs 2020’ being organised in New Delhi from March 7
to 9 by the MSME Ministry in collaboration with FLO (FICCI Ladies Organization), CII and India SME
Forum
Economic Times Global Business Summit organised in New Delhi; theme: ‘Collaborate to Create:
Sustainable Growth in a Fractured World’
Sports
First ever Khelo India Winter Games begin at Gulmarg in J&K
42-year old former India opener Wasim Jaffer retires after scoring 1,944 runs in 31 Tests; first
cricketer to play in 150 Ranji Trophy matches
India
President awarded Nari Shakti Puraskar of WCD Ministry to 15 women: Rashmi Urdhwardeshe (60),
Tashi Malik and Nungshi Malik (28), Padala Bhudevi (40), Kalavati Devi (58), Kaushiki Chakroborty
(38), Avani Chaturvedi (26), Bhawanna Kanth (27), Mohana Singh Jitarwal (28), Bhageerathi Amma
(105), Karthyayini Amma (98), Chami Murmu (47), Nilza Wangmo (40), Bina Devi (43), Mann Kaur

(103), Arifa Jan (33)
NITI Aayog confers awards under its Women Entrepreneurship Platform: Priyanka Mokshmar (Vaayu
Home Appliances), Ramya Venkataraman (Centre for Teacher Accreditation), Shilpi Kapoor
(BarrierBreak), Rinka Banerjee (Thinking Forks), Nidhi Pant (Science for Society), Anupriya Balikai
(Spookfish Innovations), Kalpana Sankar (Hand in Hand), Khushboo Jain (ImpactGuru), Sneha
Sundaram (Kutuki), Jayanti Pradhan (Agro-processor), Jugnu Jain (Sapien Biosciences), Pratyusha
Pareddy (NemoCare), Poonam Bir Kasturi (Daily Dump), Ruchi Jain (Taru Naturals), Sujata Sahu
(17000 ft Foundation), Dr Praveen Nair (Salaam Baalak Trust).
The 2020 BusinessLine Changemaker Awards presented to the winners in Chennai: Arunachalam
Muruganandam won ‘Iconic Changemaker Award’. Pradeep Mewada won ‘The Young Changemaker
Award’. Rashid K., Nikhil P., Arun George and Vimal Govind won ‘Young Changemakers’ award.
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) won the ‘Digital Transformation’ award. India Stack won the award
in ‘Financial Transformation’ category. The award in ‘Social Transformation’ category was won by
Shanti Raghavan of Enable India. Woman athlete Dutee Chand won ‘Changemaker of the Year’ award.
ISRO won ‘Changemaker of the Year’ award.
PM hands over his social media accounts to seven women achievers under #SheInspiresUs
campaign: Sneha Mohandoss, Malvika Iyer, Arifa Jaan, Kalpana Ramesh, Vijaya Pawar, Kalavati Devi,
Bina Devi
Science and Technology Ministry’s TIFAC (Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment
Council) launches Vigyan Jyoti scheme to encourage women to pursue science
Ministry of Science and Technology launches helpline number 011-26565285 for women students and
scientists to get their queries related to the ministry’s programmes answered.
Former Union Law Minister and Congress leader Hans Raj Bhardwaj dies at 83 in New Delhi
Haryana Government to give scooters to woman members of the Block Development Council, District
Council and village sarpanchs
Delimitation Commission set up for J&K, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland; headed
by former SC judge Ranjana Prakash Desai
India joins 5-nation Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) as observer
Yes Bank
SBI to pick up a 49% stake in Yes Bank for Rs 2,450 crore and clarified that all the deposits and
liabilities of the reconstructed bank will continue in the “same manner”
The crisis-hit Yes Bank was on March 5 superseded by a RBI appointed administrator Prashant Kumar
Customers have been restricted with a withdrawal cap of Rs 50,000 only till April 3
Economy & Corporate
Rural distress can be addressed via infrastructure building, demand boost by PM Kisan, MGNREGA:
FICCI-IBA Bankers’ Survey July-December 2019
Enforcement Directorate arrests Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor on money laundering charges
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launches Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship
programme at IIM, Bengaluru
invites bids for the sale of its entire 52.98% stake in PSU Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL)
Sports
Australia (184/4 in 20) defeat India (99/10 in 19.1) by 85 runs in the final at Melbourne to win their
fifth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
Croatia defeat India 3-1 in Davis Cup tennis qualifier tie in Zagreb
National team captains Manpreet Singh and Rani Rampal won the Dhruv Batra Player of the Year
Award 2019 in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the third Hockey India Annual

Awards in New Delhi
India
Allahabad High Court orders immediate removal of the roadside posters in Lucknow with names and
photos of those accused of vandalism during the anti-CAA protests
J&K: 2 labourers killed in an explosion at an Ammunition Depot of Army in Anantnag district
Punjab Govt. launches “Cova Punjab” mobile app to spread awareness on coronavirus precautions
Karnataka: Shaadi Bhagya Scheme launched by previous government scrapped; Muslim brides were
given Rs. 50,000 for marriage expenses on submission of Aadhar and BPL cards
Lt Gen KJS Dhillon appointed as the Director-General of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 35,634.95 (–1,941.67), NSE Nifty 10,451.45 (–538); biggest ever single-day drop in
absolute terms for both
PSU Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIS) signs with The Gambia for the latter’s
participation in the eVBAB Network Project for tele-education and tele-medicine in Africa
World
Ashraf Ghani sworn in as Afghanistan President for 2nd term; rival Abdullah-Abdullah holds a parallel
inauguration
Sports
Poonam Yadav is the only Indian player to feature in the Women’s T20 World Cup team of the
tournament: ICC
The Indian women’s tennis team comprising Ankita Raina, Rutuja Bhosale and Sania Mirza created
history in the Fed cup tournament by progressing to the play-offs for the first time after defeating
Indonesia 2-1 in Dubai
India
IAF’s C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft brings back 58 Indians from coronavirus-hit Iran;
lands at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad
US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster announces completion of US-funded restoration project at
17th century Qutb Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad
World
Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Wuhan; says coronavirus basically curbed at its epicentre
EU Parliament speaker David Sassoli isolates himself for two weeks after visiting coronavirus-hit Italy
International Women’s Day observed on March 8; theme: ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing
Women’s Rights’
Sports
Asian Olympic Qualifiers Boxing in Amman, Jordan: India’s M. C. Mary Kom (women’s 51kg), Amit
Panghal (men’s 52kg) and Lovlina Borgohain (women’s 69kg) win bronze medals
Mohun Bagan clinch I-League football title
India
Director General Indo-Tibetan Border Police S. S. Deswal given additional charge of the DG BSF
Suspension of 7 Congress Lok Sabha MPs revoked by Speaker Om Birla; were suspended on March 5
on charges of “gross misconduct” in the House
PM Modi to lead International Yoga Day (June 21) event in Leh this year
Rajya Sabha approves minor changes made by Lok Sabha in the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes)

Order Amendment Bill, 2019; bill includes Parivara and Talawara tribal communities of Karnataka in
ST category
Economy & Corporate
SBI waives minimum balance requirement for all savings bank (SB) accounts; interest rate on all SB
accounts lowered to 3%
Five Indians named by World Economic Forum (WEF) in its new list of 115 Young Global Leaders
(under the age of 40): Tara Singh Vachani (CEO of Antara Senior Living), Vinati Mutreja (MD and CEO,
Vinati Organics Ltd), and Swapan Mehra (CEO, Iora Ecological Solutions), Byju Classes’ founder Byju
Raveendran and Zomato’s co-founder Gaurav Gupta.
Sipri
According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the US was
world’s largest exporter of major arms in 2015-2019 with a 36% market share.
India was world’s second largest importer of major arms behind Saudi Arabia and 23rd largest
exporter in 2015-2019
Russia accounted for 56% of major arms imported by India in 2015-2019 followed by Israel (14%) and
France (12%)
World
World Economic Forum launches ‘COVID Action Platform’ with WHO’s support for collective action by
global business community to combat coronavirus impact
Russian parliament approves amendments in constitution allowing President Vladimir Putin to stay in
power for another 12 years after his current term ends in 2024
Sports
Asian Olympic Qualifiers Boxing tournament in Amman (Jordan): Vikas Krishan (men’s 69 kg) gets
silver medal
Pankaj Advani clinches National 6-Red Snooker Championship in Ahmedabad
India
Central government sets up a central helpline — 011-23978046 — related to coronavirus outbreak
UP Govt. to depute ‘Arogya Mitras’ at primary health centres to inform people about govt health
schemes
Mumbai Central station to be renamed after Nana Shankarsheth (1803-1865)
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex 32,778.14 (–2,919.26) and NSE Nifty 9,590.15 (–868.25) see biggest one-day fall in
absolute terms
Consumer Price Index (CPI) based retail inflation declines to 6.58% in February 2020
Factory output, as measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), grew 2% in January
2020
Current Account Deficit (CAD) narrows to 1% of GDP in April-December 2019
Parliament passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2020 that will help ring-fence
successful bidders of insolvent companies from risk of criminal proceedings for offences committed
by previous promoters
Parliament passes Mineral laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 that removes end-use restrictions for
participating in coal mine auctions
State Bank of India announces Rs 7,250-crore fund infusion into Yes Bank to pick up 49% equity
Centre nominates Financial Services Secretary Debasish Panda to RBI board

World
US suspends all travel from European countries except UK for the next 30 days due to coronavirus
US Congress passes resolution making its approval mandatory for President Donald Trump for any
military action against Iran
Manila-based Asian Development Bank to provide USD 200 million to companies manufacturing and
distributing medicines, and other items needed to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus confirmed as pandemic by World Health Organization
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shardul hands over 600 tonnes of rice and relief material to flood-hit
Madagascar
Sports
World Athletics Council fines Russian Athletics Federation USD 10 million for breaching anti-doping
rules; caps at 10 the number of Russians allowed to compete as neutrals at the Tokyo Olympics
India
Delhi Assembly passes resolution against the National Population Register (NPR) and the National
Register of Citizens (NRC)
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex ended 1,325.34 points or 4.04 per cent higher at 34,103.48
The NSE Nifty settled 365.05 points, or 3.81 per cent, up at 9,955.20
India’s foreign exchange reserves rise USD 5.69 billion to reach an all-time high of USD 487.23 billion
in the week to March 6
RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products) to replace MEIS (Merchandise Export
Incentive Scheme) for boosting exports
RBI revises exposure limits for urban cooperative banks (UCBs) to a single borrower and a group of
borrowers to 15% and 25% respectively, of tier-1 capital.
RBI unveils regulatory guidelines for implementation of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) by
NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) and ARCs (asset reconstruction companies) while
preparing their financial results
Cabinet approves 4% increase in dearness allowances (DA) for central government employees and
pensioners
Coronavirus: Govt. declares face masks and hand sanitizers as essential commodities for the next
100 days
Cabinet approves construction of 780 km of green highways at a cost of Rs 7,660 crore in four states
— Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh
‘BhoomiRashi’ Portal significantly expedited process of land acquisition for National Highways:
Ministry of the Road Transport and Highways
Reconstruction Scheme For Yes Bank
Union Cabinet approves reconstruction scheme for Yes Bank as proposed by RBI
SBI will invest Rs 7,250 crore for 49% equity in Yes Bank
Axis Bank and HDFC will invest up to Rs 600 crore and Rs 1,000 crore respectively in Yes Bank
The authorised capital of Yes Bank has been increased to Rs 6,200 crore from Rs 1,100 crore.
World
UK accepts India’s appeal against closure of Ambedkar House in north London
Greece: Former high court judge Katerina Sakellaropoulou sworn in as the first woman President
Sports
Saurashtra (425, 105/4) clinch Ranji Trophy cricket title by defeating Bengal (380) at Rajkot by virtue

of their first innings lead
Czech Republic’s Dana Zatopkova, 1952 Olympic women’s javelin champion, dies aged 97 in Prague
India
Home Ministry to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a “notified disaster”; states can now spend
more funds from SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) to fight the pandemic
NMCG (National Mission for Clean Ganga) organises “Ganga Amantran Abhiyan” rafting and kayaking
expedition from Devprayag (Uttarakhand) to Gangasagar (West Bengal)
2020 Chameli Devi Jain Award for outstanding woman journalist jointly awarded to Arfa Khanum
Sherwani of The Wire and Bengaluru-based freelancer Rohini Mohan
Prachi Salve of IndiaSpend and Pradeep Dwivedi of Dainik Jagran jointly awarded first prize on road
safety reporting by New Delhi-based Centre for Media Studies (CMS)
UP Cabinet passes ordinance for recovery of damage to public property during violent protests
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has isolated COVID-19 virus strain: Director General
Balram Bhargava
Recruitment in railways, banks and lower levels of Central government to be done through Common
Eligibility Test (CET) from 2021, National Recruitment Agency (NRA) to conduct this online test
Malayalam scholar and Sahitya Akademi award winner Puthussery Ramachandran dies at 91 in
Thiruvananthapuram
Gst Council Meeting
GST Council meeting chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi
GST rate on mobile phones and specific parts raised from 12% to 18%
One rate of GST at 12% for both hand-made (5% earlier) and machine-made matchsticks (18% earlier)
GST rate on Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for aircrafts reduced from 18% to 5%
Economy & Corporate
Special excise duty on petrol and diesel hiked by Rs. 2, road cess on both fuels raised by Rs. 1; no
impact on retail prices
Justice Bansi Lal Bhat appointed as the officiating chairperson of NCLAT (National Company Law
Appellate Tribunal)
Bandhan Bank to invest Rs 300 crore for equity stake in troubled Yes Bank under RBI’s reconstruction
scheme
New website of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy launched; has additional portals such as
‘Akshay Urja Portal’ and ‘India Renewable Idea Exchange’ (IRIX)
‘WINGS INDIA 2020′ Exhibition and Conference being organised by Civil Aviation Ministry and FICCI at
Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad from March 12 to 15
World
World Health Organisation declares Europe as epicentre of coronavirus pandemic
90% of all people have ‘a deeply ingrained bias’ against women: UNDP Gender Social Norms Index
Sports
ATK (previously known as Atlético de Kolkata) win Indian Super League (ISL) football title in Margao,
Goa
March 1, 2020
Corona Virus: WHO increases Global threat; US postpones ASEAN; Geneva International Motor
Show Cancelled
The COVID-19 (Corona Virus), that began in China has now spread to more than 45 countries. Outside China,

South Korea has the highest number of COVID-19 victims.
Highlights
On February 29, 2020, the World Health Organization increased the global risk of COVID-19. This was
because the endemic has now spread to sub-Saharan Africa and has plunged financial markets. WHO also
says that more than 20 vaccines for the virus are under development globally.
India has banned travel to China and Iran. Several airlines have restricted their flights to Hong Kong and
Singapore.
The stock markets have weakened to their lowest levels since the global financial crisis 2008.
US postpones ASEAN
The United States has postponed the ASEAN summit to March 14, 2020 due to the corona virus outbreak.
Today, confirmed Corona Virus cases in the United States is 60.
Geneva International Motor Show
The Geneva International Motor Show one of the biggest annual auto-show circuit has been cancelled amid
Corona Virus fears. The show brings in innovation and experiences.
Red Panda Species are two separate species
On February 29, 2020, the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered that the red panda species are
actually two separate species. Earlier, both the Himalayan red pandas and the Chinese red Pandas were
together considered as red panda species. However, the DNA analysis says that they are two separate
species.
Habitats
Chinese Red Panda are found in northern Myanmar, Sichuan, south-eastern Tibet and Yunnan province of
China. The Himalayan red Pandas are found in India, Nepal, Bhutan and southern Tibet. On the whole, there
are 10,000 red pandas in the wild.
Key Findings
The Yalu Zangbu river marks the geographical boundary between the two species. The two species differ in
face. The Himalayan Red Panda has more white spots in its face and Chinese red panda is redder with less
white on it. The tail rings of the Chinese Red Panda is darker and paler as compared to the Himalayan Red
Panda.
Threats and Conservation
Deforestation is the major threat of the red panda species. The Red Pandas are called “Living Fossils” as
they are the only living member of the Ailuridae mammalian family. The IUCN Red List has categorized Red
Pandas as “Endangered”.
Yalu Zangbu river
The Yalu Zangbu is also called Yarlung Zangpo or Yarlung Tsangpo. It is the upper stream of the
Brahmaputra river. It is the longest river in Tibet.
March 2, 2020
RalDer-X: New Explosive Detection Device developed by DRDO and IISc Bangalore
On March 1, 2020, at the National Workshop on Explosive Detection, a new Explosive Detection device
called RalDer-X was launched.
Highlights
RalDer-X has the capacity to detect explosives that are in the pure form and also those that are added with
contaminants. It is also capable of detecting explosives at a distance. The device is capable of detecting
various applications such as narcotics and also other elements that are non-explosive in nature.
Significance
Explosive Detection is highly important to inspect whether a container contains explosives especially at

ports, airports and at borders.
There are two main categories of Explosive detection namely Bulk Detection and Trace Detection.
Colorimetrics is the popular principle used in detecting both types of explosives
Colorimetrics
The test is based on detecting the nitrogen compound in the explosive with its color reations. This is
because, almost all explosives are made of nitroaromatic, nitramine or nitrate based compounds. However,
it requires physical handling of explosive. Also, it cannot be detected in a sealed container. These
disadvantages are over come by the new explosive device RalDer-X.
Asian Development Bank Sanctions 4 million USD to members to contain Corona Virus
The Asian Development Bank is to provide 4 million USD to member countries in Asia and Pacific to contain
COVID-19, the Corona Virus. The fund is being allocated for buying emergency supplies, assessing health
systems, improve resilience and respond to animal human disease outbreaks.
Highlights
The main objective of fund allocation is to strengthen immediate response in China, Cambodia, Laos,
Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. The bank has also sanctioned special loan of 18.6 million USD to China to
enhance distribution and supply of protective equipment and essential medicines.
Global Threats
Outside China, the virus has spread to Iran, Italy and South Korea. More than 84,000 people in 56 countries
have been infected. So far 2,900 people have died because of the virus.
Economic Downfall
The Global stock markets are facing steep falls. This is mainly because of travel bans and international
business meetings being cancelled and postponed. The World is stepping towards weaker phase as
compared to 2008 financial crisis. Therefore, it is essential for international banks like ADB to step in to
sanction loans.
IMD: Above Normal Heat Wave during Summer in India
The Indian Meteorological Department has announced that months of March, April and May are to be
warmer than normal. The heat waves are to prevail over the heat wave zones of India
Heat Wave Zone
The Core Heat Wave Zone of India includes Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand,
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal
and Telangana.
In India, heat waves are experienced during March to July
What is a Heat Wave?
According to the World Meteorological Organization, a Heat Wave occurs when the daily maximum
temperature of 5 consecutive days exceeds average maximum temperature by 5 degrees Celsius. During a
heat wave, the weather is excessively hot and also highly humid. Heat Waves usually occur in oceanic
countries.
How are Heat Waves formed?
Heat waves are formed when high pressure in the upper atmosphere strengthens and remains in a particular
region for days together. They are common in summer as jet streams follow the sun. This high-pressure
traps highly humid warm air under it. The air warms oceanic winds in the earth forming heat waves.
Zero Discrimination Day observed all over the world
On March 1, 2020, Zero Discrimination Day was observed globally. The day was observed to challenge
discrimination and inequality faced by women and girls. It aims to protect rights of women and promote
their empowerment and gender equality. This year the day was observed under the theme

