Current Affairs March, 2020

For Internal Circulation only March 2020
Current
MARCH 2020
Affairs
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. National Affairs
2. International Affairs
3. Important Amendments & Bills
4. Recent Judgements
5. Bare Act in News
6. Economy
7. Science & Technology
8. Defence
9. Awards & Honors
10. Summits and Conferences
11. Persons in News & Appointments
12. Reports and Indices
13. Books and Authors
14. Important Days
15. Sports
National:
1. COVID-19 in India: number of cases cross the 1,000 mark by end-March
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new type of
virus. As of March 31, 2020, there were more than a thousand confirmed cases in India.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new type of
virus. The disease originated in Wuhan, China and has since spread globally. On March
11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 to be a global
pandemic. The first confirmed case in India was on January 30, 2020.2 Since then, there
has been a consistent rise in the number of cases within the country. As of March 31,
2020, there were 1,397 confirmed cases in India.
2. 21-day lockdown announced by the central government to contain COVID-19
The lockdown is effective from March 25, 2020. During this period, all establishments,
other than those selling or producing essential goods, providing essential services, and
discharging certain state functions, have been closed. To contain the spread of COVID-
19, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) directed the central and state
governments, as well as various State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to take
measures to ensure social distancing for 21 days (with effect from March 25, 2020). These
measures were issued under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The
Act sets up the NDMA and SMDAs and provides certain powers to these authorities for
the effective management of disasters. During the lockdown, all establishments, other
than those selling or producing essential goods or providing essential services, and
activities related to agricultural operations have been closed. Essential goods include
items such as food, medicine, and electricity. Essential services include banking services,
telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. Transportation of all goods (whether essential
or non-essential) will continue to remain functional. Further, certain bodies, such as the
district administration, police, and defence services will continue to operate.
3. Government announces COVID-19 related relief under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana
Union Finance Minister announces measures include insurance cover of 50 lakh rupees
for health workers, 5 kg of wheat or rice and 1 kg of pulses to poor families, and increase
in MNREGA wages. 1.7 lakh crore rupees has been announced for the relief package.
Key features of the package under the scheme are:
 Insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for public health workers (such as doctors, nurses,
paramedics and ASHA workers) who are treating patients of COVID-19. The scheme
will cover all health workers working in government health centres, wellness centres,
and hospitals of the centre and states. As per the press release, nearly 22 lakh health
workers would be covered under this scheme. The insurance cover will be over and
above any other insurance cover being availed by the beneficiary.
 Five kilograms of wheat or rice and one kilogram of preferred pulses will be provided
for free every month to poor families for the next three months. This will be over and
above the current entitlements under the National Food Security Act. As per the press
release, 80 crore individuals will be covered under this scheme.
 20.4 crore women account holders under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana will get
Rs 500 per month for next three months. Further, eight crore poor families will be
given three gas cylinders free of cost over the next three months.
 The first instalment of Rs 2,000 due in 2020-21 under the PM-KISAN Yojana will be
advanced and paid in April, 2020.
 Central government will pay 24% of monthly wage for the next three months into the
Provident Fund accounts for certain wage-earners. These will be done for people
earning below Rs 15,000 per month in businesses having less than 100 workers.
 Wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
will be increased from Rs 182 to Rs 202 per day.
 Centre will direct state governments to utilise the funds available under District
Mineral Fund for medical testing, screening and other requirements for treatment and
prevention of spread of COVID-19. Further, states will also be directed to utilise funds
under the Building and other Construction
4. Ordinance issued to extend time limits for various compliances under taxation
laws
The Ordinance provides relaxations, such as extension of time limit and waiver of penalty,
in view of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. It also makes donations to the PM
CARES Fund eligible for 100% tax deduction. These include the Income Tax Act, 1961
(IT Act), some Finance Acts, and the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act,
1988. The
Ordinance provides these relaxations in view of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic
in India.
5. RBI cuts rates, injects liquidity, provides relief for borrowers
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced several measures to address the stress in
financial conditions caused by COVID-19. These include: (i) cutting policy rates, (ii)
expanding liquidity in the market to ensure that financial markets and institutions are able
to function normally, and (iii) relief to borrowers in repayment of loans. RBI cut repo rate
to 4.4%, CRR to 3% and MSF to 4.65%. It increased the amount available under MSF to
3% of NDTL. It also permitted banks and NBFCs to give moratorium on interest and
principal payments.
6. Budget session of Parliament ends; Parliament passes 12 Bills in the session
The budget session of Parliament was held from January 31, 2020 to March 23, 2020,
with a recess from February 12 to March 1, 2020.The session was scheduled to end on
April 3, 2020. However, considering the public health emergency situation due to the
Coronavirus outbreak, Parliament adjourned sine die on March 23, 2020.
19 Bills were introduced during the session. These included the Banking Regulation
(Amendment) Bill, 2020, the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020, the Medical
Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020, and the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill,
2020. Bills that were passed include the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second
Amendment) Bill, 2020, the Minerals Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020, and the Direct Tax
Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020. Bills passed by Parliament include the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020, the Minerals Laws (Amendment)
Bill, 2020, and the Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020.
7. Domestic and international travel banned; issue of visas suspended
The Director General of Civil Aviation has banned all passenger domestic air travel within
the country from March 24 till April 14, 2020. All international commercial passenger
travel to and from the country has been banned till 6:30 pm on April 14, 2020 (cargo and
certain other flights, as specified by DGCA are exempted).All existing visas issued to
nationals of any country except those issued to diplomats, officials, UN/international
organisations, employment and project visas are suspended from March 13 till April 15,
2020.
DGCA had also issued several travel and visa restrictions prior to the complete travel ban.
These include requiring a minimum of 14 days’ quarantine for persons travelling to India
from China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Japan, France, Germany, Spain, UAE, Qatar, Oman
and Kuwait. Those who travelled to EU countries, European Free Trade Association,
Turkey, UK, Afghanistan, Philippines, and Malaysia post February 15, 2020 were not
allowed to travel to India from March 18, 2020 onwards.
8. Empowered Groups constituted on COVID-19
The Ministry of Home Affairs constituted Empowered Groups of Officers on taking
response measures on the COVID-19 pandemic. The Groups have been empowered to
delineate policies, formulate plans, and strategize operations for dealing with COVID-19,
and take steps for their implementation.
9. Advisory to curb misinformation on COVID-19 on social media platforms
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an advisory to all social
media platforms to curb misinformation on COVID-19 on their platforms. Social media
platforms are intermediaries under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Under the
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011, such intermediaries are
required to inform their users not to deal with information that may affect public order
and is unlawful in any way. The advisory urges the platforms to:
 Initiate awareness campaign for the users not to upload/circulate any false
information that may create panic among the public,
 Take immediate action to disable/remove such content on a priority basis, and
 Promote the dissemination of authentic information as far as possible.
10. Minimum threshold for initiating insolvency resolution process increased
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) provides a time-bound process to
resolve insolvency among companies. The Code allows the creditors of the company to
initiate an insolvency resolution process, if the amount of default by the debtor company
is at least one lakh rupees. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has increased this threshold
from one lakh rupees to one crore rupees. This has been done to tackle the emerging
financial distress faced by most companies on account of the large-scale economic
distress caused by COVID 19.
11.Census and NPR postponed till further orders
In December 2019, the Union Cabinet had approved proposals to: (i) conduct the Census
of India 2021 throughout the country, and (ii) update the National Population Register
(NPR) in all parts of the country, except the state of Assam. The Census was to be
conducted in two phases: (i) a house listing and housing census between April and
September 2020, and (ii) population enumeration in February 2021. The NPR was to be
updated along with the house listing and housing census (except in Assam). The NPR is
a register of the usual residents in the country. Usual residents refer to those who have
either resided in a local area for the past six months or more, or intend to reside in that
area for the next six months or more. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the census and
updation of NPR have been postponed until further orders.
12. Finance Bill passed by Parliament to provide new personal income tax rate
option
Certain deductions under the Income Tax Act cannot be claimed with the new option. The
Bill also changes the definition of residence for certain NRIs, and taxes the recipient of
the dividend income, instead of the company.
13. SC strikes down RBI directive on prohibition from dealing in virtual currencies
The RBI circular (April 2018) prohibited entities regulated by it from dealing in virtual
currencies. The Court held that the RBI did not provide enough evidence that virtual
currencies have negatively impacted the banking system.
14. Draft Environment Impact Assessment notification, 2020 released
The draft notification exempts certain projects from public consultation. These include
all building and construction projects, inland waterways, expansion or widening of
national highways, and modernisation of irrigation projects. The Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change categorised all projects or activities related to
manufacture of bulk drugs and intermediates for addressing ailments such as COVID-19
and those with similar symptoms, to ‘B2’ category. ‘B2’ category projects do not require
an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Therefore, these projects will be exempted
from the requirement of an EIA. This measure will be in place till September 30, 2020.
Further, the Ministry has also ordered for expeditiously granting environmental
clearances to projects related to active pharmaceutical ingredients and bulk drug
intermediates.
The Ministry also extended the validity of prior issued environmental clearances for all
projects and activities which are expiring between March 15, 2020 and April 30, 2020,
till June 30, 2020.
15. Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 extended up to March 2021

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced an extension of the Foreign Trade
Policy, applicable for the period 2015-20, by one year, i.e., up to March 31, 2021. The
extension has been announced to provide continuity in the policy regime, given the
current situation due to the coronavirus pandemic. Following are some of the key features
of the Policy:
 All export promotion schemes, except the Service Exports from India Scheme
(SEIS) will be available till March 31, 2021. The decision on continuation of SEIS
will be notified later.
 Exemption from payment of GST and compensation cess on certain imports will
continue during this period.
16. Current Account Deficit at 0.2% of GDP during the third quarter of 2019-20
India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) in the third quarter (October – December) of
2019-20 reduced to USD 1.4 billion (0.2% of Gross Domestic Product) from USD 17.7
billion (2.7% of GDP) in the corresponding quarter of 2018-19. The CAD in the previous
quarter, i.e., the second quarter (July – September) of 2019-20 was USD 6.5 billion (0.9%
of GDP). The year-on-year decrease in CAD was primarily due to a lower trade deficit
(the difference between a country’s exports and imports) of USD 34.6 billion in the third
quarter of 2019- 20. Foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 21.6 billion in the third
quarter of 2019-20, as compared to a depletion of USD 4.3 billion in the third quarter of
2018-19.
17. Finance Bill, 2020 passed by Parliament
The Finance Bill, 2020 was passed by both Houses of Parliament on March 23, 2020.The
Bill seeks to give effect to the government’s financial proposals for the year 2020-21. At
the stage of passage in Lok Sabha, the government moved amendments to certain
provisions of the Bill. Key features of the Finance Act, 2020 are:
New personal income tax Previous tax rate New tax rate
rates Income
Upto Rs 5 lakh Nil Nil
Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh 20% 10%
Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh 20% 15%
Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12.5 lakh 30% 20%
Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh 30% 25%
Above Rs 15 lakh 30% 30%
Change in income tax rates: The income tax rates have been changed as shown in Table.
The new personal tax rates are optional and may only be availed if a person satisfies
certain conditions, such as if he does not claim certain deductions, including standard
deductions, interest payment on housing loan, and deductions under Chapter VI-A. Once
the new tax rate option is exercised by a person, it will be applicable for all subsequent
years.
Residence in India: The Income Tax Act, 1961 specifies the criteria for determining the
resident status of an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin, based on which their
income is taxed in India. Such a person was considered a resident if he was in India for
182 days or more in a year. For persons, who were in India for a total of 365 days in the
four years preceding that year, the Finance Act reduces the minimum requirement from
182 days to 120 days. Further, the lower limit of 120 days is only applicable to persons
having income of more than Rs 15 lakh (excluding the income from foreign sources).
However, the Finance Act provides that any Indian citizen, with an income of more than
Rs 15 lakh (excluding the income from foreign sources), will be considered as a resident
of India, if he is not liable to tax in any other country or territory by reason of his domicile
or residence. These provisions will be effective from the assessment year 2021-22 (i.e.
FY 2020-21).
Dividend distribution tax: Under the Income Tax Act, companies had to pay a tax of
15% on dividends distributed by it to shareholders. The Finance Act removes this with
effect from April 2020, and provides that the dividend income will be taxable in the hands
of the recipient.
Tax on foreign remittances: The Finance Act provides that all remittances made outside
India in excess of seven lakh rupees, under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme of RBI,
will be taxable at a 5% rate. However, if the remittance is in the form of an educational
loan, the tax rate will be 0.5%. This will be effective from October 1, 2020.
18. 5th Finance Commission constitutes a Committee to review fiscal consolidation
The 15th Finance Commission (Chair: Mr. N. K. Singh) constituted a Committee to
review the fiscal consolidation roadmap for the general government (i.e. central and state
governments). Fiscal consolidation refers to the policies aimed at reducing the
government’s deficits and debt. The Terms of Reference of the Committee are:
 Recommending the definition of deficit and debt for the centre, overall states,
general government, and public sector enterprises (for this purpose, the Committee
needs to take into account all explicit and measurable liabilities, and ensure
consistency between the definition of debt and deficit),
 Laying down the principles for arriving at the debt of the general government and
the consolidated public sector with appropriate netting to avoid double-counting,
 Defining contingent liabilities, providing a quantifiable measure of such liabilities

(wherever possible), and specifying the conditions under which contingent
liabilities will become explicit liabilities,
 Reviewing the current status of deficit and debt at different levels based on these
definitions, and
 Recommending the fiscal consolidation roadmap for the centre, states, and general
government for the period 2021-26, and building up scenarios for public sector
enterprises, based on the findings.
The Committee consists of: (i) Mr. N. K. Singh as its Chairman, (ii) Dr. Anoop Singh and
Mr. A. N. Jha, 15th Finance Commission members, (iii) one representative each of the
Controller General of Accounts and the CAG, (iv) Joint Secretary (Budget), Ministry of
Finance, (v) Additional Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu, (vi) Principal Secretary, Punjab,
and (vii) two external experts, Dr. Sajjid Z Chinoy and Dr. Prachi Mishra.
19. Cabinet approves consolidation of 10 public sector banks
The Union Cabinet has approved the consolidation of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into
four PSBs. The amalgamation will be effective from April 1, 2020. This measure was
announced by the Finance Minister in August 2019 to help achieve scale and higher
capacity for PSBs. The banks to be merged are:
 Oriental Bank of Commerce and Union Bank of India to be merged into Punjab
National Bank;
 Syndicate Bank to be merged into Canara Bank;
 Allahabad Bank to be merged into Indian Bank; and
 Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank to be merged into Union Bank of India.
20. Supreme Court strikes down RBI circular regulating virtual currencies
The Supreme Court struck down a circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in
April 2018 with respect to virtual currencies on the grounds of proportionality. The
circular prohibited entities regulated by the RBI from dealing in virtual currencies or
providing services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with virtual currencies.
A virtual currency is a digital representation of value, which can be used as a medium of
exchange, a store of value or a unit of account. It usually does not have the status of a
legal tender. A legal tender is guaranteed by the central government and all parties are
legally bound to accept it as a mode of payment.
The Court held that anything which may pose a threat to the financial system of the
country falls within the purview of regulatory powers of the RBI. This is irrespective of
whether the activity forms part of the credit or payment system.
However, it held that the availability of power is different from the manner and extent to
which it can be exercised. The Court held that the RBI did not provide any evidence that
virtual currencies have negatively impacted the entities regulated by it. Further, it noted
that the Inter-Ministerial Committee, constituted in November 2017, was of the opinion
that a ban might be an extreme tool and would not be achievable through regulatory
measures.
Considering these, the Court held that the RBI’s action of prohibiting entities regulated
by it from dealing in virtual currencies was not proportional and the above directive
should be set aside.
21. Cabinet approves recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the continuation of Scheme for
recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) for the year 2020-21. RRBs primarily
cater to the credit and banking requirements of enterprises operating in the rural sector.
In 2011, a Scheme for Recapitalisation of RRBs was approved by the Cabinet and an
amount of Rs 2,900 crore was allocated for it till 2019-20. The Scheme is aimed at
improving the Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of RRBs. CRAR measures
the bank’s total available capital as a percentage of its total assets. RBI has prescribed a
minimum CRAR of 9% to be maintained by all banks on an ongoing basis.
Recapitalisation will be done for those RRBs which have been unable to maintain this
required CRAR of 9%. An amount of Rs 670 crore has been approved for this purpose by
the central government. This will be released upon release of an equal instalment by the
sponsor banks. A sponsor bank is a scheduled commercial bank which shares ownership
of the RRB.
22. Draft Rules on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) released
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs released the Companies (Corporate Social
Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2020 for public comments. These rules amend
a set of 2014 Rules, issued under the Companies Act, 2013. Under the Act, certain
companies are required to spend 2% of their average net profits in the last three financial
years, towards their CSR policy. Key features of the draft Rules include:
 Definition of CSR: The 2014 Rules define CSR to mean projects in relation to
activities undertaken under Schedule 7 of the Act (e.g., PM Relief Fund). The draft
Rules exclude activities which significantly benefit the employees of the company
and their families from the ambit of permitted CSR activities. However, activities
involving up to 25% of the employees of the company as its beneficiaries would be
eligible for CSR.
 CSR implementation: Under the 2014 Rules, a company may carry out CSR
activities: (i) on its own, (ii) through a charitable company (registered under the
Act), registered trust, or registered society established by the company, or (iii)
through a charitable company, registered trust, or registered society set up by the
government or through statute. If the Board decides to use any other charitable
company, registered trust or registered society, such entity must have a three-year
track record in undertaking such CSR projects. The Draft Rules replace the
provision to state that the Company may only carry out CSR activities by itself,
through a registered charitable company, or through an entity established by statute.
These provisions will not apply to CSR projects which were approved prior to the
commencement of the proposed draft Rules.
 Monitoring by the Board: The Draft Rules add a new rule requiring the Board of
the Company to ensure that funds disbursed under CSR activities are utilised as per
approved plans. It must also ensure that ongoing CSR projects are implemented
within three years.
 CSR expenditure: The 2014 Rules specify that any surplus generated by a
company through its CSR activities will not be considered as business profit. The
Draft Rules add that any surplus generated from the CSR project must either be put
back into the same project or transferred to the Unspent CSR Account.
Note that by a separate notification, the government has expanded the list of activities in
Schedule 7 to include expenditure on activities related to COVID-19 (including on
promotion of healthcare and disaster management). This includes contributions to the
newly set up Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in emergency Situations
Fund. Comments on the draft Rules are invited till April 10, 2020.
23. NCLAT bench constituted in Chennai
Under the Companies Act, 2013, National Company Law Tribunals (NCLTs) have the
power to hear any disputes involving companies, and to decide other matters, such as
winding up petitions. They also hear matters under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,
2016. An appeal from the order of the NCLT can be made to the National Company Law
Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
The central government has notified the constitution of a bench of the NCLAT at Chennai.
The bench will hear appeals from the orders of the NCLTs which has jurisdiction over
the territories of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Appeals from other NCLTs will continue to be heard by
principal bench of the NCLAT located in Delhi.
24. High level Committee constituted to prepare an investigation manual for the
Serious Fraud Investigation Office
A committee has been constituted to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure
investigation manual for the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). The SFIO is a
multi-disciplinary organisation constituted under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to
investigate white collar crimes. Among other things, the Committee will prepare a manual
detailing the procedure and methodologies to be followed by investigating officers. It will
also develop a detailed analysis of issues with respect to corporate frauds and suggest
effective ways to tackle these challenges.
The Committee will be chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and will
include the following members: (i) Mr. Sanjay Shorey, Director (Legal and Prosecution),
Ministry of Corporate Affairs), (ii) Mr. Balwinder Singh, Special Director, Central
Bureau of Investigation (Retired), and (iii) three senior advocates and representatives
from two law universities. The Committee is required to submit the manual within forty-
five of its first meeting.
25. Standing Committee submits report on the Constitution (One Hundred and
Twenty-fifth Amendment) Bill, 2019
The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (Chair: Mr. Anand Sharma) submitted its
report on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Amendment Bill, 2019. The
Bill amends provisions related to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Sixth
Schedule relates to the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya,
Tripura and Mizoram. Key recommendations and observations include:
 Membership: The Sixth Schedule provides a list of ten tribal areas in Assam (3),
Meghalaya (3), Tripura (1) and Mizoram (3). Each of these tribal areas constitutes
an autonomous district. Each autonomous district has an Autonomous District
Council (ADC). As per the Sixth Schedule, each ADC must have at least 30
members. The Bill enhances the membership of all the ADCs, except the Bodoland
Territorial Council in Assam. For example, it increases the membership of the
Karbi Anglong District Council in Assam from 30 to 50.
 For Assam, Mizoram and Tripura, the Committee noted that the increase is not
based on any objective criteria, such as population or area. The Committee noted
that the increase or decrease in the membership to the Councils should be based on
some rational criteria.
 Village and Municipal Councils: The Sixth Schedule states that that the Governor
may divide an autonomous district into autonomous regions, each consisting of a
Regional Council. The administration of such districts and regions will be carried
out by District and Regional Councils, respectively. The Bill amends this to
additionally provide for Village Councils (for rural areas) and Municipal Councils
(for urban areas).
 Further, the District Councils may make laws on various issues, including: (i)
number of Village and Municipal Councils to be formed, and their composition,
and (ii) their powers and functions. These provisions will not apply to Meghalaya.
The Committee noted that this goes against basic democratic principles and
recommended a time limit within which this exemption would be removed for
Meghalaya.
 The Bill also states that all elections to the District, Regional, Village, and
Municipal Councils will be conducted by the State Election Commission. These
provisions will not apply for Village or Municipal Councils in Meghalaya, unless
approved by the Governor. The Committee noted the explanation by the
government of Meghalaya that elections to the Village Councils are not through
adult suffrage. It noted that this goes against basic democratic principles and
recommended insertion of a time limit within which this exemption would be