Theme: Zero Discrimination against Women and Girls
Highlights
The Zero Discrimination Day is observed by the United Nations AIDS Programme. Every year the day is
observed on March 1. It was first marked in 2014. It is being associated with the AIDS Programme as the
United Nations believe that fighting discrimination against women is important to eradicate AIDS.
Sustainable Development Goal
The United Nations aims to end the threat towards AIDS programme by the year 2030 as a part of
Sustainable Development Goal.
Significance
It is important to mark the day as one among three women in the world are experiencing some form of
violence. There are more than 50% of women that have reported violence against them globally according to
UN. Therefore, it is important to mark these days to increase awareness.
India’s 40 million USD defence deal with Armenia beats Russia and Poland
On March 1, 2020, India bagged a deal to supply 4 indigenously built radars (capable of locating weapons)
to Armenia. The deal was worth 40 million USD.
Highlights
India and Armenia signed deals on DRDO built “Swati” weapon locating radars. Armenia has decided to go
with Indian built radars after testing Russian and Poland made systems. Armenia also claims that Indian
made systems were more reliable as compared to the other two.
Swati Radar
The Radar is capable of handling multiple weapons at different locations. Currently, Indian army is also
using the same radar along the line of control to trace source of attack of the Pakistan army.
Significance
The Deal will help India achieve its Rs 35,000 crores of defence exports very soon. It will also help India find
new markets to sell its indigenous defence systems. The Defence Ministry is also negotiating with middle
east countries, latin American and south-east Asian countries to export its defence products.
Farmer Welfare: Krishi Vigyan Mela, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference launched
The GoI is taking several steps to double farmers income by 2022. In order to help achieve the target, Krishi
Vigyan Mela and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference were inaugurated by Minister of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference
The 11th Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference was held in New Delhi recently. Krishi Vigyan Kendra means
Farmer Science Centre. The Conference directed the centres to focus on small and deprived farmers.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra
These Centres are created by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research. The first Krishi Vigyan Kendra
was established in 1974. These centres provide different types of farm support at district level. Also, they
implement on-farm testing to assess agricultural technologies.
Krishi Vigyan Mela
The Krishi Vigyan Mela was launched to make agriculture a profitable venture. It is a fair that aims to call
talents in agriculture. Several discussions at the fair were conducted to ensure superior seeds are supplied
to farmers at reasonable rates.
March 3: World Wildlife Day
The 2020 year was earlier announced as “BioDiversity Super Year”. Therefore, several events are being
conducted based on biodiversity. It includes World Wildlife Day as well. This year the World Wildlife Day is
being celebrated under the theme

Theme: Sustaining all Life on Earth
Highlights
The Day is being celebrated by several leading organizations of the world. It includes United Nations
General Assembly, CITES and other regional and non-governmental organizations. On this day, they aim to
build collaborative partnerships, organize conservation events and demand illegally sourced wildlife and
products.
Significance of the theme
Sustaining all Life on Earth includes all plant species and wild animals as component of biodiversity. It also
includes use of natural resources in support of the following Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 1-No Poverty
SDG 12-Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns
SDG 14-Life Below Water
SDG 15-Life on Land
History
The resolution to mark world wild life day was passed at the 69 th session of United Nations General
Assembly that was held on 20th December, 2013.
Why March 3?
On March 3, 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) was adopted. The World Wildlife Day was proposed by Thailand.
March 3, 2020
National Chambal Sanctuary declared as Eco-Sensitive Zone
On March 2, 2020, 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.
National Chambal Sanctuary
The Sanctuary begins in the Vindhyan Ranges, extends along the Chambal river and ends in Yamuna river. It
is spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Eco-Sensitive Zone
The Eco-Sensitive Zones are protected areas that act as “shock absorbers”. They also act as transition
zones. They are governed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change. The governing is an
important factor as land is a state subject. There are no acts that regulate the zones. However, they are
regulated with guidelines framed by the Ministry.
EKAM Fest: Event to Promote craftsmanship and products of Divyang entrepreneurs
A week-long festival called “EKAM FEST” was organized to promote the products of Divyang artisans and
entrepreneurs. More than 80 Divyang entrepreneurs and artisans participated in the event.
Highlights
The event focuses to promote knowledge and entrepreneurship of Divyang Community. It also aims to
market their opportunities. The event was organized by NHFDC (National Handicapped Finance and
Development Corporation). The NHFDC also launched the NHFDC Swavalamban Kendra (NSK), an initiative
to establish micro skill training centre for Divyangs
NHFDC
The NHFDC operates under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It was established in 1997. The

Company provides financial assistance to divyangs and persons with disabilities. Currently it is
implementing Vishesh Microfinance Yojana
Vishesh Microfinance Yojana
Under the scheme, NHFDC finances income generating schemes of Disabled persons. This is being done by
signing agreement with Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks and other financial institutions. The main
objective of the scheme is to reach out unbanked population and promote inclusive livelihood.
GoI allows Export of Onions
In September 2019, GoI had banned the export of onions in order to bring down its prices in the country. The
prices of the key cooking ingredient had soared due to supply disruptions and floods in the major onion
producing states Haryana and Maharashtra.
Highlights
Onion prices peaked in December 2019 as rains hit the Kharif crop badly. Now, with the arrival of Rabi crop,
the shortage is getting replenished and hence GoI has removed the ban on exports of onions. Also, the
Minimum Export Price imposed on onions as 850 USD per tonne is being removed.
Minimum Export Price
The Minimum Export Price is fixing a floor price. An exporter cannot sell his product below Minimum Export
Price. The MEP is usually imposed on Basmati Rice and Onions to restrict their export volumes.
Current Concerns of MEP
In order to export a product, a country should produce genuine export surplus. The concept of MEP was
introduced by GoI to maintain the above status. However, the exporters have become masters in
circumventing MEP and hence it has become ineffective to restrict export of a commodity.
Star Rating Programme for Light Commercial Air Conditioners and Deep Freezers launched
On March 2, 2020, in its 19th foundation day, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) operating under Ministry
of Power launched star rating programme for Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC) and Deep Freezers.
Highlights
The Star Rating Programme was formulated by Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Energy Conservation
Act, 2001. Around 24 appliances have been covered under the programme.
At the celebration of the foundation day of BEE, the Urja Dakshata Information Tool (UDIT) was launched. It
is an online platform that explains the energy efficiency platform in India. This includes information of
appliances, industry, building, municipal, agriculture, transport sectors. The initiative has been launched in
collaboration with World Resources Institute.
Significance
Both LCAC and deep freezers are major energy consumers. Therefore, it is important to include these two
appliances in the programme to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. Especially, LCAC is of primary
importance as it is used in commercial air conditioning. With including these two appliances, it is estimated
that the electricity consumption is to be saved by 9 billion units.
Star Rating
The Star Rating gives energy efficiency of an appliance. Higher the star rating lower is the energy
consumed.
8th Foundation Day of Land Port Authority of India held in New Delhi
On March 2, 2020, the eighth foundation day of the Land Port Authority of India was celebrated. The event
discussed various aspects of land ports such as cargo operations at Integrated Check Ports and other
border infrastructure.
Land Port Authority of India
The Land Port Authority of India is responsible for managing border infrastructure. It creates, upgrades and

maintains the integrated check posts and also border infrastructure.
The Inland Custom Ports and Kartarpur Sahib Corridor were also constructed by Land Port Authority of
India.
Functions
The Authority works to provide secure and efficient systems of cargo and passenger movements across
international borders. It also works to reduce the dwell time and trade transaction time and costs. It
promotes people-to-people contact.
Legislation
The Land Port Authority of India is a statutory body. It was established under Land Ports Authority of India
Act, 2010. Under the act, it has powers to undertake joint ventures to discharge its functions. It functions
under Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2019 introduced
On March 2, 2020, the HRD Minister introduced the Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2019 in Rajya Sabha. It
was introduced in Lok Sabha in December 2019 and was passed.
Key Features of the Bill
The bill aims to convert deemed Sanskrit universities to central Sanskrit universities. They are Rashtriya
Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi, Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Tirupati and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya
Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New Delhi.
The Universities will work towards promoting the knowledge of Sanskrit, train manpower in preservation of
Sanskrit and other allied subjects and also make provisions for integrated courses in social sciences,
humanities and sciences.
Powers and Functions
The Powers and Functions of the universities are as follows
To prescribe courses of study and conduct training programmes
To provide facilities through distant education programmes
To confer autonomous status on college and institutions.
Authorities of the Universities
The Universities will also have a court to review policies, an executive council that will create academic
posts and appoint teaching faculties. It will also hold a board of studies that will approve research subjects.
GoI Allows Airlines to provide In-Flight WiFi
The Government of India recently permitted the airlines operating in the country to provide in-flight WiFi
Services to its passengers. This technology allows the passengers to use laptop, tablet, smart watches,
smartphones and a point of sale device in flight mode.
In-Flight WiFi
In-Flight WiFi is offering internet services to passengers during their flight with an airline. India and North
Korea were the only two countries that were hesitant in offering in-flight WiFi services. India was hesitant
due to security concerns. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been highly strict since the hijacking of Delhi to
Kathmandu flight in 1999.
How does an In-Flight WiFi work?
When a Passenger turns ON the fight mode, the antenna of the plane is linked to terrestrial internet
services. After the flight climbs to 3,000 metres altitude which any flight reaches in 4 to 5 minutes of its
take off, the antenna of the flight will switch to satellite-based services. Hence there will be no break in
internet services to the passengers.
GoI nominates 2 sites to be included in World Heritage Sites List
The Government of India submitted two nomination dossiers for their inclusion in World Heritage List for

the year 2020. They are as follows
Dholavira: A Harappan City
Monuments and Forts of Deccan Sultanate
Dholavira
The dholavira is an archaeological site in Gujarat. It consists of ruins of ancient Indus Valley Civilization. It
is located in Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest wildlife sanctuary in India area wise. The site is
located on the Tropic of Cancer.
The city of Dholavira is estimated to be older than Lothal. The unique feature of Dholavira is its water
conservation system. It had massive water storage reservoirs.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a saline wetland. The land has an average depth of 0.5 metres to 1.5 metres. It dries up and turns into a
saline desert in the months of October and November. Also, it supports variety of water birds and
mammals.
Deccan Sultanate
The Deccan Sultanates were 5 major kingdoms. They ruled between Vindhya Range and Krishna river in the
Deccan Plateau. Their architecture was Indo-Islamic and greatly influenced by the Mughal architecture.
There are 4 major places that are addressed as Deccan Sultanate Monuments and Forts. They are
Bidar Fort
Bijapur Monuments-It consists of second largest dome in the world that was constructed before
modern age.
Golconda Fort-The Fort is famous for its water management. The Golconda rose to prominence under
Bahamani Sultanate
Gulbarga fort-It was the initial capital of the Bahamani Sultanate.
Lok Sabha Speaker launches “Suposhit Maa Abhiyan”: To create Malnutrition free India
On March 1, 2020, the Lok Sabha speaker Shri Om Birla launched Suposhit Maa Abhiyan in Kota, Rajasthan.
The Scheme aims to create malnutrition-free India. It mainly supports pregnant women and adolescent
girls.
About the Scheme
Suposhit Maa Abhiyan was launched to preserve the health of future generations. Under the programme,
more than 1000 women are to be given food for 1 month. It is applicable only to one pregnant woman per
family.
The scheme registers pregnant women on a website. From the website, the women who are in need of
nutritional support are identified. The identified women are to be given a balanced diet kit of 17 kg. It
includes milet flour, wheat, maize, gram, jaggery, large soybean, groundnut, ghee, dates, roasted gram, lentil,
oatmeal and rice.
Significance
The Scheme is launched to help India achieve its target of “Malnutrition Free India” by 2022. Kota, Rajasthan
was selected as it is the constituency of the speaker.
Financial Assistance to Kaziranga National Park under CAMPA
On March 2, 2020, a Rajya Sabha Member of the ruling party replied about the financial assistance being
provided to the Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Highlights
The Rajya Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa said that Rs 94,46,585 and Rs 51,24,670 were sanctioned for
Kaziranga National Park during the financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20. The funds were sanctioned under
CAMPA. Apart from this, funds were also transferred under Project Tiger Scheme and Development of

Wildlife Habitat Scheme
What were the steps taken withe funds?
The Assam Government has used the allocated fund to deploy Special Rhino Protection Force, Assam
Forest Protection Force, Home Guards and front line forest staff. Many platforms and highlands have been
constructed in the park. This helps the animals to stay safe during floods. Anti-poaching camps have been
organized. Several smart technologies like “Electronic Eye” have been adopted.
The above steps were taken by the Assam State Government with the help of funds allocated
CAMPA
CAMPA is Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority. It was established in
2001 and is governed through CAMPA act.
Background
In 2003, the Supreme Court noticed that funds collected for afforestation were underutilized by the states.
Therefore, the apex court set up CAMPA to manage the fund. Later in 2015, the act was constituted to
regulate the afforestation funds.
March 4, 2020
UNHRC files in Supreme Court on Citizenship Amendment Act
On March 3, 2020, the United Nation Human Rights Commission moved to Supreme Court on the matter of
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The commission has filed a case challenging CAA.
India on the Move of UNHRC
India believes that the CAA is an internal matter of the country. Also, according to India, CAA is
constitutionally valid.
What is the issue?
The Citizenship Amendment Act was passed in 2019. The act amends Citizenship Act 1955. It seeks to give
nationality only to 6 religious communities (Hindus, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Sikhs) if they
entered India before 31 December 2014. It does not include Muslims. Also, the act does not include other
refugees such as Rohingya from Myanmar and Tamils from Sri Lanka.
Significance of the act
According to GoI, the partition of India failed to protect the minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh. India and
Pakistan were partitioned under Nehru-Liaqat pact in 1950. Pakistan announced itself as a Muslim nation
while India became secular. Even after independence, India has constantly conceded that minorities in
Pakistan are its responsibilities.
The act was passed to protect them according to GoI.
UP Government provides Rs 900 per month to farmers willing to keep stray cattle
On March 3, 2020, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that his government will pay Rs
900 per month to farmers willing to keep stray cattle.
The Issue
Earlier in 2019, the farmer protests in Uttar Pradesh had gone up over stray cattle destroying their fields.
The population of stray cattle in the state increased as the UP Government had banned illegal animal
slaughtering in the state.
Steps taken
Initially cow shelters were built to adopt abandoned stray cattle However, they began overflowing and also it
was financially difficult for the UP Government to take care of cattle in huge numbers.
In order to solve the problem of stray cattle, the state Government had introduced “Chief Minister Destitute
Cow Participation Scheme”. Under the scheme, willing farmers shall adopt cows from the shelters and take
them home. To such farmers or adopters Rs 900 was to be provided. Now this is being extended to all

farmers who is willing to keep the stray cattle in their homes.
Finance Minister introduces bill to amend Banking Regulation Act
On March 3, 2020, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman introduced bill in Parliament to amend banking
regulation law to regulate cooperative banks. It aims to prevent frauds as that seen at Punjab and
Maharashtra Cooperative Banks (PMC).
Highlights
The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 intends to regulate 1,540 cooperative banks with total
savings of Rs 5 lakh crores. It also aims to protect the small depositors that struggle a lot during frauds like
that of PMC. The withdrawal limit of PMC banks was limited to Rs 1000 during the crisis. This had put
several customers in an insecure environment.
Key Features of the Amendment
The amendments are being made only to multi-state cooperative banks and urban cooperative banks. The
Cooperative Banks are currently under dual control of both RBI and Registrar of Cooperative Societies. With
the amendment, RBI will have extra powers apart from regulatory functions such as capital adequacy and
cash reserve. However, the administrative role of the bank is to continue with the Registrar of Societies.
Corona Virus: World Bank announces 12 billion USD aid
On March 3, 2020, the World Bank announced 12 billion USD to assist countries that are grappling with
economic impacts of corona virus. The virus has reached 60 countries so far.
Highlights
The World bank is to provide the financial aid for the countries to act upon the needs and develop a fast
response towards the spread of the virus. The financing is only to member countries whose economy is at
stake due to the virus. Also, priority is to be given to those countries that are the poorest and are at highest
risks.
Current Global Risk
The World Health organization in its recent report of Corona Virus Disease situation report says that so far
the virus has killed 37 people outside China. Overall, 166 have died so far all over the world. Today, the
number of COVID-19 cases is 10,566.
Scenario in India
India has so far relatively stayed safe in spite of China being a neighbor. So far 5 cases have been reported
in India. The virus had badly affected the manufacturing sector of the country namely electronics,
medicines, chemicals and textiles.
Global Coalition for Biodiversity launched on World Wildlife Day
On March 3, 2020, on the sidelines of the World Wildlife Day celebrations, Global Coalition for Biodiversity
was launched. The initiative was launched by the European commission. The coalition was named “United
for Biodiversity”.
Highlights
The Global Coalition is constituted of national parks, aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens and science
museums that are spread all over the world. The Coalition has called the institutions all over the world to
join before the Convention on Biological Diversity in Kunming, China. The Convention is to be held in China in
October 2020.
The coalition has been welcomed by several organizations including United Nations Environment
Programme.
IPBES at the Coalition
The Coalition cited Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services findings that more
than 1 million species are under risk of extinction. The Coalition hence adopted a pledge to appeal to

visitors of the institutions associated with it to “raise voice for Nature”.
What is IPBES?
IPBES is Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. It was
established in Panama City in 2012 by 94 countries. It is not a part of United Nations. However, on the
request of IPBES, the United Nations Environment Programme provides secretariat services to IPBES.
IPBES focuses on assessments, building capacity and knowledge, policy support on Biodiversity.
Corona Virus: NASA reports Pollution Levels in China have dropped greatly
On March 2, 2020, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) reported that Nitrous Oxide
pollution in China has declined greatly between January and February 2020. According to the report, nitrous
oxide pollution has declined by more than 100 tonnes of carbon-dioxide.
Highlights
The report says that every year, after New Year Celebrations, air pollution in china peaks to its highest.
However, this year, due to economic slowdown caused by the fear of virus, the pollution was at its minimal.
This was mainly because of closure of several businesses and factories all over China.
Current Scenario
The World Health Organization has said that COVID-19 can be contained. This is because out of 80
countries that have been infected with the virus, 38 of them have less than 10 cases.
Controversy
Though WHO is optimistic, the Health Agencies believe that the countries have to assess their preparedness
in fighting the disease. They say that 30% of those hospitalized with COVID-19 infections require critical
care. In such scenario, apart from financial support, the countries should also possess skilled hands that
are capable of operating the critical care equipment.
March 4: National Security Day
On March 4, 2020, the Rashtriya Suraksha Diwas or National Security Day was celebrated throughout India.
The Day is celebrated to honour the work of Indian Security Forces. This includes every security personnel,
policemen, para military forces, guards, commandos, army officers, etc.
Highlights
The National Security Day is celebrated to promote and increase security forces. The Day reminds the
citizens about their fundamental duties towards the country. Above all, the day pays homage to the security
jawans who lost their lives for the country.
The Security Personnel are responsible for different types of security such as political, ecological,
economic, computer, infrastructure, energy and natural resources.
Why March 4th?
The National Security Days is being observed on March 4 every year because, the National Security Council
was established on the very same day
National Security Council
The Security Council looks into the economic, political and strategic security concerns of India. It was
established in 1998 by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs constitutes committee on Community Forest Resource Guidelines
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently constituted a committee under NC Saxena, former member of
Planning Commission of India. The Committee will examine and recommend Community Forest Resources
(CFR) Guidelines. The Committee has been constituted under Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Why the Committee?
In 2016, the Tribal Affairs Ministry framed CFR in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change. However, the guidelines faced several criticisms from tribal organizations all over India.

They complained that the guidelines were too technical.
The Issue
The Forest Right Act, 2006 gives habitat rights to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group and pre-
agriculture communities. They shall access the resources in the area that are designated as their habitat.
However, the act left it at the responsibility of the states to identify the habitats. Several states failed to
recognize such habitats.
Therefore, the Committee will provide a report clarifying concepts and detail the procedures that make
implementation of CFR guidelines easy and understandable.
APEDA signs MoUs to implement Agriculture Export Policy
The Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) has signed Memorandum of
Understandings with IIT Delhi, Quality Council of India (QCI) and Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture
(ICFA).
Agriculture Export Policy
The Agriculture Export Policy was launched in 2018. It aims to increase the agricultural export potential of
the country. It is highly important to increase the exports of agricultural products in order to achieve the
goal of “Doubling Farmers Income” by 2022.
IIT-Delhi
With IIT-Delhi, APEDA has signed agreement in the field of technologies. The IIT-Delhi will share its research
laboratories with APEDA under the agreement. It will also help in improvising farm machineries. The
institute is to develop ripening indices, protocols to export horticultural produce by sea.
QCI and ICFA
The QCI will develop training materials for INDGAP scheme. INDGAP is India Good Agriculture Practices.
The ICFA will help APEDA to organize community specific trade events. It will also help agricultural start
ups in scaling up their business.
Luxembourg: The First Country in the World to provide Free Public Transport
Luxembourg in Europe has become the first country to make all forms of public transport free. It is the
second smallest country in the European Union.
Highlights
Around 0.2 million passengers travel to Luxembourg from its neighbouring countries such as Belgium,
France and Germany for work. Also, it has the highest car density in European Union.
Why Free Public Transport?
According to European Commission Statistical Wing, Luxembourg had 670 cars per 1000 people. The
capital of the country also called Luxembourg was the 53rd most congested city in the world according to
2020 Traffic Index. People in the city lost 163 useful hours to traffic. It will also help reduce pollution to
great extent.
How does it work?
The project of making public transport free is a dual social measure in the country. It is funded by the tax
payers. This will help low earners save money. Also, the burden is shouldered by the better off population.
The Government of Luxembourg is to compensate the loss of finances of the scheme by taxes. The
Government earns 8% of the public transportation costs though ticket sales.
Similar Measures by Delhi Government
In October 2019, the State Government of Delhi announced similar scheme. The Government had made
public transport free for women. Delhi being the 8th most congested city in the world, the scheme has
boosted women population. However, it financial drained Delhi Transport Corporation.