removed for Meghalaya.
26. 37 central laws made applicable to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
The Ministry of Home Affairs notified the application of 37 central laws (with certain
modifications) to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. These include the: (i) Civil
Procedure Code, 1908, (ii) Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, (iii) Income Tax Act, 1961,
(iv) Indian Penal Code, 1860, (v) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016, (vi) Prevention
of Corruption Act, 1988, and (vii) Representation of People Act, 1950.
The Order was notified under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 which
bifurcated the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into the union territories of Jammu and
Kashmir, and Ladakh.
27. Defence Ministry releases Draft Defence Procurement Procedure 2020
The Ministry of Defence released the Draft Defence Procurement Procedure, 2020 (Draft
DPP, 2020). The DPP governs the purchase of weapons and equipment for India's defence
forces. The draft DPP revises the DPP-2016 with the aim of increasing indigenous
manufacturing and reducing timelines for procurement of defence equipment. Key
features of the revised DPP, along with some of the major changes proposed include:
 Leasing: The DPP 2016 specified two modes of capital acquisition: (i) buy, and
(ii) buy and make. The revised DPP has introduced ‘leasing’ as a new mode of
acquisition. Leasing substitutes initial capital outlays with periodical rental
payments. This is preferred in some situations such as where: (i) procurement is
not feasible within time, or (ii) the asset is required only for a specific time.
 Enhancement of Indigenous Content (IC): The DPP-2016 specified five
categories of capital acquisition for the above two modes. The five categories are:
(i) Buy (Indian-IDDM), (ii) Buy (Indian), (iii) Buy and Make (Indian), (iv) Buy
and Make, and (v) Buy (Global). The revised DPP adds a sixth category as Buy
(Global-Manufacture in India). Further, it has enhanced the IC requirement in
various categories of procurement.
 Product support: The revised DPP states that the original equipment manufacturer
also needs to specify long term product support through: (i) Performance based
logistics (optimising support while minimising cost), (ii) comprehensive
maintenance contract (onsite maintenance services including spare and labour
costs), in its request for proposal.
28. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Rules, 2020 notified
The Ministry of Women and Child Development notified the Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences Rules, 2020. The Rules were notified under the Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. The Act protects children from offences such as sexual
assault, and pornography. Key features of the Rules include:
 Definitions: The Rules define the certain terms such as expert, and special
educator. Expert refers to a person trained in mental health, medicine, child
development, or other relevant discipline, who can facilitate communication with
a child who is unable to communicate due to trauma, disability, or other
vulnerability. Special educator refers to a person trained in communication with
children with disabilities such as learning or physical disabilities.
 Role of police: Under the Rules, if a police officer receives information of the
commission of an offence under the Act against a child, the officer must: (i) file a
First Information Report, (ii) arrange medical care for the child, if necessary, (iii)
arrange for a medical examination, (iv) ensure samples are sent for forensic testing,
and (v) ensure that the child or their parent/guardian has access to counselling and
legal aid.
 Compensation: The Act provides for Special Courts to hear cases related to sexual
offences against children. The Rules provide that such a Court may recommend a
compensation award for the child in cases where the accused is convicted, or
acquitted, and the child has suffered loss or injury as a result of the offence. While
determining the compensation, the Court must consider certain factors such as the
type of abuse suffered, and the expenditure incurred or likely to be incurred on
medical treatment for the child. The compensation will be paid by the state
government within 30 days of receipt of such award.
 Commission for the Protection of Child Rights: The Rules specify additional
functions of the National and State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights.
The rules include monitoring the: (i) training of police personnel, and (ii)
designation of Special Courts.
 Entitlements of the child: A child who has suffered sexual abuse is entitled to
certain information and services including: (i) security and protection by police, (ii)
free medical examination, and (iii) continuation of education.
30. Standing Committee Report on issues related to safety of women submitted
The Standing Committee on Human Resource Development submitted its report on issues
related to safety of women. Key recommendations of the Committee include:
 Strengthening of legislation: The Committee observed that a number of laws have
been framed for the welfare of women. In spite of the legislative framework in
place, women continue to face inequality, discrimination and violence. The
Committee recommended that laws to protect women should be strictly
implemented. Some ways in which implementation of laws can be improved
include: (i) filing of charge sheets within 30 days, (ii) denial of bail to accused, and
(iii) trial of pending cases within six months.
 Representation of women: The Committee observed that crimes against women
are due to their lack of representation in decision-making positions. It
recommended 33% reservation for women at all levels of government.
 Fast Track Courts: The Committee observed the importance of the timely
delivery of justice in reducing crimes against women. It noted that states such as
Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal have not given confirmation for setting up
Fast Track Courts. The Committee recommended that the Department of Justice
should ensure that 1,800 Fast Track Courts become operational at the earliest.
Further, there should be a balanced distribution of Courts across states.
 Human Trafficking: The Committee observed that there is no comprehensive law
for the prevention of human trafficking. It recommended that a National Anti-
Trafficking Bureau should be established. It should be composed of police, NGOs,
and other stakeholders. It should have the power to investigate intra-state
trafficking cases, and coordinate anti-trafficking efforts with international bodies.
Further, an Anti-Trafficking Relief and Rehabilitation Committee should be
constituted for providing relief and rehabilitation to the victims of trafficking.
 Nirbhaya Fund: The Committee observed that the total amount under the
Nirbhaya Fund is Rs 7,436 crore for 32 projects and schemes across India.
However, only Rs 2,647 has been disbursed to the concerned bodies for
implementation of the projects and schemes. It recommended that the projects and
schemes should be implemented in a timely manner and funds should be utilised
effectively. Further, projects and schemes under the fund should be overseen by a
Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
31. Report on the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indian Bill, 2019
submitted
The Standing Committee on External Affairs submitted its report on the Registration of
Marriage of Non-Resident Indian Bill, 2019. The Bill seeks to provide for the registration
of marriage of non-resident Indians. Key recommendations of the Committee include:
 Definitions: The Bill defines Non-Resident Indian (NRI) as a citizen of India who
resides out of India. The Committee observed that the definition was vague and
general. It recommended that NRI should be defined as a citizen of India who
resides outside India for any purpose whatsoever, save tourism.
 Registration of marriage: The Bill seeks compulsory registration of marriage of
NRI within 30 days of marriage. The Committee noted that the objective of
mandatory registration is to confirm the travel documents and permanent
residential address of an NRI. This enables the government to serve summons upon
the NRI if necessary. However, the Committee observed that the information
sought at the time of registration is not comprehensive. It recommended that
information required should be exhaustive, incorporating details related to
passport, visa or Permanent Resident Card, and address in foreign country with
proof. The Committee, further suggested that there should be provision for
updating the information online.
 Impounding or revoking of passports: The Bill seeks to amend the Passports Act,
1967. The amendment will allow the passport authority to impound or revoke the
passport of an NRI spouse if it is brought to the attention of the authority that they
have not registered their marriage within 30 days. The Committee observed that
the direct impounding or revoking of the passport of an NRI is disproportionate,
stringent, and likely to be misused. It recommended that the authority could instead
issue a show cause notice, impose an exemplary fine, or issue a Look Out Notice
prior to impounding or revoking the passport.
 Issuing summons and warrants: The Bill seeks to amend the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 to empower Courts to issue summons and warrants through
website of the Ministry of External Affairs. If the person does not appear despite
the issuance of the warrant on website, then a declaration will be uploaded and
attachment of property will also be permitted. The Committee noted that the
provision of attachment of property after issue of proclamation is stringent and the