Hurdles
Infrastructure of buses is the major concern. The Supreme Court in 2001 assessed that Delhi needs 10,000
buses. The predictions should increase by 2020. Currently, there are only 6,233 buses with the Delhi State
Transport Corporation (according to February 2020).
Also, Delhi Metro is highly expensive for its high operational cost. More steps have to be taken to improvise
Metro to make it less expensive for running.
March 5, 2020
Cabinet Approval: Foreign Direct Investment Policy on Civil Aviation
On March 4, 2020, the Union Cabinet under PM Modi cleared the Foreign Direct Investment Policy on Civil
Aviation. According to the policy, 100% FDI is permitted in the air transport services. Earlier only 49% was
available for sale to NRIs
Benefit
The main benefit of the policy is that it will help in divestment of Air India. The amendment in the policy will
permit NRIs to invest in Air India. The policy will also improve ease of doing business in the country. It will
also contribute to growth, income and employment.
Concern
The policy says that for Air India the foreign investment shall not exceed 49%. This means that though 100%
FDI is allowed, the automatic route is open only to NRIs.
Other Airlines
For other airlines other than Air India, 100% FDI is permitted under automatic route. This includes domestic,
scheduled and other air transport services.
Cabinet Approval: Mega Consolidation of Public Sector Banks
On March 4, 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by Narendra Modi had approved mega consolidation of 10
Public Sector Banks.
Highlights
The mega merger is to come into effect from April 1, 2020. It includes amalgamation of United Bank of India
and Oriental Bank of India into Punjab National Bank. Also, amalgamation of Syndicate Bank into Canara
Bank. The Cabinet also approved amalgamation of Corporation Bank and Andhra Bank into Union Bank of
India. It also approved amalgamation of Allahabad Bank into Indian Bank
Benefits
The Amalgamation will help these under performing banks get cost benefits. Also, each amalgamated bank
will hold business of 8 lakh crore rupees. This will help the banks compete with other banks in India and
also globally. It will also increase competitive spirit of the banks boosting Indian Banking System.
How is Amalgamation different from Merger?
A Merger is where two or more business entities combine to form a new entity. On the other hand, in
amalgamation one business entity acquires one or more business entities.
Delhi announced as next Google Cloud Region after Mumbai
On March 5, 2020, Google announced that it will open its next cloud region of India at Delhi by 2021. This is
the second cloud region of Google after Mumbai, that was launched in 2017. Google owns 22 cloud regions
in Asia Pacific.
Highlights
Along with Delhi Cloud Region, Google will also open its data centers in Toronto (Canada), Melbourne
(Australia) and Doha (Qatar).
What is Google Cloud Region?
The Google Cloud Services are now available in South America, North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.

They are regions that stores data. These data storage regions help several companies to store and secure
their data.
How is it helpful for India?
India has strict data localization laws. This is because by this, GoI believes that consumer data can be
protected in a better way. This way it helps in national security, sovereignty and economic development.The
Google Cloud Region hence helps companies to store data locally.
GoI clears Genome India Project
The Department of Biotechnology operating under Ministry of Science and Technology has cleared Genome
India Project. More than 20 leading institutions including IISc Bengaluru are to participate in the project.
Highlights
The project will at its first phase take samples of 10,000 persons to develop a reference Genome. The
Centre of Brain Research operating under IISc will act as a nodal point of the project. The Project was
inspired by Human Genome Project.
Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project was launched in 1990 and ended in 2003. It was an international project funded
by the US Government.
The project aimed to map human genome and assemble them together to obtain a complete sequence of
chromosomes. It mapped the nucleotides in the genome.
What is Genome?
Genome is the sequence of DNA. It contains all the hereditary information of an individual. Genome is not
the same as gene or DNA. Genes are made of DNA. The Genome is simply sum of all DNAs of an individual.
CRISPR (CaS9)-The Gene Editing Tool used to treat blindness for the first time
The Gene Editing Tool called CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) has been
used for the first time to treat blindness. However, doctors claimed that it will take a month to check if the
vision of the patient has restored. This has been achieved at the Oregon University, Portland, USA.
What is CRISPR?
It is a family of DNA sequences that are found in prokaryotic organisms like bacteria. They are derived from
DNA of Bacteriophages. Bacteriopage is a virus that infects bacteria and archaea.
Technology Used
The CRISPR-Cas is used to edit genes in an organism. It is an enzyme. Cas is CRISPR Associated protein.
How does it work?
The CRISPR based tool allows to target genomic location. After identifying the target, it adds, removes or
alters that particular DNA sequence.
Pros and Cons
The Gene Editing technology can be used to modify disease causing genes. It is capable of editing genetic
diseases as well. On the other hand, it marks irreversible changes in the bodies of future children. Many
activists believe that it is unethical and against nature.
Cabinet Approval: To amend Companies Act, 2013
On March 4, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved 72 changes to the Companies Act, 2013. The main aim of the
amendment is to decriminalize the provisions in the act.
Highlights
The amendment aims to recategorize 23 offences and omit 7 compoundable offences. Under the
amendment, the companies with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligation of less than Rs 50 lakhs
need not constitute a CSR committee.


What is CSR?
The CSR is a concept through which a company takes volunteer efforts in philanthropical programmes and
adopt businesses that benefit society. The Injeti Srinivas Committee was constituted to review existing
frameworks of CSR and strengthen its ecosystem.
Section 129 A introduced
The act is to be amended to make filings more scientific. A new Section 129 A is to be included that will file
results of unlisted companies (under the act) on a periodic basis. This is to be done in additional to annual
filing.
Benefits
The amendments will help increase investments, especially foreign investments. This is mainly because, the
amendment is to allow domestic firms to list on foreign exchanges. At present, Indian Companies have the
option of GDR (Global Depository Receipt) and ADR (American Depository Receipt) alone.
Black Carbon Levels in Himalayan Glaciers and Biomethanation
The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) conducted study near Gangotri Glacier in 2016.
According to the study, the black carbon concentration in the region has increased by 400 times.
Highlights
The increase in carbon concentration in the region is mainly because of agricultural burning and forest fire.
The concentration of black carbon was found to be minimum in August and maximum in May.
What is Black Carbon?
Black Carbon are fine particles of carbon that are formed due to incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and
biomass. These particles are capable of absorbing energy from the sun (light) a million times more than
that of carbon dioxide. However, black carbon are short lived unlike carbon dioxide.
They increase current level of global warming mainly due to their light absorbing characteristics.
Biomethanation
The Government of India has taken the technology of Biomethanation as a solution for stubble burning.
Quality manure and biogas are obtained from bio-methanation process. Six biomethanation plants are to be
constructed in Punjab that will convert paddy straw into bio-gas.
Biomethanation is a process by which organic materials are microbiologically converted into biogas in
anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic condition is an environment without oxygen.
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.
About the Project
The project was initiated by FSSAI. The project apart from maintaining the quality of foods at temples, also
gives training for food handlers on basic food safety. It incudes Gurudwaras, Temples, Mosques. The
project has also made it mandatory for the Prasad stalls and vendors that sell Prasad in and around temple
premises to obtain BHOG certificate.
Eat Right Campaign
The certificate also includes principles of Eat Right Campaign. The Eat Right Campaign is based on two
broad pillars namely “Eat Healthy” and “Eat Right”.

March 6, 2020
International Conference on Nano-Science and Nano Technology held in Kolkata
On March 5, 2020, 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.
Highlights
The Conference highlighted the current need of India in the field of Nano-Science. It includes 5Ms namely
Material, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Manpower and Machines. The Conference was attended by more than
450 scientists from all over the world.
Current Scenario
India started its journey of nanotechnology with the launch of “Nano Science and Technology Initiative”
(NSTI) in 2001 for a span of 5 years. In 2007, it was renamed as “Nano Mission”. Nano Mission had wider
objectives and larger funding of 250 million USD. This effort paid off well with Indian researchers publishing
more than 23,000 papers in the field in next 5 years. In 2013, India ranked third in research paper
publication in the field after China and USA.
Also, the contribution of private firms on Nano Technology has also been minimal. India currently works
towards producing 10,000 researchers in the field in the next 10 years as of 2017.
India-European Union to work together on Integrated Local Energy Systems
During India’s Smart Utility Week, India and European Union called upon Integrated Local Energy System.
The countries are to work upon clean energy and climate. The collaboration will help to improvise clean
energy supply
Highlights
The collaboration and steps that were taken are completely based on Mission Innovation. The collaboration
will aim at increasing the contribution of renewables. Along side of the collaboration, India and Sweden are
to work on Smart Grids. These projects are to be funded by Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The DST has so far established 3 major international smart grids in 24 countries.
Smart Grid Systems
Smart Grids are electricity networks that allow devices to communicate (between consumers and
suppliers), protect distribution network, allow to manage demand, save energy and reduce costs.
Mission Innovation
Mission Innovation is a global initiative of 24 countries. It aims at accelerating clean affordable energy to
create commercial opportunities. It was announced by Bill Gates at COP21 in 2015 along with PM Modi,
President Obama and President Hollande (French).
Corona Virus: OPEC to cut oil production largely since 2008 financial crisis
On March 5, 2020, the world’s largest oil production nations of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries) have planned to cut production. This is the deepest oil production cuts since 2008 financial
crisis.
Highlights
The major member of OPEC, Saudi Arabia has planned to cut production by 1.5 million barrel a day from
April 2020. This is equivalent to holding back 3.6% of global oil supplies. The cuts are being made to avoid
oil prices from collapsing.
OPEC has taken this decision predicting decline in demand of oil due to Corona Virus and its impact all over
the world. When the demand decreases and supply is maintained at the same level, prices will reduce as the
availability of oil will increase. Therefore, OPEC is cutting the supply.

Russia Factor
Russia has been hesitant towards making deeper cuts. Being a major contributor of OPEC, Russia’s move
might backfire other OPEC countries. This is because, the oil exports of Russia will tend to increase as
Russia oil will become cheaper. Therefore, other countries of OPEC are forcing Russia to join deeper oil
production cuts
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana signs MoU with Amazon to e-market
On March 5, 2020, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) has
signed MoU with Amazon to e-market products made by self help groups in India.
Highlights
The MoU has been signed as a part of Women’s Day celebration. Every year March 8 is celebrated as
International Women’s Day. The women entrepreneurs in E-Commerce platform has been growing
substantially. The MoU will help to empower these women entrepreneurs.
The Agreement is a key initiative for the second edition of Shehri Samridhi Utsav to be organized between
March 28, 2020 and April 12, 2020.
Shehri Samridhi Utsav
It is an initiative of Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs. It is a rally that aims at increasing the outreach of
DAY-NULM. It also organizes job melas and fairs for products made by women SHGs.
DAY-NULM
It is a flagship programme of Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs. The programme aims to reduce
poverty. It also aims to reduce vulnerability of urban poor by enabling their self-employment opportunities
and also increase their skilled wage employment opportunities.
RBI capped Rs 50,000 as withdrawal limit of YES Bank customers: What is YES BANK CRISIS in
news?
On March 5, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India imposed a month-long moratorium. Also, the Apex Bank has
imposed withdrawal restrictions of Rs 50,000 to the customers. However, in case of medical emergencies
and higher education fees, the restriction has been increased to Rs 5 lakhs.
Highlights
The Reserve Bank has taken actions as the Yes Bank is currently unable to raise funds that will help against
loan losses. RBI has selected SBI (The State Bank of India) to inject capital into Yes Bank. SBI is to conduct
viability assessment in buying stakes at Yes Bank.
What is Moratorium?
Moratorium is a temporary suspension of an activity or business. Though RBI has powers to impose
restrictions on financial activities of banks in India, it has no powers to impose a moratorium. Moratorium
has been imposed on the bank by GoI under recommendation of RBI.
Banking Regulation Act
The Reserve Bank of India has powers to take above actions under Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Section
35A of the act provides powers to put withdrawal restrictions on any bank in India.
Jammu Airport comes under CISF
On March 6, 2020, the Jammu airport security was taken over by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
With this there are 63 airports under CISF at present.
Airport Security
The CISF is responsible for airport security at all commercial airports of India. Earlier the airports were
under the control of airport police. However, after the hijack of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999, it was
handed over to CISF.
Jaipur airport was the first airport to come under CISF control.

CISF
It was set up in 1969. However, it was made an armed force in 1983. Recently in 2017, the GoI increased the
strength of CISF personnel from 145,000 to 180,000. It operates under Ministry of Home Affairs. Apart from
airport, CISF also guards seaports, industrial sectors, atomic power plants, oil refineries, thermal power
plants, mines and other public sector undertakings. It also guards currency note presses.
There are 4 currency notes presses in India. Two operate at Nashik in Maharashtra and other 2 operate in
Mysuru in Karnataka and Salboni in West Bengal.
March 7: Jan Aushadhi Diwas
On January 7, 2020, Jan Aushadi Diwas is to be celebrated. The day is being celebrated to commemorate
the achievements of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadi Pariyojana. PM Modi is to interact with seven
Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendras as a part of celebration of the day.
Highlights
The Prime Minister is to interact with seven Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendras through video
conferencing.
Janaushadhi Kendras
The Kendras are the biggest retail pharma chain in the world. They are spread across 700 districts. There
are more than 6,200 such Kendras in India. In 2019-20, the total sales at these outlets crossed Rs 390
crores. This saved Rs 2,200 crores for common citizens.
Apart from the above benefits, these Kendras are good source of self-employment.
Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
The basic aim of the scheme is to create awareness about Generic medicines. Generic Medicines are
unbranded medicines that are equally safe. They are much cheaper than the branded ones.
Mineral Law Amendment Bill passed in Lok Sabha
On March 6, 2020, the Lok Sabha passed Mineral Laws (Amendment) bill, 2020. The bill aims to amend
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) act, 1957 and also Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act,
2015.
Highlights
The bill was passed in the parliament without discussion. This was because of the constant uproar of the
opposition over death of 52 people in the Delhi Violence over Citizenship Amendment Act.
Key Features of the bill
The bill opens up the coal sector completely for commercial mining. It also intends to remove end use
restrictions to participate in coal mine auctions. This will mainly help reduce coal imports.
Coal Sector in India
The Coal output in India has been declining lately. This is mainly due to flooding of mines and labour unrest.
Therefore, GoI has taken several steps to boost coal production in the country. The FDI in coal sector has
been made to 100%. GoI is also taking several steps to reduce coal imports. In spite being the fourth largest
producer of coal in the world, India imported 235 billion tonnes of coal in 2019.
The GoI has also set a target to reach 1 billion tonnes of coal production by 2024.
March 7, 2020
United Nations Global Compact Study: Women Labour-force has declined greatly in India
The United Nations Global Compact conducted a study recently and found that female labour participation
has decreased from 34% in 2006 to 24.8% in 2020. The study also says that out of the 153 countries
surveyed, India is the only country where economic gender gap is greater than political gap.
Key Findings
The Study says that if women labour participation has been the same as that of men, the GDP of the country

shall be boosted by 27%. Globally 38.7% of employed women are working in forestry, agriculture and
fisheries. However, only 13.85 of them are landholders.
Suggestions
The study suggests that corporate policies and public policies in India should ensure effective solutions.
They should adapt life changes with their employees including dual career couples, maternity and changing
care needs.
United Nations Global Compact
The United Nations Global Compact states 10 principles on human rights, anti-corruption, environment and
labour. It encourages businesses world wide to adopt socially responsible policies.
India shares two SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequences with Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza
Data
On March 7, 2020, India officially shared two SARS-CoV-2 with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza
Data (GISAID).
Highlights
The Pune based National Institute of Virology has shared two sequences of novel corona virus with Global
Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data. It is important to study the genome sequences of the virus as it will
help in epidemiological investigations. These include how the virus spreads and where the virus has come
from, etc.
GISAID
The GISAID promotes international sharing of influenza virus sequences.
Corona Virus update
More than 100,000 are infected globally due to Corona Virus and spread across 90 countries. Around 31
people are currently infected with Corona Virus. It includes 16 Italian nationals as well. India has so far
imposed travel restrictions to Iran, Italy and South Korea. Also, India has suspended issue of e-visas to Italy,
Japan, Iran and South Korea.
Ministry of AYUSH develop “AYUSH GRID” and “National Ayurveda Morbidity Codes”
On March 6, 2020, the Ministry of AYUSH released digital platform called AYUSH GRID. The grid provides
facilities associated with AYUSH hospitals and laboratories and promote traditional health care.
AYUSH GRID
There are more than 12,500 AYUSH centres in India. The “AYUSH GRID” platform aims to digitize entire
AYUSH sector. The Ministry has launched AYUSH Hospital Information Management System, Yoga locator
application, Tele-medicine, case registry portal, bhuvan application earlier. These projects are to be linked
with AYUSH GRID at later stages.
National Ayurveda Morbidity Codes
The Ministry of AYUSH has developed National Ayurveda Morbidity Codes. These codes classify diseases
described in Ayurveda. In the first phase of the initiative 4 disease conditions have been identified namely
KAsa, Kushtha, Jwara and Shwasa.
AYUSH-Backbone of Ayushman Bharat
Ministry of AYUSH is the backbone of Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The GoI prescribed cross-pathy under the
scheme. The ministry has also collaborated with Council for Scientific and Industrial Research to set up
traditional knowledge digital library.
Ghojadanga of West Bengal and Agartala of Tripura designated as immigration check posts
On March 6, 2020, Ghojadanga of West Bengal and Agartala of Tripura were designated as land immigration
check posts. They are located in Indo-Bangladesh border.

Highlights
The Government of India has designated Agartala and Ghojadanga to check all classes of passengers
entering to and exiting from India. The immigration posts will check travel documents of the passengers.
Legislation
The check posts were authorized under Passport rules, 1950.
India-Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of the strongest trading partners of India. Today, the trade between the countries stand
at 10 billion USD. Also, Bangladesh is the largest contributor of tourism to India. Also, the visas issued by
Indian high commission in Bangladesh is the highest of all the Indian missions. It issues more than 1 million
visas annually.
LCS And Customs Ports
The movement of Goods and people are both routed through Land Customs Stations, immigration check
posts and inland custom ports. India has adopted the policy of “Guarding and Securing” in order to secure
its boundary at Bangladesh border.
March 8: International Women’s Day
th
Every year, March 8 is marked as International Women’s Day. It was first proposed by the Socialist Party of
America in 1909. However, it was pertained to New York City. The first International Women’s Day was
marked first in 1909.
Theme
This year the International Women’s Day (ITW) is marked under the theme
Theme: An Equal World is an Enabled World
The United Nations began celebrating Women’s Day in 1975.
Women’s Day in India
For the first time in Indian history, women visiting monuments under Archaeological Survey of India are to
be provided with free pass. This is being done to signify Indian Culture’s respect for women. Women are
being worshipped as goddess in Indian Culture.
PM Modi is to provide access to his social media account on IWD to inspiring women. The GoI has also
initiated serious of actions including telecasting 14 women-oriented films, commemorating women
members of constituent assembly, etc.
CAG Report: 40% of Environment Related Crimes in India are from Rajasthan
On March 6, 2020, the Comptroller and Auditor General tabled the report for the year that ended on 31 st
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.
Key Findings of the Report
The report pointed out that Wildlife Crime Control units were not established in the state. The crimes
violated Forest (Conservation) act and Wildlife Protect Act.
Between 2014 and 2016, the number of environmental crimes registered in the country were 15,723 and
those registered in Rajasthan were 6,382.
Forest Reserves
The Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve and Sariska Tiger Reserve were not regulated due to the absence of Local
Advisory Committee. In Ranthambhore, 5 out of 10 core areas were not closed in monsoon season.
Irritants
The CAG identified several irritants to the wild life in the area. The Abheda Biological Park in Kota had
garbage dumping yard nearby. The other concerns were firing range of the army, industrial areas and slums.

Facts Box: Major Port at Vadhvan, Maharashtra
The Union Cabinet recently approved the proposal to set up major port at Vadhvan in Maharashtra. The GoI
has sanctioned Rs 65,545 crores for the project.
Highlights
The port is being set up to achieve GoI target of developing infrastructure projects of worth 100 lakh crore
rupees. The port will handle 16,000 to 25,000 TEUs per day. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is to be in
association with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust is to be fromed.
The SPV will establish connectivity, construct breakwater and develop other port infrastructure. Breakwater
is an artificial structure constructed to protect the harbor from the effect of waves. It provides safe
berthing.
What is special about Vadhvan Port?
The Mundra port and JNPT port are the two largest container handling ports in India. They have drafts of 16
metres and 15 metres respectively. The Vadhvan port has a natural port of 20 metres. This makes it ideal to
handle bigger vessels.
India joins Indian Ocean Commission as the fifth Observer
On March 6, 2020, India joined the Indian Ocean Commission as the fifth observer. The other four observers
in the grouping are Malta, China, European Union and OIF (International Organization of La Francophonie).
Highlights
It is important for India to join as an observer at the Commission because, it will help India in expanding its
plans in Western Indian Ocean. The Western Indian Ocean strategically connects South Eastern Coast of
Africa. However, this move is not connected with the Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. This is purely to
support India interests in the western flanks of the Indo-Pacific region.
The move will also support India in its SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region) policy. In the last
two years, India has made several high-level visits and signed significant defence agreements with the
member countries of Indian Ocean Commission.
Indian Ocean Commission
The Indian Ocean Commission was created in 1982 at Port Louis, Mauritius. It comprises of 5 African Indian
Ocean Nations namely Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, Reunion (France) and Seychelles.
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.
Highlights
The aim of the cell is to get prepared to address water scarcity of summer. The cell constituted will record
complaints and redress them without any delays.
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.
River Bhagirathi
Though the mission is named “Bhagirathi”, it does not denote the river. According to hindu culture
Bhagiratha, is an Indian king who brought the holy river Ganga to the earth.
River Bhagirathi does not flow in Telangana. It flows through Uttarkhand state. It is the source stream of the
Ganges.
March 8-9, 2020

GoI to create 75 lakh Self Help Group by 2022
On March 8, 2020, Minister of Rural Development Narendra Singh Tomar announced that more than 17 lakh
Self Help Groups (SHGs) are to be developed by 2022. Currently, there are more than 60 lakh self help
groups in the country mobilizing 6 crore women.
Highlights
The Self-Help Groups will be provided funds for their livelihood missions. They will be linked with banks for
easy credit flow. The platforms such as E-Marketplace will also be linked with the SHGs to provide better
prices for their products.
Self Help Groups
The concept of Self-Help Groups was introduced in 1992 under the guidelines of RBI and NABARD. Today,
more than 90% of SHGs in the country consist of women.
Why SHGs?
The SHGs help to promote Gender Equity, Social Integrity, Financial Inclusion and help raise voice of
marginalized section. It also helps to improve efficiency of Government Schemes.
The “Kudumbashree” project in Kerala is the largest and most successful SHG project in the country that
was launched in Kerala. It is a SHG of the State Government. It was launched in 1998.
Parliamentary Panel: More than 40% of schools are without power and playgrounds
A Parliamentary panel set up on education submitted its report to Rajya Sabha on 2020-21 demand for
grants. The report said that shortfalls in budget funds has led to critical infrastructure gaps.
Key findings of the report
The Panel in its report says that more than 27% cuts have been made in budget allocations for school
education. The report also says that only 56% of schools have electricity. The lowest rates were found in
Manipur and Madhya Pradesh. Also, only 57% of schools have playgrounds. A boundary wall which is
essential for safety of students and school property was not found in 40% of the schools.
Recommendations
The panel recommended that the Ministry of HRD shall collaborate with Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to make developments. The scheme shall also be used to
provide renewable energy to give access of power to schools. According to the report, the performance of
the schools were better where the above facilities were implemented.
Protected Area Permits stopped in Arunachal to prevent Corona Virus
With the number of infections raising in India to 34, the Ministry of Home Affairs recently stopped issuing
Protected Area Permits (PAPs) in Arunachal Pradesh.
Highlights
The step is being taken as it was learnt that the number of Corona Virus cases are increasing in India mainly
because of persons with travel history. The GoI has also plans to close India-Myanmar border.
Protected Area Permits
The Protected Area Permits in India are in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand,
Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh. Currently, only touristic visit is allowed through Protected Areas limits in
India. Even a person from these protected areas who is married to a non-Indian cannot settle permanently in
these areas.
Legislation
The Foreign (Protected Areas) Order 1958 has guidelines about using the Protected areas and issuing
Protected Area Permit.
The protected areas are governed by Ministry of Home Affairs. The tourists shall visit these areas only
through registered travel agents. The citizens allowed to visit the protected areas include those from

Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Myanmar.
Restricted Area Permit
Like Protected Areas there are certain regions called Restricted Areas in the country. The usage and permits
of these areas are provided in the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) order, 1963. The Restricted Areas in India
are in the parts of Sikkim and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Facts Box: Fuel Cell Technology for Disaster Management
The scientists of ARCI (Advanced Research for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials) recently developed
PEMFC (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells). The technology is to be used to manage Natural
Disasters.
Highlights
The PEMFC is a system with 10 KW capacity. They have operational advantage to operate at low-
temperature in decentralized systems of power generation. The technology was developed at Chennai
centre of ARCI.
The system is to be used to operate early warning systems using phones, ethernet, computers, FAX, etc.
Significance
The technology is to act as power house to Emergency Operation Centres. The Control Rooms that respond
to disasters are now being altered as Emergency Operation Centres. Therefore, the technology has come in
at the right time.
It provides immediate support during Golden Hour. They operate using hydrogen gas and there is no
necessity to use grid power.
Fuel Cells
The Fuel cell uses chemical energy to generate electricity. It consists of 2 electrodes called anode and
cathode. It also holds an electrolyte that acts as catalyst to speed up reactions at electrodes. The main
advantage of fuel cell is that it creates minimum waste (pollution).
TIFAC under Ministry of Science and Technology launches Vigyan Jyoti
On March 8, 2020, TIFAC operating under Ministry of Science and Technology launched Vigyan Jyoti. The
scheme was announced to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Highlights
The Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) launched Vigyan Jyoti in order to
encourage women to take science as their career. Under the scheme, selected qualified women from more
than 500 women are to be provided opportunities to attend science camps at NITs, IITS and other leading
institutions in the country.
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. 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.
TIFAC
TIFAC was formed as a registered body in 1988 under DST (Department of Science and Technology).
Oil Prices plunge by 20% as OPEC fails to make a deal
On March 9, 2020, the prices of crude oil plunged by 20% after OPEC to failed to make a deal in making
production cuts.
Highlights
The Saudi Arabia and its major allies like Kuwait, Iraq and UAE initiated to make a deal at the OPEC to
reduce production of oil. This was proposed predicting reduction in oil prices due to spread of Corona Virus

in the world. However, Russia the major member of OPEC refused to make the deal.
Why did Russia refuse?
With US imposing CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), several countries
reduced or even stopped importing oil from Russia. This has now made Russia the fourth largest
International Reserves in the world. Also, Russia is also in the state that it shall cope with lower prices.
Way Forward
The oil prices are expected to plunge further in the future. The Saudi has taken up new strategy targeting
Russia and US shale oil firms. These firms will lose money greatly when oil prices fall below 50 USD per
barrel for more than few months.
Australia wins India by 85 runs at Women’s Twenty20 World Cup
On the eve of Women’s Day, the final match of T20 (Twenty 20) was held at Melbourne, Australia. India lost
the T20 world cup to Australia.
Twenty20
The T20 was first introduced in 2003 in England. A T20 match is completed in 90 minutes. The break
between the innings is 10 minutes. The T20 is conducted by ICC (International Cricket Council) once in 2
years.
ICC
The International Cricket Council is the governing body cricket matches. It was founded in 1909. The
Council organizes events such as ICC T20 world cup, Women’s cricket world cup, ICC Champions Trophy,
Under-19 Cricket World Cup, etc.
Ranking System
The ICC also releases international rankings based on T20 matches. In order to qualify the ranking, a team
should have played at least 8 international matches. Till 2018, a separate ranking system for women’s team
was not maintained by ICC. However, in 2018 ICC announced that Women’s team will have a separate
ranking system based on their performances in both ODI And T20.
Facts Box: Delimitation Commission set up for Arunachal, Manipur, Assam, J&K, Manipur
A Delimitation Commission was formed under former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai.
Highlights
The Delimitation for the state of Jammu and Kashmir is to be carried out according to Jammu and Kashmir
reorganization act. The previous delimitation for the state of Jammu and Kashmir was done in 1995. The
state was under President’s rule when the last delimitation was done.
For other parts of the country, delimitation is to be done based on the census 2031. The previous
delimitation for rest of India was done based on 2001.
Legislation
The delimitation commission was formed under Section 3 of Delimitation Act, 2002. So far, 4 such
delimitation commissions have been constituted under the act. They were in 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.
What is Delimitation?
Delimitation is the process of fixing boundaries of constituency. The Delimitation had been suspended
between 1976 and 2001. This was because GoI was implementing the policy of family planning in a full-
fledged way during this period.
Sanitary Napkin Disposal Bags to be made mandatory from 2021
On March 8, 2020, the Union Environment Minister Prakash Javedekar announced that sanitary napkin
disposal bags are to be made mandatory.
Highlights
The sanitary napkin manufacturers have to supply a biodegradable bag along with every napkin from

January 2021. There are high possibilities for the “Swachhta Sevaks” or the women garbage collectors to
get infected as they are handling the sanitary napkin wastes directly from the garbage.
The Minister also announced that sanitation and cleanliness norms are to be applied for all villages with
population more than 3,000.
Legislation
The soiled diapers, napkins, blood-soaked cotton and condoms from the households are received by the
municipal waste collectors. The Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) rules, 2000 makes it
mandatory to dispose these wastes after segregating them biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
However, some napkins contain layer of plastics and some don’t. Therefore, it is difficult to sort them.
According to Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) rules, 1998, items that are contaminated with
bodily fluids should be incinerated to destroy pathogens.
HAL to set up logistics bases in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is to set up logistics bases in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and
Sri Lanka. This is to entice them towards buying India’s military helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.
Highlights
The HAL is working towards increasing defence exports and help India achieve its 5 billion USD defence
target. It will also help India achieve its Defence target of Rs 35,000 crores by 2024. Currently India is
exporting Defence products of worth Rs 17,000 crores.
The Tejas in particular is being promoted for its high lifespan of 30 years. HAL has identified West Asia,
South East Asia and North Africa to sell helicopter Rudra, Tejas and Dhruv.
Role of HAL
HAL has been taking significant roles in boosting Defence Exports. The turn over of the company was Rs
19,705 crores.
What is Logistics?
Logistics is management of information from one place to another. It involves supplies, transportation,
packaging, warehousing and social security.
United Nations Development Programme releases Gender Social Norms Index
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently released the Gender Social Norms Index. It
measures the social beliefs that obstruct Gender Equality.
Key Findings of the Report
The report consists of data collected from more than 75 countries covering 80% of world population.
According to the report, half of the world population believe that men are better political leaders. It also
says that more than 40% of the world population believe that men have more rights to get a job when jobs
are scarce. Today, only 24% of parliamentary seats are held by women.
India
According to UNDP previous reports, Gender Inequality Rank (2018) was 122. As per 2015 UNDP report, the
MMR (Maternal Mortality Ratio) was 174 per 1 lakh live births.
Beijing Declaration
This year 2020, marks 25th anniversary of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It was signed in
Beijing during the fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. Therefore, the UNDP is calling the member
countries to actively participate in events and take actions in promoting Gender Equality.
March 10, 2020
Gujarat has highest number of Solar Rooftop Installations
Gujarat has topped solar roof top plants across the country. The state government has taken up dedicated
schemes in order to achieve renewable power goals.

Highlights
There are more than 50,915 rooftop solar plants set up in the state today. The state government has
adopted the scheme called “Surya Gujarat” in order increase the use of solar energy at domestic level. The
scheme aimed to cover more than 8 lakh domestic consumers by 2022. It had also provided 40% subsidy to
projects with capacity between 3 KWhr and 10 KWhr.
After Gujarat, Maharashtra topped with solar rooftop power plant installation with more than 5,513
installations.
The above information was provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy as written reply in the
Parliament.
Significance
It is important for India to reduce its dependence on oil. This shall be achieved by increasing solar power
consumption.
The current solar power capacity of India as of January 2020 is 34.045 GW. India had set target of reaching
20 GW by 2022. As the target was achieved earlier, India increased its target to 100 GW by 2022. This
includes 40 GW of rooftop solar power as well.
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.
Key Findings of the report
The report says that Russia is the largest supplier to the Indian market between 2015-19. Russia has
remained the top supplier in spite of the fact that Indian Weapons market for Russia declined from 72% to
56%.
The report also says that the top 5 arms importers in the world include Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, Australia
and China. These 5 countries accounted to 36% of world arms imports.
India
India has diversified it arms imports in the year 2015-19. The report also said that India acquired military
hardware from other countries. It includes Scanter-6000 radars from Denmark, ACTAS sonar systems from
Germany, Embraer ERJ-145 jets from Brazil, K-9 Thunder artillery guns from South Korea and Super Rapid 76
mm Naval Guns from Italy.
Anti-HIV drugs used against COVID-19 for the first time in India
India for the first time used Lopinavir and Ritonavir combination to treat Italian patients in India infected
with COVID-19. The couple were on a tour to India and are currently being treated in Jaipur
ICMR
The Indian Council of Medical Research has been authorized to research on COVID-19 drugs. Also, the
council has been approved to use the above HIV drug combination during public health emergencies.
Currently, 70% of HIV positive patients in India are on first line drugs. These medicines are manufactured in
India mainly for export purposes. They are exported to African countries predominantly. The combination of
Lopinavir and Ritonavir drugs is a second line drug.
What are First-line and Second-Line Drugs?
The First-line drugs are of minimum dosages and are given to patient during the initial stages of a
treatment. The second line drugs are prescribed when the first line drugs are not responding. The second
line drugs have higher side effects than first-line drugs.
Corona Virus hits Diamond Industry of Surat greatly
Workers in Diamond Industry of India, especially in the parts of Surat have been facing job losses and pay

cuts as Corona Virus has hit exports to China. China is the biggest market of precious stones and since
February China is terribly affected with Corona Virus.
Highlights
There are more than 15,000 big and small firms in the state of Gujarat that supply processed diamonds to
jewelers globally. The industry employs 1.5 million people. The Gem and Jewelery Export Promotion Council
predicts that Indian Gem Industry is to lose 1 billion USD of exports due to Corona Virus.
The effects are already been seen according to the council. The exports to china fell by 14% and to Hong
Kong fell by 21% in January, 2020.
How important is Gem Industry to India?
India is the largest exporter of Gems in the world. The Gems industry plays a vital role in Indian Economy.
The industry contributes 7% of GDP of the country.
March 10: CISF Raising Day
Every year, the Central Industrial Security Force Raising Day is celebrated on March 10. The CISF works
under Ministry of Home Affairs. It was set up in 1969 under the CISF act, 1968 passed in Parliament of
India.
About CISF
Though established in 1969, the CISF was made an armed force in 1983. The sanctioned strength of the
force was raised to 180,000 from 145,000 in 2017.
Highlights
On the CISF raising day, the CISF officials celebrate the day with parade. Several service medals are
distributed to meritorious officers. Also, awareness is created among the citizens to cooperate with the
CISF officials on CISF Raising Day.
Duties of CISF
The CISF officials guard industrial units and infrastructure projects all over the country. It provides
protection to atomic power plants, major ports, mines, refineries, oil fields, airports and hydroelectric and
thermal power plants. There is a dedicated fire wing of CISF to help during accidents in industries. They
also provide consultancy services to private firms and other organizations all over the world.
UNCTAD: FDI inflows are to drop by 15% due to Corona Virus
The United Nations Conference on Trade, Investment and Development has warned that the Foreign Direct
Investment flows all over the world will reduce by 15% due to Corona Virus. According to the organization,
the outbreak could cost 2 trillion USD to the global economy.
Highlights
The United Nations earlier pointed out that the growth of the global economy will be slow between 0.5% and
1.5% for the year 2020-21. With the spread of the virus, the organization has predicted further decline in the
economic growth.
FDI in India
India has been easing protocols for foreign companies to invest in the country. The FDI inflow was over 318
billion USD between 2014 and 2019. In 2018-19, the FDI inflow was the highest and it stood at 62 billion
USD. The FDI is used in India to track the measure of Make in India. The initiative was launched in 2014 to
promote India as an investment destination and a global manufacturing hub.
March 11-12, 2020
World Bank and GoI sign Agreement on Climate Resilient Rain-Fed Agriculture
On March 11, 2020, the World Bank, Government of India and Government of Himachal Pradesh signed a
loan agreement of 80 million USD to increase agricultural productivity and improve water management
practices in Himachal Pradesh.

Highlights
The loan is to be used to implement the project in around 428 Gram Panchayats. The Panchayats are
spread over 10 districts in Himachal Pradesh. More than 400,000 small holder farmers, pastoral
communities and women are to be benefitted from the project.
The Project will also provide funds to install water monitoring stations. This will help lay foundation for
future water budgets and will also ensure better land use.
Why Himachal Pradesh?
Many of the low lands of Himachal Pradesh are lacking water to agriculture. The rainfall of the state has
been decreasing year by year. The agricultural production in the snow areas have shifted to higher altitudes
to temperature rise in foot hills. This has affected their iconic apple production greatly.
Significance
The loan will help improve pastures, forests and grasslands. It will also make sure that sufficient water is
available for sustainable agriculture in the state.
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.
Highlights
Since 2015, PM Modi leads a mass demonstration of Yoga every year on the International Day of Yoga. This
year, the Yoga demonstration is to be different as it is being held at higher altitudes. More than 15,000 to
20,000 people are expected to participate in the event.
International Day of Yoga (IDY)
The IDY is being celebrated since 2015. The idea was introduced in the United Nations in 2014. Today more
than 200 countries observe IDY. It is also called the World Yoga Day.
Why June 21?
As June 21 is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, this day has been chosen. This is also when the
earth shifts towards Summer Solstice. The event has great significance in Yogic Science.
WHO declares Corona Virus as GLOBAL PANDEMIC
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared Corona Virus as Global Pandemic as it is rapidly
spreading across the world. Today there are more than 126,369 people infected with COVID-19 virus. The
virus has so far killed 4,634 people.
What is Pandemic?
The United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention defines pandemic as epidemic spread over
several countries affecting large number of people. On the other hand, Epidemic is the sudden increase of
number of cases of the disease above what is normally expected among the population in that area.
Pandemic Diseases
Throughout the history of pandemic diseases, Black Death was the deadliest. It killed more than 75 to 200
million people in the 14th century. The recent pandemics include 2009 Flu pandemic (H1N1) and 1918
Influenza Pandemic (also known as Spanish Flu).
Flu Pandemic
The H1N1 Influenza was a new strain of virus that affected 11% to 21% of global population. It was first
identified in the state of Mexico.
Corona Virus: Epidemic Disease Act Invoked in India
On March 11, 2020, the Group of Ministers formed by the Union Government to fight against Covid-19 in
India invoked the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897.