domain of the Court. It recommended that summons and court orders may be
submitted online. However, punitive measures should be decided by the Court on
a case to case basis.
32. Standing Committee on Information Technology submits its report on the
Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019
The Departmentally Related Standing Committee on Information Technology submitted
its report on the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019. It amends the Cinematograph
Act, 1954. The Bill prohibits a person from using a recording device to make a copy or
transmit a film, without written authorisation from the producer of the film. Persons who
make copies of a film without authorisation will be punished with imprisonment of up to
three years, or fine up to Rs 10 lakh, or both. The Committee made following observations
and recommendations:
 Need for the Bill: Piracy of films is a punishable offence under the Copyright Act,
1957. The punishment against this offence under the Copyright Act includes
imprisonment for a term between six months and three years. The Committee
observed that the proposed amendment in the Cinematograph Act may not be
required as such offences are already adequately covered in other existing laws.
Also, the Committee expressed concerns over the effective implementation of
existing provisions of the Copyright Act for tackling film piracy.
 The minimum term for imprisonment and the minimum fine: The Bill provides
for punishment with imprisonment of up to three years, or fine up to Rs 10 lakh, or
both against the specified offence. However, it does not specify either the minimum
term for imprisonment or the minimum fine. The Committee recommended that the
Bill should specify both a minimum term for punishment and the minimum fine.
 The maximum amount of fine: The Committee observed that the maximum fine
of Rs 10 lakh proposed in the Bill is insignificant and should be raised. The
Committee proposed enhancing the maximum fine to a range of 5%-10% of the
audited gross production costs of a film.
 Nature of offence: The Committee noted that the punishment for the specified
offence in the Bill does not mention the nature of the offence (as to whether it is
bailable or non-bailable). The Committee recommended that the Ministry should
consider specifying the nature of the offence in this clause to remove any
ambiguity.
 Fair use provision: Fair use permits limited use of copyrighted material without
having to first acquire permission from the copyright holder. The Committee noted
that while the Copyright Act, 1952 covers fair use, the Cinematograph Act, 1954
does not. Hence, it recommended that the Bill should have a fair use provision.
Such a provision will provide adequate safeguards to persons using short clips of
films for non-commercial purposes (e.g. for sharing on social media).
33. Standing Committee submits report on the subject ‘System of Fertilizer Subsidy’
The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (Chair: Ms. K. Kanimozhi)
submitted its report on the subject ‘System of Fertilizer Subsidy’ The central government
provides subsidy to fertilizer manufacturers and importers so that farmers can buy them
at affordable prices. Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
 Change in the subsidy policy: The Committee noted that fertilizer subsidy
resulted in a tremendous growth of agricultural productivity, which was necessary
for food security of the huge population of the country. However, it has also led to
negative effects such as over-use of fertilizers, their imbalanced use, and soil
degradation. The Committee observed that the government is studying the existing
subsidy regime and possible mechanisms which can improve the policy further. In
this context, NITI Aayog has circulated its draft report to various stakeholders.
 The Committee noted that any drastic change in the existing fertilizer subsidy
policy would have a huge bearing on the country’s food security. It recommended
that: (i) any such drastic change must be effected only after an in-depth study and
wider consultations with all stakeholders (including the concerned central and state
government departments, fertilizer industry, and farmers and their associations),
(ii) no hasty decision should be taken, (iii) interests of small and marginal farmers
should be kept in mind, and (iv) best international practices should be carefully
studied. It also recommended that education and awareness of farmers about
balanced use of fertilizers should be an integral part of the policy.
 Direct subsidy to farmers: The Committee observed that many fertilizer
manufacturing plants are operating with very old technology and systems, and not
at their highest efficiency. The government bears the cost of their inefficiency in
the form of higher subsidy. The Committee recommended that the companies
should be set free to manufacture, supply, and sell fertilizers as per their own
system. A farmer should have the choice of buying from various brands of
fertilizers, while getting the subsidy directly in his bank account. Such a system
will push manufacturers to produce and sell fertilizers in the most cost-effective
manner, and push the inefficient ones out. It also recommended that the government
should set out a clear and firm roadmap to switch to a system where farmers directly
get the subsidy and the manufacturing and importing of fertilizers is set free to the
market forces.
34. Cabinet approves the Minimum Support Price for copra for the 2020 season
The Union Cabinet approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2020
season.119 The MSP for milling copra has been increased by 4.6%, from Rs 9,521 per
quintal to Rs 9,960 per quintal. The MSP for ball copra has been increased by 3.8%, from
Rs 9,920 per quintal to Rs 10,300 per quintal.
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and National
Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF) will continue to be the
central nodal agencies responsible for procurement of copra in the coconut growing states.
35. Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II extended upto March 2021
Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II has been extended up to March 31, 2021. The scheme was
launched in December 2018.As per the original timeline, the scheme was valid until
December 2019.
The scheme provides for the installation of solar street lighting systems in specified areas.
Under the scheme, 75% of the cost is borne by the central government and the balance
25% is provided through the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Fund
(MPLAD). Under the Phase-II of the scheme, a total of 3.04 lakh solar street lights are to
be installed.
36. India plans to launch Chandrayaan-3 by first half of 2021
According to the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, a
possible schedule for the launch of Chandrayaan-3 is planned to be implemented in the
first half of 2021. The preparation of Chandrayaan-3 has been done by taking lessons
from the previously launched Chandrayaan-2, a Moon mission which was launched in
2019, in which the Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Vikram Lander lost
contact following a hard landing on the Moon’s surface. Chandrayaan-3 will be designed
to increase design, capacity with a cost of around Rs 610 crore, including Rs 360 crore
for the launch rocket. ISRO also decided to launch in the same area where Chandrayaan-2
launched, and would have a lander, rover and propulsion module like its predecessor.
Jitendra Singh also mentioned India’s manned space mission Gaganyaan project, where
4 biological and 2 physical science experiments related to microgravity have been done.
Schemes & Committees:
 Poshan Abhiyaan: The Central Government is implementing the flagship programme
Poshan Abhiyan for improving the nutritional status of Indian citizens. This
programme helps children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers by
leveraging technology.
 Kisan Rail: The Union Government of India has constituted a committee to decide
modalities of Kisan Rail. This committee has been formed under the Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare along with representatives of the Indian Railways.
“Kisan Rail” is planned to be set up through the public-private-partnership (PPP) mode
and will facilitate a cold supply chain to transport the perishable goods. It was
proposed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget speech of
2020-21 to set up a seamless National Cold Supply Chain for perishables like fish,
milk and meat.
 Kaushal Satrang, Yuva Hub & Apprenticeship Schemes: Uttar Pradesh government
has launched three ambitious schemes for skill development and employment
generation for youths in the state. The three schemes are Kaushal Satrang, Yuva Hub
and apprenticeship scheme in Lucknow. UP government also announced to depute
“Arogya Mitras” at all primary health centres to inform people about govt health
schemes.
 CMSAT & CMAT: Manipur has announced schemes namely ‘Chief Minister’s
Akhannaba Sanaroising gi Tengbang (CMAST)’ and Chief Minister Artist Sing gi
Tengbang (CMAT)’ scheme for the welfare of sportspersons and artists of the State.
 Student Health Card: A “Student Health Card” scheme has been launched in the Union
Territory Jammu and Kashmir to check the malnutrition in school going children.
 TEAM-11: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has set up “Team-11” comprising of
as many inter-departmental committees to fight the coronavirus spread.
 Companies Fresh Start Scheme, 2020: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has
introduced the “Companies Fresh Start Scheme, 2020”. The new scheme has been
introduced to provide relief to law abiding companies and the Limited Liability
Partnerships (LLPs) amid COVID-19 pandemic. MCA has also revised “LLP
Settlement Scheme, 2020”
From the States:

 The celebration of festival “Chapchar Kut”, the biggest and the most joyful spring
festival of Mizos has commenced in the state of Mizoram.
 ‘Namaste Orchha’ festival begins in Orchha, a town in Niwari district of Madhya
Pradesh.
 The state government of Uttarakhand has announced that “Gairsain” will be the
summer capital of Uttarakhand.
 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated and laid foundation stones
for 23 development projects worth Rs 2,821 crore at Gautam Buddh Nagar in Noida.
 The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly went paperless with the implementation of e-
Vidhan, a project under the Digital India programme.
 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has launched “Suposhit Maa Abhiyan” in his
constituency Kota, Rajasthan. It aims to provide nutritional support to pregnant
women and adolescent girls.
 Chilli Festival begins at Kasrawad in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh.
 Antar Rashtriya Yog Mahotsav has been inaugurated in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand by
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
 The government of India has declared the National Chambal Sanctuary in Madhya
Pradesh as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).
 Chief Secretary of Punjab, Karan Avtar Singh has launched a mobile application,
COVA Punjab. COVA stands for Corona Virus Alert. This app has been developed by
the Department of Government Reforms and Public Grievances in consultation with

the Health and Family Welfare Department to spread awareness by sharing various
travel and preventive care advisories.
 An exclusive department for Self Help Group (SHGs) called “Mission Shakti” will be
openend in Odisha. With this, Odisha will become the first state to have such kind of
department. It aims for the development of women & is dedicated to all the women of
Odisha.
 University of Ranchi has launched its own Community Radio Station named as
RADIO KHANCHI 90.4 FM Aap Sabka Radio. The radio was launched on the
occassion of International Women’s Day and would provide help to university
students which is spread over a campus of more than 15 kms.
 The traditional ‘Fagli’ festival was celebrated in Yangpa village of Kinnaur district,
Himachal Pradesh to observe the “victory of good over evil”.
 The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched
‘NIGHA’ app to ensure ‘clean and healthy’ elections. This would be done by curbing
the use of money and alcohol in the upcoming local body elections.
 Kamal Nath has resigned as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
 The Kerala government has launched a mass handwashing campaign named ‘break
the chain’ to combat coronavirus.
 Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya has launched ‘Ropax’
passenger ferry service between Mumbai and Mandwa, Maharashtra.
 The traditional harvest festival “Phool Dei” which is celebrated on the first day of
Chaitra or in mid-March (according to Gregorian calendar), was celebrated in
Uttarakhand.
 Uttarakhand government has abolished reservation in promotion in the state
government jobs.
 The state government of Punjab has imposed a curfew across the state with no
relaxations. The Punjab government has taken this decision to stop the spread of
coronavirus. With this, Punjab has become the first state in India to impose a curfew
across the state.
 Shivraj Singh Chouhan was sworn in as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. He took
oath for the fourth time as Chief Minister. He was sworn in by Governor Lalji Tandon
at Raj Bhawan in Bhopal.
 The Gujarat Police is now equipped with taser guns as a part of their modernization
drive to ensure public safety and security. By introducing the taser guns as part of
police weapons, Gujarat becomes the first state in India.
 Telugu New Year day ‘Ugadi’ being celebrated today. The festival is being celebrated
across the two Telugu states, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to mark the beginning of
the Hindu Lunar calendar.
 Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched Mo Jeeban programme in Odisha.
The “Mo Jeeban” programme was launched for the containment of COVID-19
pandemic.
 India’s cleanest city, Indore has deployed drones to sanitize city areas against the
coronavirus scare. Indore becomes the 1st city in India to use drones to sanitize the
city. The Indore Municipal Corporation has hired two drones for that purpose.
 Odisha government has planned to set up two of the largest Covid-19 hospitals which
will have a combined capacity of 1,000 beds and will be functional within a fortnight.
With this, Odisha will be the first state in the country to set up such a large-scale
hospital exclusively to treat Covid-19 patients.
 The Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Government Hospital in Jaipur is conducting the series
of trials on a humanoid robot to provide services to the COVID-19 patients. It is aimed
to keep the doctors and nursing staff at a safe distance to protect them against the
dreaded coronavirus. It has been designed with a tray that can be used for carrying
medicines, food and other objects to the assigned patients.
 Goa becomes the first Indian state to launch a self-assessment tool for COVID-19. The
self-assessment tool called Test Yourself Goa. This tool helps people identify if they
are infected by the virus without visiting a doctor or hospital. The Goa government
has partnered with Innovaccer, a US-based healthcare data analytics company that
developed the self-assessment platform.
 Andhra Pradesh State government has set up “Mobile Hand-wash facilities” for the
benefit of Slum Dwellers amidst lockdown in the state.
 Rajasthan police have launched a mobile app “RajCop citizens app” to enable
individuals and company employees in the state take permission for venturing out in
necessary conditions.
 Jharkhand Government has launched a mobile app PRAGYAAM to issue e-passes.
The app was launched by the State Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
International Affairs:
1. USA-Taliban Peace Deal
The United States has signed a historic deal with Taliban insurgents that could pave the
way for ending the 18-year-war in Afghanistan. The deal was signed in Doha (Qatar) and
thus termed as Doha Agreement. India has welcomed the signing of the U.S.-Taliban
peace deal by accepting an invitation to attend the ceremony for the same in Doha.
Key Elements of the Deal
 The agreement set out a course for the next 14 months.
 Comprehensive Ceasefire between the Afghan Government and the Taliban.
Timeline for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan will be carried
out, provided the Taliban adhere to their security guarantees and ceasefire.
 The prevention of the use of Afghanistan by any group or individual against the
security of the United States and its allies.
 The facilitation of an intra-Afghan dialogue. The participants of intra-Afghan
negotiations will discuss the date and modalities of a permanent and comprehensive
ceasefire, including agreement over the future political roadmap of Afghanistan.
 In turn, the Taliban has demanded the release of 5000 fighters from Afghan-run
jails.

2. Visit of UN Delegation on Palestine to India
Recently, a UN delegation on Palestine visited New Two-State Solution
Delhi to seek India’s political and diplomatic The “two-state solution”
support for a peaceful resolution to the long- is based on a UN resolution of
standing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The 1947 which proposed two states-
delegation of the United Nations Committee on the one would be a state where
Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian Zionist Jews constituted a
People (CEIRPP) intends to engage India in the majority and the other where the
settling of the question of Palestine.Key Points Palestinian Arabs would be a
 During the visit of the UN delegation on majority of the population.
Palestine, India has reiterated its stand and However, the idea was rejected
supported the Two-State solution for the by the Arabs.
Israel-Palestine issue.
 The visit aimed to enhance the political and
diplomatic support of India for a peaceful solution to the Israel- Palestine conflict
and engaging Indian counterparts on synergies in capacity building for staff and
institutions of Palestine.
 The delegation intends to involve countries like India as it shares good relations
with both Israel and Palestine, and are also attached to multilateral principles, to
play a bigger role in the resolution of the issue.
3. India as an Observer at IOC

India has been accepted as an observer of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). India's
joining of the IOC as an observer has strategic importance as the Commission is an
important regional institution in the Western/African Indian Ocean.
Significance of an Observer Status of India
 Engagement with the Western Indian Ocean: It will facilitate collective
engagement with the islands in the Western Indian Ocean that are becoming
strategically significant.
 Given China’s growing presence in the region, India will be able to increase its
naval presence and gain support for its maritime projects across the Indo-Pacific.
 The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is also a strategic location of the Indian Ocean
linking the South eastern coast of Africa to the wider Indian Ocean and beyond.
 Opportunity in the Mozambique Channel Potential of natural gas reserves in the
Mozambique Channel further increases the significance of the region.
 Cooperation with France: It will also help to boost cooperation with France that has
a strong presence in the western Indian ocean.
4. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at 50
Recently, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which came into force in 1970,
marked its 50th anniversary. India is a non-signatory to this treaty and a total of 191 States
have joined the Treaty, including the five nuclear-weapon States. The treaty defines
nuclear-weapon states as those that have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before
1 January 1967; these are the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and
China. Four other states are known or believed to possess nuclear weapons: India,
Pakistan, Israel and North Korea. All countries except the above four are parties to the
NPT. NPT Review Conference is held every five years to review the operation of the
treaty and consider means to strengthen it.
5. Tokyo Olympics officially postponed until 2021