Highlights
The GoI has invoked Section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897. The act has been invoked as the number
of infected persons in the country reached 73. The GoI has also advised international travel ban. Also,
existing visas to India has been suspended till April 15, 2020. However, representatives from international
organizations, diplomats and other project visits have been exempted.
Key Features of the act
The persons disobeying regulations made under the act are punishable under Section 188 of the Indian
Penal Code. The State Government is empowered to make changes to ordinary laws if there is necessity of
insufficiency of the existing laws to deal the situation. For instance, travel inspection, segregation in
hospital, etc. Similar powers are vested with Central Government as well.
The act uses the word “epidemic” to address the disease and not Pandemic as declared by WHO.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (amendment) bill passed in the Parliament
On March 12, 2020, Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Amendment) bill, 2020 has been passed in the parliament.
It was earlier passed by Lok Sabha and is now being passed by Rajya Sabha.
Highlights
The amendments were earlier introduced as ordinances. Now after the Parliament session begun the
ordinance was introduced as bill. And the bill has now been passed as an act in the parliament.
The amendment aims to protect the successful bidders of insolvent companies from risk of criminal
proceedings. The criminal proceedings may be expected from previous promoters of the company.
Ordinance
The Ordinances are laws promulgated the President of India. The President issues ordinance on
recommendation of Council of Ministers. An ordinance shall be issued only when the Parliament is not in
session.
Ordinance in Constitution
Article 123 gives powers to the President of India to promulgate ordinance in India. An ordinance should be
approved by the Parliament within 6 weeks of its reassemble. If not, the ordinance ceases to operate.
Committee formed for the implementation of Kisan Rail Scheme
The Government of India recently formed a committee in order to make suggestions on Kisan Rail Scheme.
The scheme was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman in the Union Budget 2020-21.
Highlights
The Committee has been formed with representatives from Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Railways.
The Committee will explore into the options of creating cold supply chain for perishable goods. The
perishable goods under the scheme are to be transported through freight trains with refrigerated coaches.
Kisan Rail
The Kisan Rail is being launched by the GoI to set up national cold supply chain in the country. The Centre is
planning to transport fish, milk and meat under the scheme. The scheme is to be implemented under Public-
Private Partnership.
Significance
Today there are only 9 refrigerated vans carrying 17 tonnes. Though Kisan Vision Project has been
implemented, there are no sufficient infrastructure and provisions to make it a success. So far under Kisan
Vision Project, cargo centres have been set up in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
CSIR develops Bi-Luminescent Security ink to Curb Fake Currency Notes
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research along with National Physical Laboratory recently
discovered a bi-luminescent security ink. The ink shall be used to counterfeit currency notes. Also, it shows
two colours when exposed to light.

About the Ink
The ink is white in colour when placed under normal white light. When placed under Ultraviolet light, it turns
red. Later it turns Green when the UV light is turned OFF.
The emission of red colour is due to fluorescence and the emission of Green colour is due to
phosphorescence effect.
How is the ink made?
The ink produced by mixing two different colours namely green and red in the ratio 3:1. This mixture was
hated to 400-degree Celsius. The high temperature turns the mixture into fine white powder.
The thermal treatment is provided in preparing the ink in order to ensure the colour pigments stick to each
other.
The ink is also to be used in passports
March 13, 2020
New Name for Mumbai Central Station: Nana Shankarseth
On March 12, 2020, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the proposal to rename Mumbai Central Station to
Nana Shankarseth. The approved proposal is to be sent to Ministry of Railways. It is the Central Railways
operating under Ministry of Railways that has the final say in the name change.
Procedure and Authority of name change
It is the state Government that usually initiates the process of name change of Railway Station. This is
usually done to change the British name of the station to the local pronunciations. It is also done to honour
a local leader. There are no rules or procedure by law or in constitution for the name change of the station.
After State Governments initiation with a valid reason, the railway board at the centre submits the
memorandum to the Railway minister who authorizes it.
The name change of cities, town or villages should be sent by the State Government to the Home Ministry.
Again, it is the Home Ministry that has final say in the name change.
Jagannath Shankarseth
He was a philanthropist and educationalist who lived between 1803 and 1865. He had high credit among
Afghans and Arabs that they chose to place their treasure with him rather than the banks. He acquired great
fortune from them and donated all to the public.
Along with Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, he launched Indian Railway Association. It was because of his efforts
that Railway construction began in India. He initiated proposals and the benefits of Railway construction in
the country with the Britishers.
He founded Bombay Association that was the first political organization in Bombay Presidency.
Animal Protection Index: India ranks second
On March 12, 2020, Global Animal Protection Index 2020 was released by World Animal Protection, an
international animal welfare charity. India was ranked second in the index.
Highlights
The Animal Protection Index ranks countries from A to G. India was ranked along with Spain, Mexico, France
and New Zealand. In other words, these countries were ranked equally to India. According to the index, they
were best performing countries. There are strong laws to protect animals in these countries. However, the
laws are not as strict to protect dairy animals.
India
The index highlighted the works that are required to be done in India to include dairy animals under
protection. Also, the index suggested to improve cruelty considerations in the Prevention of Animal Cruelty
Act, 1960. Under the act, animals used in scientific research are exempted. Rather Government shall issue
guidelines on usage of animals for scientific research.

About the Index
The Index assessed the legislation of 50 countries. It highlighted lack of adequacy in the animal welfare
laws globally. The main aim of the index was to help countries to put animal welfare practices of keeping
them clean and accommodate sufficient space for them to exhibit their natural behaviours.
Global Ranking
According to the index, the countries that performed weakly included Iran, Morocco, Algeria and Belarus.
These countries are missing the basic legal framework.
What is Sir Creek Issue between India and Pakistan?
Recently at the WION’s Global Summit held in Dubal, 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.
India’s claims
India does not agree to the claims of Pakistan as when the issue arose, in 1908, the entire region of the
Creek was under Bombay Presidency. India also cited an International Maritime Law, the Thalweg Doctrine
to prove its point
Thalweg Doctrine
The Doctrine states that river boundaries between two states or countries shall be divided in the middle of
the water body, if the body is navigable through out the year.
What is Sir Creek?
Sir Creek is a 96-km long water strip in the marshlands of Rann of Kutch. It was earlier called Ban Ganga.
Later it was named after Sir Creek, a British representative to India. The Creek opens into Arabian Sea.
Spanish Flu: Predecessor Pandemic to Corona Virus
In 1918, the Spanish Flu caused global pandemic. It spread indiscriminately killing more than 50 million
people. 10% of the patients infected with the virus died. It is considered as the deadliest pandemic in the
world history.
Highlights
Though the disease was named Spanish Flu, it did not originate in Spain. It was Spain who actually
discovered that the epidemic is because of a new strain of virus. And therefore, it was called Spanish Flu.
Spanish Flu is said to have been originated from Northern China. The outbreak of Spanish Flu began during
World War I. The virus affected the soldiers greatly.
What are the Phases of Pandemics?
The WHO (World Health Organization) has provided alert system for pandemics. There are 6 phases as
provided by the organization. At the first phase, the virus affects animals in larger scale and does not affect
humans. In second phase the animal flu virus begins its infections in humans. At the next phase the
infections begin to occur in clusters. This is when mass gatherings are avoided, schools are shut down, etc.
In stage 4, pandemic increases but its increase cannot be confirmed. It then begins to occur in more than
one country. In the last stage, community level outbreaks begin.
Iran seeks Financial Help from IMF first time since 1962 to fight against Corona Virus
For the first time since 1962, Iran is seeking the help of International Monetary Fund. Since Islamic
Revolution Iran stopped getting help from IMF.

IMF and Corona Virus
Earlier, this month, IMF allocated emergency funds to middle income countries. The international banking
institution, allocated 50 billion USD to fund middle-income and poor countries. Also, it allocated 10 billion
USD to low income countries.
Iran
Iran has been facing economic challenges due to US sanctions. After US had withdrawn from JCPOA (Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action), it had imposed sanctions on Iran.
Iran-US relations
The countries had cordial relations till World War II. However, as the arms race began between US and
USSR, US began sensing USSR’s backing towards Iran. In 1953, US and British forces ousted democratically
elected Iranian PM Mohammad Mossadeq. In 1979, during the Iranian Revolution, the US backed
Mohammed Reza Pahlevi was forced to leave the country.
In 2000, Iran began developing nuclear weapons and the United Nations imposed several rounds of
sanctions. In 2018, US abandoned nuclear deal JCPOA. In 2020, the Iran top commander Qasem Soleimani
was killed by a US drone.
GoI develops cost effective Solar Receiver Tube Technology
Scientists from ARCI-International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials
operating under DST (Department of Science and Technology), Ministry of Science & Technology have
developed cost effective solar receiver tube technology.
About the Technology
The tubes developed absorbs solar energy and converts the heat to required application. They provide high
resistance to corrosion especially to Indian weather conditions.
The Technology is a wet chemical process that is used to coat stainless steel tubes that are used in
industrial heat applications. The tubes manufactured by this technology absorbs 93% of radiant energy and
14% of emittance. Emittance is the amount of light emitted by an area of a radiating surface.
Significance
The invention of the technology is highly important as the Indian Industries are currently importing high end
Concentrating Solar Panel receivers for CST (concentrating solar Technologies).
The technology will help India achieve its solar energy target of 100 GW by 2022.
March 14, 2020
MEIS scheme to be replaced with RoDTEP Scheme
On March 13, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved to withdraw the MEIS (Merchandise Export from India)
Scheme in phases. It is later to be replaced with RoDTEP (Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product)
scheme.
Highlights
The MEIS is being replaced as the exports are to fall further due to Corona Virus outbreak. The exports of
India have already fallen by 2% for the year April-January 2019-20. The RoDTEP is compliant with WTO
(World Trade Organization) norms.
RoDTEP
The RoDTEP is a scheme for exporters to reimburse their taxes and duties. The scheme was announced by
the Finance Minister to incentivize exporters at a cost of Rs 50,000 crores.
MEIS Scheme
The MEIS scheme offers export incentives between 2% and 5%. It was introduced under the Foreign Trade
Policy of India (FTP 2015-20). Two schemes were launched under the policy namely MEIS and SEIS. The aim
of MEIS scheme is to make Indian products competitive at the Global market.

“BHOOMI RASHI PORTAL” provides transparent and error free Land Acquisition
On March 13, 2020, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways claimed that “Bhoomi Rashi Portal”
provides transparent and error free land acquisition.
What is Bhoomi Rashi Portal?
In 2018, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had designed a single point platform for land
acquisition to accelerate infrastructure development projects. There are several authorities like National
Highway Authority of India (NHAI), State PWDs and NHIDCL (National Highway and Infrastructure
Development Company Limited). The portal aims to provide linkages between the above implementing
authorities.
Significance
The portal improves efficiency of land acquisition processes. It provides quicker process completion. It also
helps to open new opportunities in land acquisition processes. After launching the portal, the processing
time of land acquisition that was weeks to months together has been reduced to 2 weeks.
Th portal generates web services in order get payment status. It also prepares interface to add project
details on land acquisition.
Exposure Limits for Urban Cooperative Banks revised by RBI
On March 13, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India revised exposure limits of Urban Cooperative Banks. Earlier
the RBI permitted 15% of its capital funds to single borrowers and 40% of its funds to group of borrowers. It
has now revised the group of borrower fund limit to 25% of its funds.
Highlights
Apart from Exposure limit, the central bank also increased the Priority Sector lending to 75%. These
changes were introduced by the Reserve Bank of India through a notification.
Exposure Limit
The Exposure Limit is the maximum credit a bank avails to its borrower. In simple terms, higher the
exposure limit, higher are the loans available to its customers.
Priority Sector Lending
It is an important role provided by the RBI to banks. The priority sectors include agriculture, micro and small
enterprises, low income groups, poor people for housing, education loans, loans for weaker sections.
Agriculture and allied activities include farmers and self-help groups
The loan to small scale industries are also Priority Sector Lending. Direct Finances under this
category include processing, preservation of goods, manufacturing. Indirect Finances in the category
include cottage industries, artisans, cooperatives of producers and artisans.
Parliament passed Direct Tax Vivad Se Viswas Bill, 2020
On March 14, 2020, Parliament passed the Direct Tax Vivad Se Viswas Bill, 2020. The bill aims to reduce the
number of litigation that are associated with direct tax payments. The Direct Tax Vivad Se Viswas concept
was introduced by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman during the Union Budget 2020-21.
Key Features of the bill
Though the bill deals with tax payments, it is in no way connected with the Income-Tax Act, 1961. However,
it aims to bring the appeals filed by the Income Tax Department under the act. And for the taxpayers, the bill
says that if the tax payment is made after March 31, 2020, the tax payer has to pay 110% of the disputed
tax. And if the tax is paid before the date, the tax payer has to pay full amount of the disputed tax and there
will be no penalty applied.
Concerns
The bill raised concerns that it treats honest and dishonest people in equal way. Also, it attracted
comments for its hindi name in a country which is diversified culturally to great extent. However, the English

version of the bill is “No Dispute, But Only Trust”
GST Council Meet: GST of Mobile Phones increased from 12% to 18%
On March 14, 2020, the GST Council met for the 39th time in New Delhi. The Council was headed by the
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman.
Highlights
The Council has increased the GST of mobile phones from 12% to 18%. It reduced the tax on handmade and
machine made match sticks to 12%. Also, the GST on maintenance repair overhaul services of aircraft was
reduced from 18% to 5%.
Role of private Sector
The Finance Minister announced that the private sector MNC Infosys is to ensure a better GSTN system by
July 2020. Also, the Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani is to attend consecutive three meetings of the
council to update the implementations of the council.
The Council seeks help from Infosys as it is to deploy more manpower and hardware. Infosys is being
involved directly in the council meet, as the GST portal where the tax payers register themselves, its
technology and software were designed by Infosys.
Corona Virus: GoI brings hand sanitizers and masks under Essential Commodities Act
The Government of India recently brought hand sanitizers and masks under Essential Commodities Act. Till
30th June, 2020, these products are to remain under Essential Commodities Act. The GoI has brought these
commodities under the act by amending Schedule of Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Essential Commodities Act
According to the act, an essential commodity is a commodity that is specified under the Schedule of the
act. The act empowers GoI to add or remove new commodities as when needed. So far items such as
pulses, cereals, drugs, fertilizers, petroleum, edible oil, certain crops and petroleum products were included
under essential commodities schedule. The act also prevents stocking of essential commodities. The State
Governments have no rights add commodities to the list. However, they are empowered to conduct raids.
Significance
When the products are listed as essential products, their prices and supply shall be intervened by the
government. By doing so, profiteering of the products during their high demand is prevented.
March 15, 2020
“Ganga Amantran Abhiyan” organized by National Mission for Clean Ganga
On March 14, 2020, the National Mission for Clean Ganga organized “Ganga Amantran Abhiyan” (GAA). The
GAA is an open-water rafting and kayaking expedition in Ganga river.
Highlights
The expedition is conducted between Devprayag and Ganga Sagar. Devprayag is the place where two rivers
Alakananda and Bhagirathi meet to form the mighty Ganges. Ganga Sagar is a part of Sunderbans.
Significance
The NMCG has been organizing several environmental, economic and cultural values in India. This is being
done to increase public participation in the mission. The GAA is a major part of these programmes.
National Mission for Clean Ganga
The National Mission for Clean Ganga was launched in 2011. It was initially operating inder the National
Ganga River Basin Authority that was dissolved in 2016. The authority was replaced with National Ganga
Council.
The mission is now being operated under Ministry of Jal Shakti. It is registered under Societies Registration
Act, 1860.

Corona Virus: ICMR develops testing strategy; WHO shifts epicenter from China to Europe
On March 15, 2020, the Indian Council of Medical Research developed COVID-19 testing strategy for people
infected with the virus. The Council has given a detailed explanation about the methodology to test the
people.
Centres of Testing
The three main testing centres of Corona Virus are AIIMS, National Institute of Virology and National Centre
for Disease control. Apart from these major centres, GoI has also built 50 new exclusive centres that are to
test for the virus.
Epicenter shifted to Europe
The World Health Organization recently shifted the epicenter of Corona Virus from China to Europe. This is
mainly because while rate of infections are being controlled in China, it is increasing exponentially in
European Nations. Also, the number of deaths due to the virus in Europe is more than any other part of the
world.
Update on the Virus
So far, more than 150,000 people have been infected with the virus. In India, the count has increased to 97.
Corona Virus: National Emergency in the USA
The President of United States of America Donald Trump has declared national emergency over the spread
of corona virus. Also, the government has allocated 50 billion USD to fight against the disease.
History
This kind of emergency in the country is rare. Earlier, the same kind of emergency was declared by
President Bill Clinton over widespread of West Nile Virus.
National Emergencies Act
The Emergencies in the US are declared under National Emergencies Act. So far, 61 national emergencies
have been declared in the country. There are 136 statutory situations under which emergencies shall be
declared in the US sub-continent.
Emergency in India
In India Emergency shall be proclaimed under Article 352. Also, it shall be proclaimed only when the
president is satisfied. The article allows emergency only when there is security threat to the country or to a
region.
The President shall proclaim emergency only when the union cabinet under the Prime Minister advises him
to do so.
Poultry Culling ordered by Kerala Government to control Bird Flu
On March 14, 2020, the Kerala Government ordered poultry culling. Parappanagadi has been identified as
the Epicenter of bird flu. The Government of Kerala is to cull poultry within one-kilometer radius.
What is poultry culling?
Poultry Culling is the process by which unwanted chicks or male embryo are disposed. This is done in
industrial egg production. Culling do not involve anaesthetics. Culling is done using carbon dioxide, cervical
dislocation and maceration.
Poultry in India
India exports 4,49,527 metric tonnes of poultry products. The major export destination of Indian Poultry are
Russia, Maldives, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Oman. According to APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food
Product Export Development Authority), eggs and broilers are increasing at the rate of 8% to 10%.
India was positioned 17th in global poultry production in 2019. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka are the major Poultry producing states in the country.
Today India is the fifth largest producer of eggs and eighteenth largest producer of broilers.

Corona Virus: India closes 18 of 37 international borders
On March 14, 2020, Government of India ordered to suspend 18 of the 37 international borders from March
15, 2020. It includes borders across Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Highlights
As Corona Virus outbreak has reached 93 in numbers, Government of India has ordered to close
international borders in the country.
India-Pakistan
There are only two land crossing borders between India and Pakistan. One is the Attari-Wagah border and
the other is the Kartarpur pilgrimage border. Though different deadlines were given to other borders, these
two borders across Pakistan were closed indefinitely.
Border Control
The international borders across countries Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan are controlled by State Governments
and Bureau of Immigration
Bureau of Immigration
The BOI was established in 1971. It functions under Ministry of Home Affairs.
Border Security Force
The Border Security Forces guard the borders during peace time. They are armed forces that were
established in 1965 after the 1965 war. They are termed as the first line of Defence in the military system.
Corona Virus: India declares COVID-19 as “notified Disaster”
With more than 80 confirmed COVID-19 cases, India has declared “notified Disaster”. With this, the SDRF
funds are to be temporarily used for supply of food, medical care and water for patients in quarantine
camps.
Why the Notification?
Under Disaster Management Act, 2005, the SDRF funds shall be used only for cyclone, earthquake, drought,
landslide, hailstorm, cloudburst, avalanche, frost, pest attack and cold waves. Critical Medical conditions or
pandemic situations were not under the notified disaster lists. Therefore, the Central Government has
included COVID-19 outbreak under notified Disaster. This will now enable the state government to utilize the
funds for treating Corona Virus.
SDRF Funds
SDRF funds are State Disaster Response Funds. The SDRF funds were constituted by Disaster Management
Act, 2005. It was recommended by 13th Finance Commission.
Key Features of SDRF Funds
The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) of India audits the funds every year. The Ministry of Home
Affairs is the nodal agency that oversees the utilization of the funds. The aggregate size of SDRF for each
state is recommended by Finance Commission.
Corona Virus: SAARC Video Conference; India proposes COVID-19 Emergency Funds
On March 15, 2020, SAARC leaders participated in a video conference to frame a strategy in order to fight
Corona Virus. PM Modi attended the video conference on behalf on India.
Proposals of the members
India proposed creation of Covid-19 Emergency Fund. Also, India is to set up disease surveillance portal in
order to trace the virus carriers in better way.
Afghanistan suggested to create a common platform for tele-medicine suggestions. Sri Lanka proposed to
set up ministerial level group. Other countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives agreed on joint cooperation
to fight against the disease. Bangladesh suggested for a creation of health ministerial group.
Pakistan raised Kashmir issue at the conference demanding to life restricting in Jammu and Kashmir region

to deal with the threat.
India’s measures
India is fighting Corona Virus with the strategy, “Prepare, don’t panic”. India had started screening people
entering India in mid-January. Gradually India imposed travel restrictions and then travel ban. This has
helped India to contain the disease spread and keep the numbers lowest to around 100.
Jammu Kashmir Statehood to be restored soon
On March 15, 2020, at a political delegation Home Minister Amit Shah announced that statehood of Jammu
and Kashmir is to be restored.
Highlights
While resuming statehood of the state, the GoI is to release people from detention, relax curfew and restore
internet. Also, an industrial policy is to be created soon for rapid industrial development of the territory. This
is the first political delegation that is being held after the Abrogation of Article 370.
How is a Union Territory different from state?
The concept of Union Territory was not under the original version of the Constitution. It was added under
the 7th amendment of the Constitution. Unlike states that have their own governments, Union Territories are
governed directly by the Central Government.
The President of the executive head of Union Territory and Governor is the constitutional head of the state.
States have autonomous powers over state subjects and union territories do not have such powers.
Quiz: March 01-02, 2020
1. Ritesh Agarwal, who was named as the world’s second youngest billionaire, is the founder of which Indian
start-up company?
[A] Zomato
[B] Oyo Hotels
[C] Swiggy
[D] Byjus
Answer: Oyo Hotels
As per the recently released Hurun Global Rich List 2020, Ritesh Agarwal- the founder of Oyo Hotels, has
been named as the world’s second youngest billionaire.
His wealth was estimated at $1.1 billion, at the age of 24. In the global list, Kylie Jenner, the cosmetics
star was only ahead of the Indian entrepreneur at the age of 22. Ritesh is also the richest self-made
Indian billionaire aged under 40. He is followed by founders of Zerodha, Flipkart and Byjus.
2. Which state recently passed resolution to conduct a caste-based census in the state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Bihar
[C] West Bengal
[D] Odisha
Answer: Bihar
The Bihar Legislative Assembly recently passed a resolution to conduct a caste-based census in the
state. The chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar proposed a caste-based census in the Assembly and it
was passed unanimously.
The Speaker of the state assembly announced that the proposal has been passed and the resolution
would be sent to the central government.
3. The Diamond Princess cruise ship, which witnessed the largest coronavirus outbreak, is quarantined in
which country?