The International Olympic Committee and Tokyo Olympic organizers agreed to move the
Tokyo Games to 2021. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the head of the
International Olympic Committee agreed to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Games by a year
in an extraordinary move, unprecedented in peacetime, as the world battles the
coronavirus pandemic. It will mark the first time in history that the start of an Olympics
will be delayed to another year. The Opening Ceremony will not be held on July 24 as
scheduled, but on an undetermined 2021 date, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The IOC
President and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII
Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer
2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games
and the international community.
Bullets:
 Janez Jansa will replace Marjan Sarec as Prime Minister of Slovenia.
 Luxembourg has become the 1st country in the world to abolish fares for trains, trams
and buses.
 The World Bank has announced 12 billion USD aid to assist countries that are
grappling with economic impacts of coronavirus.
 Indian-American health policy consultant Seema Verma has been appointed as one of
the key members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force constituted by US
President.
 The presidency of United Nations Security Council for March 2020 has been taken
over by China. The presidency of the council rotates every month among its 15
members.
 Asian Development Bank provide a USD 4 million (about ₹29 crores) to help
developing countries in Asia and Pacific to fight the outbreak of novel coronavirus.
 Muhyiddin Yassin has become the new Prime Minister of Malaysia. He has been
appointed after the resignation of Mahathir Mohamad.
 Ukraine parliament approved Denys Shmygal as a new prime minister of Ukraine. He
is the nominee of Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine.
 Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani was sworn in for a second term as his rival
Abdullah held a parallel inauguration that could plunge the country deeper into crisis
ahead of peace talks with the Taliban.
 “COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator” is a new fund which has been launched by the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Welcome and Mastercard. The $125 Million fund
has been launched to accelerate technologies to fight against the COVID-19 epidemic
and has been designed to identify, assess, develop and scale treatments to the COVID-
19 disease outbreak.
 The High Court of Bangladesh has declared ‘Joy Bangla’ as the national slogan of
Bangladesh. The court has directed the authorities to ensure that teachers and students
use the slogan after assembly.
 The World Health Organization has officially declared COVID-19 as a pandemic as it
spread freely to more than 100 countries around the world.
 The Olympic Flame was handed over to Tokyo 2020 organizers after the Greece leg
of torch relay suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 To ensure sick leave to Americans workers who fall ill from the new coronavirus, US
President Donald Trump has signed a $100-billion emergency aid package to
strengthen the protective measures against the pandemic caused by COVID-19.
 Iraqi President Barham Salih has appointed Adnan al-Zurfi as the country’s new prime
minister.
 The United States has started phase one of the clinical Human trial of an
investigational vaccine, designed to protect against the coronavirus disease.
 The Philippines has become the first country of the world to suspend all financial
markets in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
 Niue has become the world’s first whole country recognised as a ‘Dark Sky Place’ by
the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
 The world’s largest streaming media service, Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) has announced
the formation of $100 million fund. The fund has been created to help workers on film
and television productions that have been impacted due to the global coronavirus
outbreak.
 Canada has become the first country in the world to withdraw from Tokyo 2020
Olympics. The decision has been taken in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The
Canadian Olympic Committee announced that holding the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as
per schedule would threaten the health of its athletes.
 Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri chosen for FIFA campaign against Covid-19. FIFA and
the World Health Organization (WHO) have teamed up to combat the coronavirus by
launching a new awareness campaign led by world-renowned footballers.
 The International Monetary Fund has launched a “Tracker of Policies Governments
are Taking in Response to COVID-19”. The policy tracker outlines the key economic
responses taken by the government of various countries in order to contain the
COVID-19 pandemic. The policy tracker has the updated data till March 24, 2020.
 The United Nations Space Force has launched an Advanced Extremely High-
Frequency satellite (AEHF-6) for its military communications. With the launch of the
satellite, the United States has begun its first National Security Mission. The Lock
Heed Martin AEHF-6 (Advanced Extremely High Frequency) satellite was launched
on the Atlas V551 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
 United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres launched a $2 billion coordinated
global humanitarian response plan to fight COVID-19 in 51 countries across South
America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Bills and Amendments:

1.Rajya Sabha passes 2020 J&K Appropriation Bill:
The Rajya Sabha approved the Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bills 2020 for the
budget of Rs. 1 lakh crore for the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir for 2020-
21. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 19 March. As per the Jammu & Kashmir
Appropriation Bills 2020, only 10% of the funds should be spent for security purposes in
the UT, and the remaining should be spent for developmental objectives. The J&K
government has made a provision of over Rs.1 lakh crore towards the J&K's budget in
2020-21, as against Rs.88,911 crore in the previous financial year. The budget aims to
cover the entire UT of J&K under the Centre's flagship health scheme Ayushman Bharat.
2.Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2020:
Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2020 on 23 March. So far, more than 40 amendments
were introduced by the government to the Finance Bill, which was moved for
consideration and passing by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Bill was passed
by voice vote and without discussion. Bill provisions: The Bill was introduced by the
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Bill gives effect to the financial proposals of
the central government for fiscal 2020-21. So far, more than 40 amendments were
introduced by the government to the Finance Bill.
3.Lok Sabha passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020:
Lok Sabha passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020, on 17 March. The Bill was
moved by the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri. The Bill aims to amend
the Aircraft Act, 1934. Bill provisions: The Bill aims to convert three existing bodies
under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, namely the Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and the Aircraft Accidents
Investigation Bureau (AAIB), into statutory bodies under the Act. Each of the statutory
bodies will be headed by a Director-General who will be appointed by the centre. The
Bill empowers the central government to make rules on several matters, including
registration of aircraft, regulating air transport services, and prohibition of flight over any
specified area. The Bill penalty for various offences is imprisonment of up to two years,
or a fine of up to Rs 10. lakh, or both. The offences include carrying arms, explosives, or
other dangerous goods aboard aircraft, contravening any rules notified under the Act, and
constructing buildings or structures within the specified radius around an aerodrome
reference point. The Bill will add air navigation services to the list for which the central
government can make rules. The Bill empowers the central government to cancel the
licences, certificates, or approvals granted to a person under the Act if the person
contravenes any provision of the Act.
4.Lok Sabha to discuss Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020:
Lok Sabha is to take up the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020,
for consideration on 19 March. Bill provisions: The bill aims to provide for the
establishment of an Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda by merging three
Ayurveda institutes. It seeks to declare the institution as an institution of national
importance for the promotion of quality and excellence in education, research, and
training in Ayurveda and allied disciplines. The existing institutes that are to be merged
are the Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar; Shree
Gulabkunverba Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Jamnagar; the Indian Institute of Ayurvedic
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jamnagar. The institute will develop patterns of teaching in
medical education in Ayurveda and pharmacy. It will bring together educational facilities
for training of personnel in all branches of Ayurveda. The institute will attain self-
sufficiency in postgraduate education to meet the need for specialists and medical teachers
in Ayurveda. The Teaching and Research institute will make an in-depth study and
research in the field of Ayurveda.
5. Ministry of Culture to revisit the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites

and Remains Act, 1958:
Ministry of Culture has announced that it is to revisit the Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The Act regulates construction around
centrally-protected monuments and classify them based on their historical
significance. Policy: Currently, the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and
Remains Act, 1958, imposed a ban on construction of any kind within a 100m periphery
of centrally-protected monuments. It also allows only certain types of regulated
construction within the 100-200m perimeter. The existing provisions hinder much
significant development work around these areas. Therefore, in 2018, the government
moved an amendment to the law in order to remove these restrictions. In February 2019,
a parliamentary standing committee examined the bill and submitted its report. The
Committee advocated the need for a law that balanced the preservation of monuments of
historical significance and development of infrastructure around the monuments.
6. The U.P. government promulgates Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damage to Public