[A] Australia
[B] China
[C] South Korea
[D] Japan
Answer: Japan
After several passengers and crew members were diagnosed with the coronavirus infection, the
Diamond Princess cruise ship has been quarantined in the Port of Yokohama, Japan.
Recently, a special Air India flight departed to Tokyo and brought back 119 Indian nationals (113 crew
members and 6 passengers) who were on-board the Diamond Princess Cruise ship. It also evacuated 5
foreign nationals, who are all quarantined at the facility of Indian Army at Haryana.
4. CARO 2020, which was in news recently, is associated with which field?
[A] Coronavirus outbreak
[B] Regulations for companies
[C] Automobile conference
[D] Clinical conference
Answer: Regulations for companies
The Union Ministry of Corporate affairs recently notified the Companies (Auditor’s Report) Order, 2020
(CARO 2020).
As per the notification, all listed companies should mandatorily disclose all whistle-blower complaints to
the auditor and the complaints should be mentioned in the audit reports. This mandate would be
applicable to all audits from the financial year starting from April 2019.
5. ‘The International Conference on Standardisation of Diagnosis and Terminologies in Ayurveda, Unani and
Siddha Medicines’ was held in which city?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Kanpur
[C] New Delhi
[D] Varanasi
Answer: New Delhi
The two-day International Conference on Standardisation of Diagnosis and Terminologies in Ayurveda,
Unani and Siddha Systems of Medicine-ICoSDiTAUS-2020 recently concluded in New Delhi.
The “New Delhi Declaration on Collection and Classification of Traditional Medicine (TM) Diagnostic
Data” was adopted in the conference. As many as 16 countries participated in the conference. This is
the biggest ever international event dedicated to standardisation of diagnosis and terminologies.
6. As of 2020, how many languages in India are given the status of ‘Classical language’?
[A] 4
[B] 6
[C] 8
[D] 10
Answer: 6
Six languages in India namely Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia have been given
the status of classical language.
Recently, both houses of the Maharashtra legislature unanimously passed resolutions, requesting the
Centre to provide ‘Classical language’ status to Marathi. Languages declared as classical have benefits
like setting up centres for their study and provide international awards for their scholars.

7. Which association recently collaborated with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) to launch
artificial intelligence (AI) based module for Indian school students?
[A] NASSCOM
[B] FICCI
[C] CII
[D] T-Hub
Answer: NASSCOM
The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) recently collaborated with
NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) to launch an artificial intelligence (AI) based module for
Indian school students.
The AI-Base Module is to be implemented in nearly 5,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and is expected to
reach as many as 2.5 million students. The module with activities and videos on AI concepts is to be
introduced from 27 February.
8. What is the theme of the ‘National Science Day’ 2020?
[A] Children in Science
[B] Youth in Science
[C] Women in Science
[D] Artificial Intelligence in Science
Answer: Women in Science
National Science Day is celebrated across the country on February 28 each year, to commemorate the
discovery of the great Indian physician C V Raman -the Raman’s effect. Raman had received the Nobel
prize for the effect, which he discovered in 1928.
This year, the theme of the National Science Days is ‘Women in Science’. The government also gives
National Science Popularization awards on the day.
9. The Land Records and Services Index (N-LRSI 2020) is released by which organisation?
[A] National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER)
[B] Confederation of Indian Industries (CII)
[C] Quality Council of India (QCI)
[D] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Answer: National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER)
The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) released NCAER Land Records and
Services Index (N-LRSI 2020) recently.
As per the index, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu are the five best-
performing states. The index assesses the digitisation of land records and their quality in 33 states and
Union Territories (UTs).
10. Which Indian payments bank recently crossed a mile-stone of two crore customers?
[A] Airtel Payments Bank.
[B] India Post Payments Bank.
[C] Fino Payments Bank.
[D] Paytm Payments Bank.
Answer: India Post Payments Bank.
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has recently achieved the milestone of two crore customers. IPPB was
launched by the Indian Prime Minister on September 1, 2018, with the main objective of financial
inclusion.

In September 2019, the payments bank launched the Aadhaar-enabled payment system (AePS) services.
And then, it has become the single largest platform in the country to provide interoperable banking
services to the customers of any bank.
Quiz: March 03, 2020
1. The term ‘Delimitation’ which was in news recently, is associated with which process?
[A] Fixing limits of Income tax
[B] Fixing limits of Affordable housing
[C] Fixing limits of territorial constituencies
[D] Fixing limits of Chairperson’s salary
Answer: Fixing limits of territorial constituencies
Delimitation literally means the process of fixing limits of territorial constituencies in a country with a
legislative body.
The government recently cancelled its earlier notifications which postponed delimitation in Assam,
Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh due to security issues. The exercise to re-adjust the division
of each state into territorial constituencies for the purpose of Lok Sabha and state assembly elections
on the basis of 2001 census figures, is to be carried out in the four states.
2. Which state hiked the MLAs’ Local Area Development Fund to Rs.3 Crore per year?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Punjab
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Answer: Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh assembly Speaker recently announced that the state’s MLAs’ Local Area Development
Fund (MLALAD Fund) to Rs.3 Crore per annum.
The fund has been increased from the previous limit of Rs. 2 Crore a year. This hike in the limit is
expected to accelerate the developmental activities made in the constituencies. In 2018, the state
government had increased MLALAD funds from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore per annum
3. NITI Aayog has selected which Union Territory for first pilot project on Sustainable Developmental Goals?
[A] Jammu and Kashmir
[B] Goa
[C] Lakshadweep
[D] Chandigarh
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir
Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir has been selected by the NITI Aayog for first pilot project on
Sustainable Developmental Goals.
The newly formed UT will also get an opportunity to work with United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP). Under the programme, information would be collected from District Commissioners for
providing ranks on certain parameters.
4. As per the second advance estimates released by Central Statistics Office (CSO), what is the projected
GDP growth in FY 20?
[A] 4.8%
[B] 5 %
[C] 5.2%
[D] 5.4%

Answer: 5 %
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) recently released the GDP growth data for the October-December
quarter of 2019 (third quarter of FY20). It said the GDP growth was 4.7 per cent in the third quarter,
which is a slight improvement over the previous quarter’s GDP- 4.5%.
As per the data, the projections for economic growth in FY20 has been retained at 5 per cent in the
second advance estimates.
5. Which Public sector Enterprise is the implementing agency of ‘Renewable Energy Management Centre’
scheme?
[A] PowerGrid Corporation
[B] NHPC Limited
[C] NTPC Limited
[D] Solar Energy Corporation of India
Answer: PowerGrid Corporation
11 Renewable Energy Management Centres (REMCs) were inaugurated by the Union Power Minister R K
Singh, for renewable energy integration. He also inaugurated the Northern Region Renewable Energy
Management Centre (NR-REMC).
The government had approved the implementation of the Renewable Energy Management Centres -
REMCs as a central scheme. Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Power, PowerGrid was named as the
implementing agency.
6. Which Indian city is to host the World Productivity Congress (WPC) 2020?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Lucknow
[C] Jaipur
[D] Bengaluru
Answer: Bengaluru
The 19th edition of World Productivity Congress (WPC) is scheduled to be held on May 6 to May 8, 2020
at Bengaluru, after a gap of 45 years.
World Confederation of Productivity Science (WCPS) has been organising this conference since 1969.
The Congress was held in India in the year 1974, last time. It will promote the development of
productivity science through global presentations, speeches and panel discussions.
7. Paul Biya, who recently won the Presidential elections, is the incumbent President of which African
country?
[A] Nigeria
[B] Cameroon
[C] Benin
[D] Egypt
Answer: Cameroon
The President of the central African country Cameroon for the last 37 years- Paul Biya recently won in
the Presidential elections held in the country, by obtaining complete majority.
His party -Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC) won 139 out of 167 declared seats. The
Elections were cancelled in 13 other seats, in some regions and are to be held at a later date. He is the
longest serving non-royal ruler of the world.
8. Dr S Shettar, who passed away recently, was associated with which profession?
[A] Scientist

[B] Historian
[C] Archaeologist
[D] Ornithologist
Answer: Historian
Veteran historian Dr S Shettar recently passed away in Bengaluru, at the age of 85. He taught history in
many universities for more than twenty-five years.
Shettar completed his Ph.D from Cambridge University in England. He had held several important
positions including Director of the Institute of Indian Art History at Karnatak University, Dharwad, and
Chairman of Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi.
9. The ‘Bundelkhand expressway’, which was in news recently, is proposed to be built across which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Bihar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid foundation stone for the Bundelkhand Expressway at
Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh.
This proposed expressway is expected to connect the backward region to the national capital region and
it will also support the Bundelakhnd Defence industrial corridor. Last year, the State Cabinet of Uttar
Pradesh had approved the Bundelkhand Expressway project which would cost around Rs 10,000 crore.
10. The Prime Minister recently launched 10000 FPOs all over the country. What does FPO stand for?
[A] Farmer Priority Organisations
[B] Farmer Produce Organisations
[C] Farmer Productivity Organisations
[D] Farmer Primary Organisations
Answer: Farmer Produce Organisations
The Farmer Produce Organisations (FPO) Scheme was initiated by the Small Farmers’ Agri-Business
Consortium under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The FPOs help in grouping of small,
marginal and landless farmers, and provide access to technology, quality seed, fertilizers and
pesticides.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 10,000 Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) all
over the country from Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh.
Quiz: March 4, 2020
1. What is the name of the recently launched scheme that aims to provide nutritional support to pregnant
women and adolescent girls?
[A] Pradhan Mantri Suposhit Yojana
[B] Suposhit Maa Abhiyan
[C] Suposhit Janani Yojana
[D] Suposhit Beti Abhiyan
Answer: Suposhit Maa Abhiyan
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recently launched “Suposhit Maa Abhiyan”, that aims to provide nutritional
support to pregnant women and adolescent girls.
The scheme was launched in Kota, Rajasthan which is also the Speaker’s parliamentary constituency.
Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani also attended the launch programme.

2. Environmental activist Afroz Shah, who was making news recently for co-participating with the Minister
of Norway in River clean-up, is from which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand
Answer: Maharashtra
Recently, Norway’s Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein, during his three-day visit to
India participated in Mithi river clean-up with the environmental activist Afroz Shah.
Afroz Shah is an environmental activist from Mumbai, Maharashtra. He is known for organising the
largest beach clean-up drive. He was also awarded the ‘UN Champions of the Earth’ award for the same,
in 2016. He had earlier been to Norway for a beach clean-up programme.
3. What is ‘RaIDer-X’, which was recently developed by HEMRL, the lab of DRDO and Indian Institute of
Science?
[A] Artillery Gun
[B] Explosive Detection Device
[C] Gun-shot Locator
[D] Bullet-proof jacket
Answer: Explosive Detection Device
RaIDer-X is a new explosive detection device, which was recently unveiled at the National Workshop on
Explosive Detection (NWED-2020) in Pune. It has been co-developed by the laboratory of DRDO-High
Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
It is claimed that the device can detect explosives from a stand-off distance and even bulk explosive in
concealed condition. The device can be engineered to detect a number of explosives even with
contaminants.
4. The proposed ‘Chair of Excellence’ at Department of Defence & Strategic Studies, is to be named after
which Indian Air Chief Marshal?
[A] RKS Bhadauria
[B] Arjan Singh
[C] Norman Browne
Norman Browne
[D] Pratap Chandra Lal
Answer: Arjan Singh
The Indian Air Force and Savitribai Phule Pune University recently collaborated by signing a
Memorandum of Understanding to set up a ‘Chair of Excellence’ at Department of Defence & Strategic
Studies.
To commemorate the centenary birth year of the only five-star rank IAF officer Arjan Singh, the chair has
been named as ‘Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Chair of Excellence’. The Chair will facilitate IAF
officers to pursue higher studies and Doctoral Research in the area of Defence & Strategic Studies and
allied fields.
5. Which state recently ordered the prohibition of online supply of food without hygiene rating from food
business operators (FBOs)?
[A] Kerala
[B] Odisha

[C] Punjab
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: Punjab
The Punjab Food and Drug Administration (PFDA) recently announced that the state has prohibited the
online supply of food without hygiene rating from food business operators (FBOs).
The state government has also prohibited the online food supply aggregators (OFSAs) from sourcing the
food without rating, from FBOs. It was also announced that the prohibition orders would be effective in
the state from April 30, for the period of one year.
6. Muhyiddin Yassin, recently sworn in as the new Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Qatar
[B] Malaysia
[C] Iran
[D] Saudi Arabia
Answer: Malaysia
A former deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin has been recently appointed as the
country’s new Prime Minister.
The appointment was announced by Malaysia’s King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. Muhyiddin
recently sworn in as the new Prime Minister. He replaced the previous head of the country Mahathir
Mohamad, who resigned from his Prime Minister role last week.
7. Which city hosted the ‘Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela – 2020’, which was organized by the ICAR-Indian
Agricultural Research Institute?
[A] Lucknow
[B] New Delhi
[C] Nagpur
[D] Hyderabad
Answer: New Delhi
Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela-2020 is being organised in New Delhi by ICAR-IARI (Indian Council of
Agricultural Research-Indian Agricultural Research Institute) from March 1 to 3. The event is being
conducted at the ICAR-IARI Mela Grounds, New Delhi.
Bharat Bhushan, a 42-year-old farmer from Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, has been selected for
the ‘Innovative Farmer Award’ by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. Innovative farmers are
felicitated during the event.
8. When is the ‘Zero Discrimination Day’ observed annually across the world?
[A] February 28
[B] March 1
[C] March 3
[D] March 5
Answer: March 1
The ‘Zero Discrimination Day’ is observed annually across the world on March 1, by UNAIDS. UNAIDS is
the leading global forum which aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
On this day, the UNAIDS is calling to end the discrimination against women and girls and for equal
rights, opportunities and treatment. This year, the focus is on ‘Zero Discrimination against Women and
Girls’.
9. Which Indian University was the winner of the Khelo India University Games 2020?

[A] Savitribai Phule Pune University
[B] Panjab University
[C] Madras University
[D] Andhra University
Answer: Panjab University
The inaugural edition of the Khelo India University Games concluded in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on March
1. The Panjab University was crowned as Champions with 17 Gold medals among a total of 46 medals.
The second position was bagged by the Savitribai Phule University, Pune with 37 overall medals. Punjabi
University was placed in the third place. Famous athlete Dutee Chand set a new National University
record in 100 m race and won the gold medal in both the 100m and the 200m races.
10. Richard John Pais, who passed away recently, was associated with which field?
[A] Sports
[B] Literature
[C] Politics
[D] Business
Answer: Literature
Veteran Konkani writer and dramatist Richard John Pais recently passed away at the age of 51. He has
written several short stories, satirical writings and poems in Konkani language.
Pais was presented the T M A Pai award for his literary work ‘Fathor’. Many of his plays have been
presented in Konkani theatres. He had also served as the editorial head of a news portal called
Daijiworld.
Quiz: March 5, 2020
1. Which tri-state sanctuary has been declared as eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) recently?
[A] National Chambal Sanctuary
[B] Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
[C] Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
[D] Corbett National Park
Answer: National Chambal Sanctuary
As per the recent notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, the National Chambal Sanctuary
was declared as eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).
The sanctuary, which is located across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, is
home to 75 per cent of gharials, the fresh water gangetic dolphins, fresh water turtles and more than
180 species of migratory birds. The order said that the areas in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall not be used
for commercial, residential or industrial activities.
2. The Exhibition named “EKAM Fest” is organised by which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of MSME
[B] Ministry of Social Justice& Empowerment
[C] Ministry of Textiles
[D] Ministry of Steel
Answer: Ministry of Social Justice& Empowerment
A 7-day Exhibition and fair named “EKAM Fest” organized by National Handicapped Finance
Development Corporation (NHFDC) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment recently began
in New Delhi.
The EKAM Fest is open for public from 2nd March to 9th March, 2020. More than 82 Differently-abled

men and women from 17 States/ UTs have showcased their products at the EKAM Fest event. NHFDC
has launched several initiatives in the fest including: NHFDC Swavalamban Kendra, Safe Cabs in Delhi
and Indore Safe Drinking Water E Carts.
3. As of March 2020, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has covered how many appliances under the
Star Labelling Programme?
[A] 12
[B] 16
[C] 20
[D] 26
Answer: 26
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has formulated the Star Labelling Programme under the Energy
Conservation Act, 2001. Recently, on its 19th foundation day, BEE expanded its coverage to 2 more
appliances: Deep Freezers and Light Commercial Air Conditioners. The total appliances covered under
the programme are 26 now.
A database on energy e¬fficiency called ‘Urja Dakshata Information Tool (UDIT)’ was launched by BEE
along with World Resources Institute (WRI).
4. What is India’s economic growth rate for 2020-21, as estimated by OECD (Organisation for Economic
Cooperation and Development)?
[A] 4.6%
[B] 4.8%
[C] 5.1%
[D] 5.4%
Answer: 5.1%
International agency OECD recently lowered India’s GDP growth forecast to 5.1 per cent from the earlier
projection of 6.2 per cent for 2020-21. For the financial year ending March 2019, OECD has projected a
growth rate of 4.9%.
The main reason for the cut in rates was the concerns about the impact of coronavirus on the domestic
and the global economy. However, the economy of India is to improve to 5.6 per cent in the following
year (2021-22).
5. The chairman of the LuLu Group, M A Yusuff Ali became the first Indian to receive premium residency of
which country?
[A] United Arab Emirates
[B] Qatar
[C] Saudi Arabia
[D] Oman
Answer: Saudi Arabia
The chairman of the LuLu Group, M A Yusuff Ali recently became the first Indian to receive Saudi
Arabia’s premium residency. Abu Dhabi-based Indian retail business-person was also ranked the richest
expatriate in the UAE by the Forbes magazine last year.
The permit also known as Saudi Green Card, grants expatriates the right to live, work and own business
and property in the country without the requirement of a sponsor.
6. The mobile application ‘Humsafar’, which was in news recently, is associated with which service?
[A] Ride-hailing
[B] Door Delivery of Fuel

[C] Door-Delivery of Medicines
[D] Booking Flight tickets
Answer: Door Delivery of Fuel
The Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar recently launched the mobile application named ‘Humsafar’. The
app is launched with an objective of delivering fuel at the door-steps of Housing societies, hotels and
hospitals in the National capital region.
The app will ensure the delivery of fuel to other bulk buyers of diesel in various NCR cities. This step
would curb the unsafe practices of transporting fuel in the city.
7. Pekka Lundmark has been selected as the next President and CEO of global consumer electronics
company?
[A] Samsung
[B] Nokia
[C] Huawei
[D] Motorola
Answer: Nokia
Leading Telecom and consumer electronics company Nokia announced that its board of directors has
appointed Pekka Lundmark as the next President and CEO to succeed Rajeev Suri.
Rajeev Suri is to step down from his current role on August 31, 2020 and remain as an advisor to the
Nokia board till January 1, 2021. Pekka Lundmark is set to take charge from September 2020 and will be
based in Espoo, Finland.
8. Ramniklal Solanki, an ‘Order of the British Empire’ awardee, who recently passed away, was associated
with which field?
[A] Sports
[B] Business
[C] Journalism
[D] Theatrics
Answer: Journalism
Veteran journalist in Gujarati-language and pioneer of the Asian media in the United Kingdom, Ramniklal
Solanki recently passed away.
He served as the London correspondent of the Mumbai-based Janmabhoomi Group of newspapers. He
was also the founder-editor of the Garavi Gujarat newsweekly and the Asian Media Group. He was
awarded the royal honours of the United Kingdom, the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1997 and the
highest honour- CBE in 2007.
9. The Reserve Bank of India is conducting one-year and three-year tenor LTRO to help banks to reduce their
lending rates. What does LTRO stand for?
[A] Long Term Reverse operation
[B] Liquidity Term Repo operation
[C] Liquidity Term Reverse operation
[D] Long-term Repo operation
Answer:
Long-term Repo operation
The Reserve Bank of India is conducting one-year and three-year tenor LTRO to help banks to reduce
their lending rates. In the latest bi-monthly policy review, it announced term repurchase agreements
(repos) of one-year and three-year tenors for Rs 1 trillion at the policy repo rate.

RBI has conducted three LTRO- Long-term repo operation on February 17, February 24 and March 1. The
fourth operation is scheduled on March 9. In the third LTRO of three-year tenor, RBI has received 66 bids
amounting to Rs 1.71 trillion.
10. Which state government recently abolished the policy of granting service extension to its employees
after retirement?
[A] Odisha
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Punjab
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: Punjab
The Punjab government recently scrapped the policy of granting optional extension in service to the
state government employees after retirement.
This decision is taken with an aim to generate employment for the youth of the state. The state
government had earlier allowed service extension to all employees up to the age of 60 or 62. Recently,
the state made the retiring age of the employees to 58 from 60.
Quiz: March 6, 2020
1. Who has been appointed as the new Finance Secretary of India after Rajiv Kumar?
[A] Tuhin Kant Pandey
[B] Ajay Bhushan Pandey
[C] Atanu Chakraborty
[D] Raghuram Rajan
Answer: Ajay Bhushan Pandey
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of the current Revenue
Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey as the new Finance Secretary of India.
Ajay Bhushan Pandey replaces current Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar, who got superannuated last
month. The senior-most bureaucrat among all secretaries in the Finance Ministry is usually designated
as the finance secretary. Debasish Panda was recently appointed as the Secretary, Department of
financial services.
2. What is the time limit within which the Lokpal shall dispose of a complaint of alleged corruption against
public servants?
[A] 21 days
[B] 30 days
[C] 45 days
[D] 60 days
Answer: 30 days
Lokpal is an apex body to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries of central
government. The Lokpal shall dispose of any received complaint within 30 days.
President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath to Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose as the first
chairperson of Lokpal, in March 2019. Recently, the government has issued a format for filing
complaints of alleged corruption against public servants (including the prime minister) with the Lokpal.
3. Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat Yojna (MDBY) is a subsidised food scheme of which state government?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] Jharkhand

[D] West Bengal
Answer: Jharkhand
The state government of Jharkhand recently presented its budget for the financial year 2020-21. IT
announced a financial assistance of Rs 5000 to Rs 7000 per annum to unemployed graduate and post-
graduate youth.
The state government also proposed to provide 100 units free electricity and to set up 100 mohalla
clinics across the state. The Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat Yojna (MDBY) was revived to provide a meal at the
price of Rs.5 to the poor people of the state.
4. The Week of March 1 to March 7 is celebrated as which commemorative week across the country?
[A] Swachch Bharat Week
[B] KISAN week
[C] Janaushadhi Week
[D] Beti Bachao Week
Answer: Janaushadhi Week
Janaushadhi Week is being celebrated across the country from March 1 to March 7 2020 and Jan
Aushadi Diwas on March 7. During this week, several activities like health check-up Camp, free doctor
consultation, free medicine distribution were organised at various Janaushadhi Kendras.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is an initiative by Department of Pharmaceuticals,
under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The scheme aims to provide quality medicines at an
affordable price to all people.
5. Which country recently assumes presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of March 2020?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Nepal
Answer: China
China has recently taken over as the President of the UN Security Council for the month of March 2020.
The Security Council was established by the UN Agreement to maintain international peace and security.
The council has 15 members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members for two-year terms). The 15
members assume presidency every month in a rotation basis.
6. Which state government has announced to provide a financial assistance to the farmers for keeping stray
cattle at their homes?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Bihar
The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath recently announced that the government has
decided to provide a financial assistance of Rs 900 per month to those farmers who are ready to keep
stray cattle at their houses and provide a shelter to them.
The state government of Uttar Pradesh also announced that it has decided to build shelters for stray
cattle in the state.
7. Which act is to be amended to provide more powers to the RBI for regulating cooperative banks?
[A] The Reserve Bank of India Act

[B] The Banking Regulation Act
[C] The Co-operative Societies Act
[D] Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act
Answer: The Banking Regulation Act
The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman.
This proposed bill is expected to provide more powers to the RBI for regulating cooperative banks. The
bill seeks to strengthen cooperative banks by improving professionalism, access to capital and banking
practices through the RBI. The administrative issues will remain to be guided by the Registrar of
Cooperative.
8. Which Indian is the recipient of the 128th ‘Commonwealth Points of Light’ Award?
[A] Rajendra Singh
[B] Jadav Payeng
[C] Afroz Shah
[D] Sudharshan Patnaik
Answer: Jadav Payeng
Environmental activist Jadav Payeng, also called the ‘Forest Man’, was named as the winner of the 128th
Commonwealth Points of Light Award.
Payeng is a 57-year-old activist, who had transformed a treeless sandbar along the Brahmaputra river
into a vast wildlife shelter. The award recognises people across the 53 Commonwealth nations for their
exceptional contributions towards the community.
9. Which country became the first in the world to make public transport free?
[A] Thailand
[B] Luxembourg
[C] Canada
[D] Brazil
Answer: Luxembourg
Luxembourg, a small European country has abolished fares for public transport systems including trains,
trams and buses.
All standard-class journeys on public transport in the country are now available for free of charge. This
decision has been taken to tackle road congestion and pollution, and also to support low earners of the
country. This will ensure a better quality of public mobility and a cleaner environment.
10. As per a recent report on Trade-related Illicit Financial Flows, what is the rank of India among 135
countries?
[A] One
[B] Three
[C] Five
[D] Seven
Answer: Three
US-based think tank Global Financial Integrity (GFI) recently released a report titled “Trade-related Illicit
Financial Flows in 135 Developing Countries: 2008-2017”.
As per the report, five countries with the largest gaps were China ($457.7 billion), followed by Mexico,
India, Russia and Poland. India has the third-highest trade-related illicit financial flow escaping the
government’s tax net, with $83.5 billion (Rs 6.14 trillion), equivalent to 3.05 per cent of GDP).

Quiz: March 7, 2020
1. Which state recently announced to provide credit guarantee of loans for higher education?
[A] Odisha
[B] Haryana
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Bihar
Answer: Haryana
The Chief Minister of Haryana recently announced during the budge session that the state government is
to provide credit guarantee of loans for higher education, so that the students can avail loans without
the collateral guarantee required by the banks.
The state has also created a separate Foreign Cooperation Department for the welfare of non-resident
Indians and employment.
2. Which Engineering College of India has obtained the highest rank in the recent QS World Ranking?
[A] IIT Kharagpur
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Mumbai
Answer: IIT Mumbai
According to the recent QS World Ranking, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Mumbai and Delhi
are among the top 50 engineering colleges across the globe. IIT Mumbai has been ranked 44 and IIT
Delhi has got the 47th rank. There are only two Indian colleges to feature in the top-50 ranking.
As per the QS World Ranking for the subject of arts and humanities, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
of Delhi is at 162nd rank and Delhi University is at 231st rank.
3. After the proposed amalgamation of 10 public sector banks into four, what will be the total number of
state-owned banks in India?
[A] Eight
[B] Ten
[C] Twelve
[D] Fourteen
Answer: Twelve
The government approved a scheme for the amalgamation of 10 state-owned banks into four, in the
month of March 2020 and announced that the integration will be made effective from April 1, 2020. After
this process, India will have 12 Public Sector Banks.
Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, and United Bank of India will amalgamate to form
India’s second largest bank after the State Bank of India. Other groups are Canara Bank- Syndicate Bank,
Union Bank of India-Andhra Bank-Corporation Bank and Indian Bank- Allahabad Bank.
4. As per the recent ‘Direct Tax Vivaad Se Vishwas Bill 2020’, what is the time-limit within which the tax-
payers can pay the due tax with
waiver?
[A] March 31, 2020
[B] May 31, 2020
[C] September 30, 2020
[D] December 31, 2020
Answer: March 31, 2020

The Direct Tax Vivaad Se Vishwas Bill 2020 has been recently passed by the Lok Sabha. The bill was
introduced in Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on February 5, 2020.
The Bill provides a mechanism for resolution of pending tax disputes in direct tax including income tax
and corporation tax. It seeks that taxpayers can settle disputes by paying their due taxes with waiver of
interest and penalty by March 31, 2020.
5. PRAGYAN CONCLAVE 2020 is an International Seminar organised by which Armed Force of India?
[A] Indian Air Force
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Army
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Answer: Indian Army
A two-day Indian Army International Seminar named ‘PRAGYAN CONCLAVE 2020’ is being organised by
Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS).
The Seminar commenced on 04 Mar 2020 in New Delhi. The event creates a platform for national and
international military experts to discuss on the subject of ‘Changing Characteristics of Land Warfare and
its Impact on the Military’.
6. Shweta Rawat and Shalini Gupta, who were seen in news recently, are associated with which field?
[A] Sports
[B] Journalism
[C] Science
[D] Business
Answer: Science
Two Scientists – Dr Shweta Rawat from Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS),
DRDO and Dr. Shalini Gupta, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT-Delhi were recently conferred with
the ‘National Award for Young Women Showing Excellence through Application of Technology for
Societal Benefits’ by the President of India Ramnath Kovind.
Dr.Shweta has developed a female-specific Full Body protector whereas Dr.Shalini has successfully led
the development of a technology SeptifloTM, for point-of-care diagnosis and treatment of bacterial
septicaemia.
7. Which state has recently issued orders to limit the retail price of bottled drinking water?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Answer: Kerala
The state government of Kerala has issued an order to cap the retail price of bottled drinking water at Rs
13 per litre against the present price of Rs. 20 a litre.
The Price cut was achieved as the bottled water has been made an essential commodity. The civil
supplies department issued the order and asked the manufacturers to follow the price limit and to print
the new price in all bottles.
8. In context of the recent Cabinet approval on listing of Indian companies overseas, what does ‘GDR’ stand
for?
[A] Government Deposit Receipts
[B] Global Deposit Receipts

[C] Global Depository Receipts
[D] Government Depository Receipts
Answer: Global Depository Receipts
The Cabinet recently approved a proposal to allow direct listing of Indian companies overseas.
Appropriate amendment would be made in the Companies Act, 2013 for the same.
Very few Indian companies have Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) and only some have American
Depository Receipts (ADRs) which can be traded in the US. A Depository receipt is a foreign currency
denominated instrument, issued by a foreign depository to a domestic institution and it is listed on an
international exchange.
9. As per the recent amendment to the ‘Foreign direct investment policy on civil aviation’, what is the limit
for NRIs to purchase equity stake in Air India?
[A] 26%
[B] 49%
[C] 75%
[D] 100%
Answer: 100%
The Union Cabinet recently approved an amendment to the ‘Foreign direct investment policy on civil
aviation’, which allowed Non-resident
Indians (NRIs) to acquire 100 per cent equity stake in Air India under the automatic route.
Prior to this amendment, only 49 per cent was available for sale to NRIs in Air India. After the proposed
strategic disinvestment of 100 per cent of Air India by the government, the company will be completely
privately owned.
10. An integrated sports complex named after its former Chief Minister PA Sangma, is to come up in which
Indian state?
[A] Assam
[B] Meghalaya
[C] Tripura
[D] Nagaland
Answer: Meghalaya
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma recently laid the foundation stone for an integrated sports
complex in Tura district, which is to be named after the former Chief Minister of the state PA Sangma.
The 125 crore-project will include a football field and a multi-purpose indoor stadium. The construction
of the complex is to be funded jointly by the Centre and the state government. The construction will be
completed by 2022 when Meghalaya will host the National Games.
Quiz: March 8-9, 2020
1. The recently released book titled “Chronicles of Change Champions” is a compilation of initiatives taken
under which scheme?
[A] Swachch Bharat Mission
[B] Poshan Maa Abhiyan
[C] Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
[D] Sugamya Bharat
Answer: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Union Minister of Women & Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani released a book titled “Chronicles of
Change Champions”. It is a compilation of 25 innovative initiatives taken at the State and District levels


under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme.
The scheme was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 at Panipat, Haryana. It is a tri-
ministerial initiative of the Union ministries of Women & Child Development, Human Resource
Development and Health & Family Welfare.
2. ‘SCORES’ is a mobile application of which regulatory body of India?
[A] Real Estate Regulatory Authority
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] Securities Exchange Board of India
[D] National Housing Bank
Answer: Securities Exchange Board of India
Markets regulator SEBI (Securities Exchange Board of India) recently launched a mobile application for
assisting investors to enter grievances in SEBI Complaints Redress System (SCORES) portal. The app
has all the features of SCORES web portal for grievance redressal, which is already functioning.
The app, ‘SEBI SCORES’, which is to be available on both iOS and Android platforms, will encourage
investors to lodge their complaints on SCORES instead of sending physical letters.
3. TIME Magazine has named which Indian woman as the ‘Woman of the year 1947’ in its recent recreated
list of world’s 100 powerful women?
[A] Amrit Kaur
[B] Sarojini Naidu
[C] Indira Gandhi
[D] Savitribhai Phule
Answer: Amrit Kaur
TIME magazine has recently released a list of world’s 100 powerful women who defined the last century,
in its new project. Freedom fighter Amrit Kaur has been named by the magazine as ‘Woman of the Year’
for 1947 and Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for 1976.
Amrit Kaur became the first woman to join the Cabinet, when she served as Health Minister for 10 years.
She founded the Indian Council for Child Welfare, strived for women’s education, right to vote ,divorce
and against child marriage.
4. What is the interest rate on deposits as announced by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
for the current financial year (2019-20)?
[A] 8.9%
[B] 8.65%
[C] 8.5%
[D] 8.2%
Answer: 8.5%
Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on Thursday lowered the interest rate on deposits to
8.50 per cent for the current financial year 2019-20.
The interest rate, which is the lowest rate fixed in seven years, was reduced from the previous rate of
8.65 per cent in 2018-19. The Central Board of Trustees, which is the apex decision-making body of the
EPFO, fixes the interest rate.
5. Which airport of Maharashtra has been renamed as ‘Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport’?
[A] Aurangabad Airport
[B] Kolhapur Airport
[C] Pune International Airport

[D] Akola Airport
Answer: Aurangabad Airport
The state Government of Maharashtra has recently renamed the Aurangabad Airport of the state as
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport.
The airport has been renamed after Sambhaji, the son of the great Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji.
The airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India.
6. Which Indian institute has developed an AI-powered drone to counter unregulated unmanned drones?
[A] Indian Institute of Science
[B] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
[C] Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
[D] DRDO Laboratory
Answer: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras has developed an Artificial Intelligence-powered drone to counter
the unregulated unmanned drones, also called as rogue drones.
This system would assist the armed forces and security services in ensuring safety at critical locations.
The newly developed drones can hack into the GPS system of the unregulated drones, thereby directing
it to change its flight path or make it land safely.
7. Which is India’s fifth largest private sector bank, that is under crisis and for which the Reserve Bank of
India is devising a revival plan?
[A] IndusInd Bank
[B] Yes Bank
[C] IDFC First Bank
[D] Bandhan Bank
Answer: Yes Bank
The Reserve Bank of India recently unveiled a draft scheme of revival Yes Bank, which has been put
under the control of RBI. RBI also announced that State Bank of India is to make investment in Yes Bank
and participate in the reconstruction scheme.
The financial position of Yes Bank saw a gradual decline as it could not raise the required capital. RBI
has imposed moratorium on the Bank and has capped withdrawals at Rs 50,000 per account. The
existing Board was superseded and former SBI CFO Prashant Kumar was appointed as administrator for
Yes Bank.
8. According to the recent estimates published by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD), which economy is most affected by the coronavirus outbreak?
[A] United States
[B] Taiwan Province of China
[C] European Union
[D] Japan
Answer: European Union
As per the recent estimates published by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD), the most affected economy due to the coronavirus outbreak is the European Union ($15.6
billion) followed by the United States ($5.8 billion) and Japan ($5.2 billion),
The trade impact of the outbreak for India is estimated to be about USD 348 million and it is among the
top 15 economies most affected. It also revealed that the manufacturing-slowdown in China due to the
outbreak is disrupting world trade and could cause a 50 billion dollar decrease in global exports.

9. Daren Tang of Singapore has been nominated as the new Director General of which global organisation?
[A] World Intellectual Property Organization
[B] World Customs Organisation
[C] International Labour Organisation
[D] World Health Organisation
Answer: World Intellectual Property Organization
The Coordination Committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has recently
nominated Daren Tang from Singapore for the post of Director General.
The WIPO General Assembly will confirm the Coordination Committee’s nomination. Tang is currently
serving as the Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. The current Director
General Francis Gurry’s term ends this September.
10. Who has been appointed as the new Chief Information Commissioner of India after Sudhir Bhargava?
[A] Bimal Jalan
[B] Bimal Julka
[C] Kasturi Rangan
[D] Gopala Swami
Answer: Bimal Julka
Information Commissioner Bimal Julka has been recently appointed as the Chief Information
Commissioner (CIC) of India.
President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office to Bimal Julka as the CIC at the Rashtrapati
Bhavan. The previous Chief Sudhir Bhargava retired on January 11 and since then the Chief Information
Commission was functioning without head. It also has strength of six information commissioners
against the sanctioned 11 personnel.
Quiz: March 10-11, 2020
1. ’Chapchar Kut’ is a popular festival of which Indian state/ UT?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Mizoram
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: Mizoram
‘Chapchar Kut’ is a popular and the biggest festival celebrated across the state of Mizoram. It is
celebrated to welcome the spring season.
The festival is celebrated by all the people of the state with many cultural events associated with it.
People participate in dance and musical events including the traditional bamboo dance – Cheraw.
2. As per the recent study by the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), the
‘Endophytic Actinobacteria’ could reduce chemical inputs in which plant?
[A] Sugar cane
[B] Tea
[C] Cotton
[D] Coffee
Answer: Tea
Researchers at Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) Guwahati have found
that the endophytic Actinobacteria have antifungal growth-promoting activities. They have also
discovered that application of endophytic Actinobacteria could reduce chemical inputs in Tea plantation

crop.
IASST is an autonomous institute under Department of Science & Technology. This discovery would help
decrease the pesticide content and increase our exports to many countries.
3. Bipasha Chakrabarti was recently appointed as the Communications Director of the which technological
company’s Indian arm?
[A] Amazon
[B] Facebook
[C] Google
[D] Microsoft
Answer: Facebook
Former Executive of CISCO, Bipasha Chakrabarti has been recently appointed as the new
communications head of Facebook India.
Under her new role as the Communications Director at Facebook India, Bipasha would lead the corporate
communications and public relations in India. She will handle the communications sector for both
Facebook and Instagram in the country.
4. ‘Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)’, which was seen in news recently, is associated with research in
which field?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Genetics
[C] Environment
[D] Energy
Answer: Genetics
A genetic research project named ‘GenomeIndia: Cataloguing the Genetic Variation in Indians’ has been
recently sanctioned by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to 20 institutions for a period of 3 years.
Under GenomeIndia project, the ‘Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)’, which analyses 10,000 individuals
representing the country’s diverse population is to be carried out. The resultant information can enable
future human genetics research and helps in developing precise diagnostics for major diseases.
5. In context of the recent Supreme Court ruling on the right of an organisation to receive foreign
contributions, what does FCRA stand for?
[A] Foreign Currency (Regulation) Act
[B] Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
[C] Foreign Currency (Rights) Act
[D] Foreign Contribution (Rights) Act
Answer: Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
The Supreme Court recently ruled that an organisation supporting public causes by legitimate means of
opposition like ‘bandh’ and ‘hartal’ cannot be deprived of its legitimate right of receiving foreign funds.
But the organisations which are used for channelling the foreign funds by political parties shall come
under the purview of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The act was enacted in 2010 to
regulate the acceptance and utilization of Foreign contribution.
6. Who is the Chairperson of the recently reconstituted National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
(NPDRR)?
[A] Union Home Minister
[B] Union Defence Minister
[C] Union Environment Minister

[D] Union Finance Minister
Answer: Union Home Minister
The government has recently reconstituted the ‘National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR)’
with Union Home Minister Amit Shah as its chairperson.
NPDRR’s vice-chairpersons include the minister of state in-charge of disaster management in the Home
Ministry and the vice-chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority. Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar are some of
its members.
7. Union Ministry of Women and Child Development organised a discussion on “The Future of Work: Women
in India’s Workforce”, in association with which global organisation?
[A] World Bank
[B] UN Women
[C] United Nations
[D] International Labour Organisation
Answer: World Bank
Union Ministry of Women and Child Development organised a discussion on “The Future of Work:
Women in India’s Workforce”, in association with World Bank in New Delhi. Minister of Women and Child
Development Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the programme along with Dr. Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country
Director India, World Bank.
As a part of events to celebrate International Women’s Day 2020, this programme is organised to honour
the achievements of women in business, public, private and social organisations.
8. What is the theme of the campaign conducted by the Indian Railways to celebrate International Women’s
Day?
[A] Travel safely
[B] Each for Equal
[C] We are with you
[D] He and She
Answer: Each for Equal
The Indian Railways is conducting a ten-day long campaign from March 1 to 10 to celebrate the
International Women’s Day (March 8).
The theme of the campaign is ‘Each for Equal’, representing the gender equality. The Indian Railways is
also focussing on #SheInspiresUs, which highlights the inspiring stories of women achievers. Under this
campaign, the steps taken to provide exclusive facilities to women passengers and to empower the
women employees working in Indian Railways.
9. Which state/Ut has recently launched a school health education plan called ‘Student Health Card’?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Jammu & Kashmir
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: Jammu & Kashmir
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Girish Chandra Murmu recently launched the ‘Student
Health Card’ in Jammu.
This scheme is a part of the government’s comprehensive school health education plan which ensures
better healthcare for school children. Under this scheme, all government schools will maintain health

records of enrolled students including immunisation record and developmental delays.
10. Agartala and Ghojadanga were recently designated as the authorised land immigration check posts. In
which state, Ghojadanga is located?
[A] Nagaland
[B] West Bengal
[C] Assam
[D] Meghalaya
Answer: West Bengal
The capital of Tripura, Agartala and Ghojadanga of West Bengal, which are located along the Indo-
Bangladesh border, have been recently designated by the government as authorised land immigration
check posts to enter or exit India, with valid travel documents.
As per the recent Home Ministry notification, Senior immigration officers have also been appointed for
Agartala and Ghojadanga under the Bureau of Immigration. The designation is made under the Passport
(Entry into India) Rules, 1950.
1. Which state has recently launched a digital literacy programme titled ‘I am also digital’?
[A] Odisha
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
Answer: Kerala
The state of Kerala is set to launch a huge digital literacy campaign called ‘I am also digital’ which aims
at making the benefits of the state reach the common citizens.
This campaign is initiated by the Kerala Literacy Mission and the Kerala State IT Mission under the
Department of Information Technology. The drive would be mainly launched as a people-participatory
model to educate the society about digital technology. The project will be pilot-launched in
Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation.
2. The renovated Animal Transport Memorial was recently inaugurated by the Indian Army in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Mumbai
[C] Nagpur
[D] Bengaluru
Answer: Bengaluru
The Director-General of Supply and Transport Corps of the Indian Army recently unveiled the renovated
Animal Memorial at Bengaluru.
The memorial indicates the contributions and service of mules and horses of the Indian Army, especially
during the war in the Himalayas. This animal transport memorial has been extended by two walls, which
highlight the role played by the animals in the Indian Army. It was also announced that 26 September
each year has been nominated as the Animal Transport (AT) Remembrance Day.
3. The book titled ‘Adventures of a Daredevil Democrat’, which was recently published, narrates the story of
which Former Chief- Minister?
[A] M Karunanidhi
[B] Biju Patnaik
[C] Jyoti Basu

[D] C. Achutha Menon
Answer: Biju Patnaik
A first of its kind comic book on the life and works of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik was
recently released by the present Chief Minister and the former’s son Naveen Patnaik.
Several Senior political leaders of many parties attended the book release event. The state is celebrating
the former Chief Minister’s 104th birth anniversary. The Odisha state celebrates his birthday 5 March as
the Panchayat Raj Divas.
4. Who is the chairperson of the high-level panel recently set up to prepare an investigation manual for
Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)?
[A] N K Singh
[B] U K Sinha
[C] Injeti Srinivas
[D] Tapan Ray
Answer: Injeti Srinivas
The government has recently constituted a 12-membered high-level panel recently set up to prepare an
investigation manual for Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).
As per the recent order issued by the Corporate affairs ministry, Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti
Srinivas would chair the panel. The committee will devise a comprehensive manual for performing
effective investigations and probes against white-collar crimes.
5. Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawanna Kanth and Mohana Singh Jitarwal, who recently received the ‘Nari Shakti
Puraskar’ award, are associated with which profession?
[A] Sportspersons
[B] Fighter Pilots
[C] Army Officers
[D] Naval Captains
Answer: Fighter Pilots
On the occasion of International Women’s day, President Ram Nath Kovind recently presented the ‘Nari
Shakti Puraskar’ to IAF’s first women fighter pilots, Mohana Jitarwal, Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawana
Kanth, among the 15 total wardees.
After the Government of India decided to open fighter stream in the Air force for women on an
experimental basis, these three young women were inducted into the IAF’s fighter squadron.
They were also the first to be inducted into the squadron and conduct a solo flight in MIG-21 in the year
2018.
6. Which city was the venue of ‘Conference on Empowering Women Entrepreneurs’, organised by the MSME
Ministry?
[A] Cochin
[B] Chennai
[C] Hyderabad
[D] New Delhi
Answer: New Delhi
The three-day conference called ‘Conference on Empowering Women Entrepreneurs’ has been organised
by the Union Ministry of MSME in collaboration with various industry bodies like FICCI-flo, CII and India
SME Forum, in New Delhi.
Union MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the conference and a panel discussion on ‘Creating a

conducive business Eco System for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs’. It was participated by more
than 300 women entrepreneurs from all parts of the country.
7. Women Scientist Scheme C (KIRAN IPR) and Vigyan Jyoti are the schemes of which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[B] Ministry of Science and Technology
[C] Ministry of Human Resource Development
[D] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer: Ministry of Science and Technology
Union Minister for Science and Technology, Harsh Vardhan launched a new Helpline no 011-26565285,
which aims at assisting women students, researchers, entrepreneurs and scientists to get their queries
answered related to schemes of Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST).
Women Scientist Scheme C (KIRAN IPR) and the newly launched Vigyan Jyoti scheme are the schemes
of Ministry of Science and Technology. Under the Vigyan Jyoti scheme, selected women are assisted to
attend science camps at IITs, NITs, and other leading institutions.
8. Hans Raj Bhardwaj, who passed away recently, was a former union Minister of which portfolio?
[A] Defence
[B] Law and Justice
[C] Finance
[D] External Affairs
Answer: Law and Justice
Hans Raj Bhardwaj, who was an Indian Politician belonging to Indian National Congress, recently passed
away. He was the Union minister for Law and justice for five years the minister of state for nine years.
Hans Raj Bhardwaj introduced the concept of rural courts (Gram Nyayalayas) in India. He had also
served as the Governor of Karnataka and Kerala.
9. Who is the first Indian cricketer to play in 150 Ranji Trophy matches?
[A] Dinesh Karthik
[B] Parthiv Patel
[C] Wassim Jaffer
[D] Irfan Pathan
Answer: Wassim Jaffer
Wassim Jaffer, former India Opener is the first Indian cricketer to play in 150 Ranji Trophy matches. He
is also the highest run-scorer in the history of Ranji Trophy.
Jaffer was in news recently, as he has announced his retirement from all forms of the game. He has
totally scored 19,410 runs with an average of 50.67. In his first-class cricket career, Jaffer scored 57
centuries and 91 half-centuries with his highest score of 314.
10. Which Indian sportsperson was named the ‘Changemaker of the year’ at the Business Line Changemaker
Awards?
[A] P V Sindhu
[B] Mary Kom
[C] Dutee Chand
[D] Hima Dhas
Answer: Dutee Chand
During the Business Line Changemaker Awards 2020 at New Delhi, Indian athlete Dutee Chand was
awarded Changemaker of the year jointly with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) for bringing

extensive change in society.
Dutee Chand is India’s fastest female sprinter with the national record of 11.22 seconds in 100-m dash.
At present, she is training to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
1. “Cova Punjab” mobile app launched by the Punjab government is aimed to spread awareness on which
disease?
[A] Foot and Mouth Disease
[B] Corona virus
[C] Swine Flu
[D] Classical Swine Fever
Answer: Corona virus
The Punjab state government recently launched a mobile application called “Cova Punjab” to spread
awareness about the precautions to be taken against coronavirus.
The application has been developed by the Department of Government Reforms and Public Grievances in
association with the Health and Family Welfare Department. The mobile application has options to
check for symptoms provided by the government. The application also suggests the nearest hospital
and will spread awareness by sharing travel and preventive care advisories
2. Lt Gen KJS Dhillon has been recently appointed as the Director-General of which organisation?
[A] Intelligence Bureau
[B] Defence Intelligence Agency
[C] Central Bureau of Investigation
[D] Research and Analysis Wing
Answer: Defence Intelligence Agency
Lt Gen KJS Dhillon has been appointed as the Director-General of the tri-services organisation Defence
Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence) under the Chief of
Defence Staff.
He was a former 15 Corps Commander and with his recent appointment, he will replace Lt Gen AS Bedi.
The new role as DG, DIA will require handling the intelligence inputs from all the three services along
with various other agencies.
3. ‘Shaadi Bhagya Scheme’, which was making news recently, was a scheme of which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Odisha
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Answer: Karnataka
The state government in Karnataka recently stopped the Shaadi Bhagya Scheme that was launched by
the previous government in the state in 2013.
Under the scheme, a financial assistance of Rs 50,000 was given to Muslim brides for marriage
expenses when they submit their Aadhar and BPL cards. The previous coalition government had
allocated Rs 60 crore budget for the scheme.
4. Which country recently joined as the 16th member in the e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB)
Network Project of the Ministry of External Affairs of India?
[A] Senegal
[B] The Gambia

[C] Ghana
[D] Zambia
Answer: The Gambia
Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the Gambia for the participation of the country in the e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-
VBAB) Network Project of the Union External Ministry of India.
The Gambia is the 16th country to participate in the e-Network Project thus far. TCIL is the implementing
agency for the e-VBAB Network Project, which aims to provide tele-medicine and tele-education services
to African nations.
5. The tombs of Taramati and Premamati , which were in news recently, are located in which Indian
state/UT?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Telangana
[D] Maharashtra
Answer: Telangana
The Qutb Shahi Tombs were in news recently, as the United States Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster
announced the completion of a US-funded restoration project of the tombs of Taramati and Premamati
within the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex.
They are 17th century tombs located in Telangana’s capital city of Hyderabad. In February 2019, the
Ambassador had partnered with Aga Khan Foundation and announced a $ 103,000 grant through the
Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. In 2014, the tombs received a similar grant for mapping
and documenting the place’s structures.
6. What is the theme of International Women’s Day (8 March) 2020?
[A] Think equal, build smart, innovate for change
[B] I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights
[C] Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives
[D] Role of Women in addressing climate change
Answer: I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights
International Women’s Day is observed annually across the world on March 8. This year, the theme of
the Women’s day is ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights’.
The theme is on the lines with UN Women’s new multi-generational campaign, ‘Generation Equality’. It
marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was adopted at the
Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. The campaign theme of the day is ‘Each For Equal’.
7. Ankita Raina, who was making news recently, is associated with which sports?
[A] Badminton
[B] Tennis
[C] Squash
[D] Table-Tennis
Answer: Tennis
Ankita Raina, was seen in news as she delivered an outstanding game in the ongoing Federation Cup
Tennis tournament, which led India to progress to the World play-offs.
The Indian team created history by progressing to the play-offs for the first time ever, as it has been in
the regional group since 2016. In the ongoing Federation Cup Tennis, India registered three consecutive

wins in a row, after their first loss to China. Sania Mirza represented India in the doubles.
8. Who is the only Indian player to feature in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup team of the tournament?
[A] Harmanpreet Kaur
[B] Shafali Verma
[C] Poonam Yadav
[D] Smriti Mandana
Answer: Poonam Yadav
As per the recent announcement of the International Cricket Council, Indian bowler Poonam Yadav is the
only Indian player to feature in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup team of the tournament.
Poonam Yadav secured ten wickets in the tournament, including four wickets in the opening match of
the tournament against the host Australia. Another Teen-aged Indian player Shafali Verma has been
selected as the 12th member of the team. She scored 163 runs in the tournament and reached the top
spot in ICC T20 rankings.
9. Which state is to set up an exclusive department for Self Help Group (SHGs) called “Mission Shakti”?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Odisha
The Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik recently announced that Odisha will be the first state to
have an exclusive department for Self Help Group (SHGs) called “Mission Shakti”.
In addition to this exclusive department, the state government has also introduced an independent
Nutrition Budget focusing on the nutritional enhancement of all mothers and children of the state,
recently.
10. ‘NIGHA’, a mobile application to curb election malpractices, is an initiative of which Indian state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh government has recently launched a mobile application which aims at curbing the
malpractices occurring during the election.
Through the application, any person can file complaints about the corruption or malpractices during the
campaign in the upcoming civil polls. With the photos, audio or video files sent by the people, suitable
actions will be taken by the government.
Quiz: March 14-15, 2020
1. Which Indian public sector bank waived the minimum balance requirement for all savings bank (SB)
accounts?
[A] Punjab National Bank
[B] State Bank of India
[C] Canara Bank
[D] Union Bank of India
Answer: State Bank of India
The Largest lender of India, State Bank of India (SBI) recently announced that the penalty charges for

non-maintenance of average monthly balance (AMB) for all its savings bank accounts are to be waived.
At present, the customers shall have to maintain average monthly balance of ₹3000, ₹2000 and ₹1000 in
metro, semi urban and rural areas respectively. The Bank levies a penalty of ₹5 to ₹15 plus taxes when
average monthly balance is not maintained. Now the penalty has been waived for all its 44.51 Crore
savings bank account holders. The bank also lowered interest rate on all SB accounts to 3%.
2. World Economic Forum (WEF) released its new list of 115 Young Global Leaders. How many Indians are
included in the list?
[A] Two
[B] Five
[C] Ten
[D] Fourteen
Answer: Five
World Economic Forum (WEF) released its new list of 115 Young Global Leaders. As per the report, these
young global leaders from 52 countries under the age of forty are working in their respective fields to
change the world and are called ‘change-makers’.
Five Indians are named in the coveted list including Byju Classes’ founder Byju Raveendran, Zomato’s
co-founder Gaurav Gupta, Tara Singh Vachani (CEO of Antara Senior Living), Vinati Mutreja (Managing
Director and CEO, Vinati Organics Limited), and Swapan Mehra (CEO, IORA Ecological Solutions).
3. According to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which country
is the largest exporter of arms during the past five years?
[A] United States
[B] Russia
[C] France
[D] China
Answer: United States
According to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the largest
exporter of arms during the past five years (2015-2019) was the United States, whose exports grew by
23 per cent and share in global arms exports grew to 36 per cent. Half of US arms exports are reported
to have gone to the Middle East.
It is followed by Russia, France, Germany and China in the next places. Arms transfers from Russia,
decreased by 18 percent, largely due to a drop in sales to India. From 2015 to 2019, international arms
exports grew by 5.5 per cent from the previous 5 years.
4. Which global organisation has launched the ”COVID Action Platform” to convene the business community
to support for COVID-19?
[A] World Bank
[B] World Economic Forum
[C] International Monetary Fund
[D] United Nations
Answer: World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum recently launched a new platform with the support of the World Health
Organisation (WHO) to convene the global business community for a collective support for the COVID-19
outbreak.
The newly formed platform is called ”COVID Action Platform” and is open to all businesses and industry
groups and other stakeholders including the governments around the globe. This first of its kind

platform will integrate the efforts of all the entities in tackling the outbreak together.
5. S.S.Deswal has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of which Indian para-military force?
[A] Central Reserve Police Force
[B] Central Industrial Security Force
[C] National Security Guard
[D] Border Security Force
Answer: Border Security Force
The incumbent Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police S S Deswal has been given the additional
charge of the DG Border Security Force (BSF).
This appointment has been approved after the DG BSF Vivek Johri was posted to his parent cadre
Madhya Pradesh. S S Deswal is a 1984-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre. He is set to hold the
additional charge till the appointment and joining of the successor or until further order, as per the
Ministry of Home affairs notification.
6. Which is the venue of the main national event for the sixth International Day of Yoga, 2020?
[A] Ranchi
[B] Leh
[C] New Delhi
[D] Guwahati
Answer: Leh
The main national event for the sixth International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2020 will be held on June 21 at Leh
in Ladakh. This national event is expected to be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This is the first time the event is taking place in such a high altitude location like Leh. Last year, the
Yoga Day event was organised in Ranchi, Jharkhand and the Prime Minister participated in the
programme. The first International Day of Yoga was observed all over the world on June 21, 2015.
7. The Parliament of which country passed a bill to allow the President to contest in Presidential elections
after 2024?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Russia
[D] China
Answer: Russia
The Federation Council, the Upper House of the Russian parliament approved the presidential bill on
amending the national Constitution, after the Lower house passed it.
The bill changes the powers of the parliament and allows President Vladimir Putin to run for the
presidency again in 2024, which may extend his rule to two more terms. The bill will be considered after
two-thirds of the regional parliaments back it and after the all-Russia vote. The bill also seeks to give
additional powers to the President to fire judges in the country’s higher courts and to reject laws passed
by Parliament.
8. Which Indian cueist was the runner-up of the National 6-Red Snooker Championship, at which Pankaj
Advani won his 34th national title?
[A] Ishpreet Singh
[B] Aditya Mehta
[C] Yasin Merchant
[D] Lucky Vatnani

Answer: Ishpreet Singh
Veteran Indian cueist Pankaj Advani clinched the National 6-Red Snooker Championship with a 7-3 win
over Ishpreet Singh. It is the 34th national title overall for Advani.
The National 6-Red Snooker Championship was held at Ahmedabad, Gujarat. In the summit clash, Pankaj
trailed 1-3 in the beginning but defeated the young cueist Ishpreet Singh of Maharashtra to claim his
34th title.
9. World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 as a pandemic. Which disease was previously
declared as pandemic by WHO?
[A] H1N1 influenza
[B] HIV
[C] Swine Flu
[D] Spanish Flu
Answer: H1N1 influenza
World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 as a pandemic. The last time the WHO declared a
pandemic was for the H1N1 influenza outbreak in 2009.
Pandemic is the term when epidemics are growing in multiple countries and continents at the same
time, whereas an endemic describes the outbreak that has grown out of control yet is limited to just one
country or location.
10. World Bank signed an $80 million loan agreement with which Indian state to increase agricultural
productivity in its Gram Panchayats?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Himachal Pradesh
The Government of India, state government of Himachal Pradesh and the World Bank recently signed an
$80 million loan agreement to improve water management practices and increase agricultural
productivity in certain Gram Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh.
‘The Integrated project for source sustainability and climate resilient rain-Fed Agriculture’ project in
Himachal Pradesh will be implemented in 428 Gram Panchayats, which is expected to benefit over 4 lakh
smallholder farmers.


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