and Private Property Ordinance, 2020:
The Uttar Pradesh state government promulgated Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damage to
Public and Private Property Ordinance, 2020 law on 15 March. The ordinance was
approved by the State Cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
UP Recovery of Damage to Public and Private Property Ordinance, 2020: Under the new
law to recover compensation from those who damage public and private property during
protests and riots. Compensation Claims will be decided by designated Claims Tribunals.
The tribunals will be authorized to investigate complaints and assess the damage. The
Claims Tribunal will be headed by a retired district judge, and its members would be of
the rank of additional commissioner. It is empowered with all the powers of the Civil
Court. The law states that the owner of any private property may file claims for
compensation within three months of the public protests, bandhs, or riots.
7. Parliament passes Vivad Se Vishwas Bill for settlement of Direct Tax disputes:
Parliament passed the Vivad Se Vishwas Bill for settlement of Direct Tax disputes on 13
March 2020. The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha (the lower house) by the Minister of
Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on 5 February 2020. Lok Sabha passed it on 4 March
2020. Aim: The Bill aims to extend the scope to cover litigation pending in various debt
recovery tribunals (DRTs). It will provide an opportunity to settle direct tax disputes
within the current financial year by waiving interest and penalty on their pending taxes.
Bill Provision: The Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Bill provides a method for the
resolution of pending tax disputes that are related to income tax and corporation tax that
involve Rs.9.32 lakh crore. It also defines an appellant as the income tax authority, or the
person, or both, whose appeal is pending before any appellate forum as on 31 January
2020. It will cover tax disputes pending at the level of commissioner (appeals), Income
Tax Appellate Tribunals (ITAT), high courts (HCs), and the Supreme Court (SC). The
taxpayers will take advantage of the Vivad Se Vishwas scheme to settle the tax disputes
before 31 March 2020, as 10% more will be charged for settlement of disputes after that
date. Also, arrears relate to disputed interest or penalty only, then 25% of disputed penalty
or interest will be paid if the payment is made by 31 March 2020, beyond which the same
shall be enhanced to 30%.
8. Parliament passed the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020:
Parliament passed the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020, on 12 March. The Bill will
replace the ordinance passed for the amendment of the Mines & Mineral (Development
and Regulation) Act 1957 and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. The Bill
was already passed by Lok Sabha on 6 March 2020. The Bill was introduced by the Union
Minister of Coal & Mines Sh. Pralhad Joshi. Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020: The
Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill will promote Ease of Doing Business and take the coal
& mining sector into a new level. The Bill aims to transform the mining sector in India
and boost coal production and reducing dependence on imports. As per the amendment,
the companies which do not possess any prior coal mining experience in India and/or have
mining experience in other minerals or in other countries can participate in an auction of
coal/lignite blocks. The law will increase participation in coal/lignite block auctions and
facilitate the implementation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy in the coal sector.
It also allows prospecting licence-cum-mining lease (PL-cum-ML) for coal/lignite. It
increases the availability of coal and lignite blocks, and varying grades of coal blocks in
a wide geographical distribution will be available for allocation. The amendment will
augment the exploration of minerals of national interest and the deep-seated minerals by
allowing Non-Exclusive Reconnaissance Permit (NERP) holders to apply for composite
licence or Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML).
9. Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020 introduced in LS:
The Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 12 March.
The Bill was introduced by the Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Major
Port Authorities Bill, 2020: The Bill will provide for the regulation, operation, and
planning of major ports in India and to provide greater autonomy and flexibility in
decision-making. The Bill is not aimed at the privatization of government ports. The
number of labour trustees will remain the same as earlier. The Bill will provide the ports
greater autonomy and flexibility to major ports in decision-making as they have to
compete with the private sector. The Bill proposes to repeal the Major Port Trusts Act,
1963.
10. Parliament passes the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2020:
Parliament passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2020, on 12
March 2020. It was earlier passed in Lok Sabha on 6 March. The Bill will now replace an
ordinance passed in 2019. Bill Provision: The amendments will introduce a mechanism
to incorporate viable changes in the legislation. The Bill will remove bottlenecks and
streamline the corporate insolvency resolution process. It aims to provide protection to
new owners of a loan defaulter company against prosecution for misdeeds of previous
owners. The creditors can initiate an insolvency resolution process if a company defaults
on its payments. It empowers the resolution professional to require suppliers to continue
providing goods and services. The Bill provides that the company will not be liable for
any offence committed prior to the insolvency resolution process if there is a change in
the management or control of the company.
11. Maharashtra State Assembly approves bill on caste validity certificate:
Maharashtra State Assembly approved a bill on caste validity certificate. The Bill was
unanimously passed by the Maharashtra state assembly on 11 March 2020. Provision:
The Bill will allow gram panchayat members to submit their caste validity certificates
within a year of winning elections. The Bill will ensure that the aspiring candidates are
not barred from contesting the elections if they do not have a caste validity certificate. At
present, the candidate will have to submit his/her caste validity certificate at the time of
filing of nominations. The social justice and rural development departments were working
on a comprehensive policy to expedite the process of providing the validity certificate to
those having caste certificates.
12.Union Cabinet approves Companies (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Companies
(Second Amendment) Bill, 2019 on 4 March 2020. The Bill will amend the Companies
Act, 2013. Bill Provisions: The Bill will make 72 changes in the Companies Act. The
Bill will remove criminality under the Act in case of defaults which can be determined
objectively and which, otherwise, lack the element of fraud or do not involve larger public
interest. The Bill will lead to further de-clogging of the criminal justice system in the
country. It would also further ease of living for law-abiding corporates. Previously, the
Companies Act was amended by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2015. The Bill
removed certain difficulties faced in the implementation of various provisions of the Act.
13. The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 passed by
Rajya Sabha:
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 was passed by Rajya
Sabha in March 2020. The Bill repeals the Indian Medicine Central Council Act,
1970. Key features of the Bill include:
Constitution of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine: The Bill
provides for the establishment of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine
(NCISM). The NCISM will consist of 39 members, appointed by the central
government. Members of the NCISM will include: (i) the Chairperson, (ii) the Presidents
of the Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa, and (iii) 10
members (part-time) to be appointed on a rotational basis from amongst the nominees of
states in the Advisory Council.
Functions of the NCISM: Functions of the NCISM include: (i) framing policies for
regulating medical institutions and medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine,
(ii) ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of Indian System of Medicine of
the regulations made under the Bill, and (iii) ensuring coordination among the
autonomous boards set up under the Bill.
Autonomous boards: The Bill sets up certain autonomous boards under the supervision
of the NCISM. These boards are: (i) the Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani,
Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa: They will be responsible for formulating standards, curriculum,
and granting recognition to medical qualifications in their respective disciplines; (ii) the
Medical Assessment and Rating Board: It will determine the process of rating and
assessment of medical institutions, and (iii) the Ethics and Medical Registration Board: It
will maintain a National Register of all licensed medical practitioners of the Indian
System of Medicine.
14. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed by Lok
Sabha:
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by Lok
Sabha in March 2020. The Bill amends the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
which provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by registered medical
practitioners. The Bill adds the definition of termination of pregnancy to mean a
procedure undertaken to terminate a pregnancy by using medical or surgical methods.
Termination of pregnancy: Under the Act, a pregnancy may be terminated within 12
weeks, if a registered medical practitioner is of the opinion that: (i) continuation of the
pregnancy may risk the life of the mother, or cause grave injury to her health, or (ii) there
is a substantial risk that the child, if born, would suffer physical or mental abnormalities.
For termination of a pregnancy between 12 to 20 weeks, two medical practitioners are
required to give their opinion. The Bill amends this provision to state that a pregnancy
may be terminated within 20 weeks, with the opinion of a registered medical practitioner.
Approval of two registered medical practitioners will be required for termination of
pregnancies between 20 to 24 weeks. The termination of pregnancies up to 24 weeks will
only apply to specific categories of women, as may be prescribed by the central
government. The central government will notify norms for medical practitioners whose
opinion is required for terminating the pregnancy.
Constitution of a Medical Board: Under the Bill, every state government is required to
constitute a Medical Board. It states that the upper limit of termination of pregnancy will
not apply in cases where such termination is necessary due to the diagnosis of substantial
foetal abnormalities. These abnormalities will be diagnosed by a Medical Board. Medical
Boards will consist of the following members: (i) a gynaecologist, (ii) a paediatrician, (iii)
a radiologist or sonologist, and (iv) any other number of members, as may be notified by
the state government. Note that, the central government will notify the powers and
functions of these Medical Boards.
15.The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha:
The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 was passed by Rajya Sabha in
March 2020 chaired by Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav. The Bill repeals the Homoeopathy
Central Council Act, 1973. Key features of the Bill include:
Constitution of the National Commission for Homoeopathy: The Bill sets up the
National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH). The NCH will consist of 27 members,
appointed by the central government. Members of the NCH will include: (i) the
Chairperson, (ii) the Director General, National Institute of Homoeopathy, and (iii) four
members (part-time) to be elected by the registered homoeopathic medical practitioners
from amongst themselves from the prescribed regional constituencies, among others.
Functions of the NCH: Functions of the NCH include: (i) framing policies for regulating
medical institutions and homoeopathic medical professionals, (ii) assessing the
requirements of healthcare related human resources and infrastructure, and (iii) ensuring
compliance by the State Medical Councils of Homoeopathy of the regulations made under
the Bill.Entrance examinations: There will be a uniform National Eligibility-cum-
Entrance Test for admission to under-graduate homoeopathy education in all medical
institutions regulated by the Bill. The Bill proposes a common final year National Exit
Test for the students graduating from medical institutions to obtain the license for
practice. Further, there will be a uniform Post-Graduate National Entrance Test which
will serve as the basis for admission into post-graduate courses at medical institutions.
16. National Forensic Sciences University Bill, 2020 introduced in Lok Sabha:
The National Forensic Sciences University Bill, 2020 was introduced in Lok Sabha by
the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Amit Shah.99 Key features of the Bill include:
Establishment of the University: The Bill establishes the Gujarat Forensic Sciences
University, Gandhinagar (established under the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University Act,
2008) and the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and
Forensic Sciences, New Delhi, as a University called the National Forensic Sciences
University at Gujarat. The Bill declares the University to be an institution of national
importance. The Bill also repeals the 2008 Act. The campuses of the University will
include the campuses of the two universities and any other campuses as may be notified.
Composition: The Bill provides for several authorities under the University. These
include: (i) the Chancellor of the University, who will be a person of eminence, (ii) the
Court, which will review the broad policies and programmes of the University, (iii) the
Board of Governors, which will be the principal executive body, and (iv) the Academic
Council, which will specify the academic policies of the University.
Objectives: The key objectives of the University include: (i) facilitating and promoting
academic learning in the field of forensic science in conjunction with applied behavioural
science studies, law and other allied areas to strengthen the criminal justice institutions in
India, (ii) fostering research and applied applications in forensic science, applied
behavioural science studies, and law, (iii) coordinating with the central and state
governments to improve investigations, crime detection and prevention through research,
and (iv) assisting the central government in creating and maintaining a national forensic
database for criminal investigation, including DNA, fingerprints, and cyber security.
Functions: The functions of the University include: (i) providing training and research
and forensic science, applied behavioural science, law, and criminology, (ii) establishing
and maintaining colleges, schools, and research laboratories, and (iii) prescribing courses,
holding exams, and granting degrees and other distinctions. Dispute and appeals: Any
student or candidate whose name have been removed from the rolls of the University and
who has been barred from appearing for examinations for more than one year may appeal
to the Board of Governors for review of the decision. Any dispute arising out the
disciplinary action taken by the University against a student may be referred to a Tribunal
of Arbitration (at the request of the student). Disputes arising out of the contract between
an employee and the University may also be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration.
17. Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020 introduced in Lok Sabha:

The Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister
of Home Affairs, Mr. Amit Shah.100 Key features of the Bill include:
Establishment of the University: The Bill establishes the Raksha Shakti University,
Gujarat (established under the Raksha Shakti University Act, 2009) as a University called
the Rashtriya Raksha University in Gujarat. The Bill declares the University to be an
institution of national importance. The Bill also repeals the 2009 Act.
Composition: The Bill provides for several authorities under the University. These
include: (i) the Governing Body, to frame the broad policies and programmes of the
University, (ii) the Executive Council, which will be the principal executive body, and
(iii) the Academic Council, which will specify the academic policies of the University.
Objectives: The key objectives of the University include: (i) providing dynamic and high
standards of learning and research, (ii) providing a working environment dedicated to
advancing research, education and training in the domain of policing, and (iii) promoting
and providing public safety.
Functions: The functions of the University include: (i) providing instructions and
research in police sciences, including coastal policing and cyber security, (ii) establishing
and maintaining colleges, and (iii) prescribing courses, holding exams, and granting
degrees and other distinctions.
Dispute and appeals: Any student or candidate whose name have been removed from
the rolls of the University and who has been barred from appearing for examinations for
more than one year may appeal to the Governing Body for review of the decision. Any
dispute arising out the disciplinary action taken by the University against a student may
be referred to a Tribunal of Arbitration (at the request of the student). Disputes arising out
of the contract between an employee and the University may also be referred to a Tribunal
of Arbitration.
18. Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 amended:
The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 provide that the central government may
impose prohibition or restrictions on the location of an industry or the carrying on
operations in an area. However, the government shall notify this and consider all the
objections received against the notification, within 120 days from the date of its
publication. The central government may then impose prohibition or restrictions on the
location of such industries and the carrying on of any process or operation in an area,
within 545 days. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change amended the
Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 to increase the period of validity of the notification
relating to Ecologically Sensitive Zones & Ecologically Sensitive Areas. The validity of
notification has been extended from 545 days to 725 days.
Recent Judgements:
1. Chief Information Commissioner v. High Court of Gujarat
Right to Information Act, 2005 – Section 11 – Right of a third party to apply for
certified copies to be obtained from the High Court by invoking the provisions of Right
to Information Act without resorting to the High Court Rules prescribed by the High Court
–Held, When the High Court Rules provide for a mechanism that the information/certified
copies can be obtained by filing an application/affidavit, the provisions of the RTI Act
are not to be resorted.
Case Number: C.A. No. 1966 – 1967 of 2020 04-03-2020

Bench: Hon’ble Mrs. Justice R. Banumathi, Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.S. Bopanna, Hon’ble
Mr. Justice Hrishikesh Roy
Judgment By: Hon’ble Mrs. Justice R. Banumathi
2.Manoj Suryavanshi v. State of Chhattisgarh
Death Sentence – The following can be said to be the mitigating circumstances which
are required to be considered while deciding on the issue of death sentence.
(1) That the offence was committed under the influence of extreme mental or emotional
disturbance.
(2) The age of the accused. If the accused is young or old, he shall not be sentenced to
death.
(3) The probability that the accused would not commit criminal acts of violence as would
constitute a continuing threat to society.
(4) The probability that the accused can be reformed and rehabilitated. The State shall by
evidence prove that the accused does not satisfy Conditions (3) and (4) above.
(5) That in the facts and circumstances of the case the accused believed that he was
morally justified in committing the offence.
(6) That the accused acted under the duress or domination of another person.
(7) That the condition of the accused showed that he was mentally defective and that the
said defect impaired his capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct.
There is no absolute proposition of law that in no case there can be conviction and
sentence on the same day. There is no absolute proposition of law laid down by this Court
in any of the decisions that if the sentence is awarded on the very same day on which the
conviction was recorded, the sentencing would be vitiated.
The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 – Section 235 (2) – The object and purpose of
Section 235(2) Cr.P.C. is that the accused must be given an opportunity to make a
representation against the sentence to be imposed on him. Subsection (2) of Section 235
satisfies a dual purpose; it satisfies the rule of natural justice by affording to the accused
an opportunity of being heard on the question of sentence and at the same time helps the
court to choose the sentence to be awarded. So, what is required to be considered is
whether at the time of awarding of sentence, sufficient and proper opportunity has been
given to the accused or not and when the capital punishment is awarded, whether the
accused has been given the opportunity to point out the aggravating and mitigating
circumstances or not?
Evidence Law – The minor discrepancies and inconsistencies in the statements of the
prosecution witnesses and the minor lacuna in the investigation led by the police cannot
be a reason for discarding the entire prosecution case, if the evidence is otherwise
sufficient and inspiring to bring home the guilt of the accused.
As observed by this Court in the case of Leema Ram v. State of Haryana [AIR 1999
SC 3717], there are bound to be some discrepancies between the narrations of different
witnesses, when they speak on details, and unless the contradictions are of a material
dimension, the same should not be used to jettison the evidence in its entirety. It is further
observed that corroboration of evidence with mathematical niceties cannot be expected in
criminal cases. Minor embellishment, there may be, but variations by reason therefore
should not render the evidence unbelievable. Trivial discrepancies ought not to obliterate
an otherwise acceptable evidence. The Court shall have to bear in mind that different
witnesses react differently under different situations: whereas some become speechless;
some start wailing while some others run away from the scene and yet there are some who
may come forward with courage, conviction and belief that the wrong should be remedied.
So, it depends upon individuals and individuals. There cannot be any set pattern or
uniform rule of human reaction and to discard a piece of evidence on the ground of his
reaction not falling within a set pattern is unproductive. Therefore, we are of the opinion
that the so-called minor discrepancies/contradictions do not ultimately affect the case of
the prosecution. The benefit of such minor discrepancies/ contradictions should not go to
the accused, more particularly, when from the other evidences on record the guilt of the
accused has been established and proved.
Case Number: Crl.A. No. 388 of 2020 05-03-2020

Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, Hon’ble Ms. Indira Banerjee, Hon’ble
Mr. Justice M. R. Shah

Judgment By: Hon’ble Mr. Justice M.R. Shah
3. Sadhna Chaudhary v. State of Uttar Pradesh
Judicial Officer – Misconduct – Mere suspicion cannot constitute ‘misconduct’. Any

‘probability’ of misconduct needs to be supported with oral or documentary material,
even though the standard of proof would obviously not be at par with that in a criminal
trial.
While applying these yardsticks, the High Court is expected to consider the existence of
differing standards and approaches amongst different judges. There are innumerable
instances of judicial officers who are liberal in granting bail, awarding compensation
under MACT or for acquired land, back wages to workmen or mandatory compensation
in other cases of tortious liabilities. Such relief oriented judicial approaches cannot by
themselves be grounds to cast aspersions on the honesty and integrity of an officer.
Furthermore, one cannot overlook the reality of ours being a country wherein countless
complainants are readily available without hesitation to tarnish the image of the judiciary,
often for mere pennies or even cheap momentary popularity. Sometimes a few disgruntled
members of the Bar also join hands with them, and officers of the subordinate judiciary
are usually the easiest target. It is, therefore, the duty of High Courts to extend their
protective umbrella and ensure that upright and straightforward judicial officers are not
subjected to unmerited onslaught.
The Judicial Officers Protection Act, 1850 – Clearly, it is a principle since the
nineteenth century that judges cannot be held responsible for the end result or the effect
of their decisions.6 This is necessary to both uphold the rule of law, and insulate judicial
reasoning from extraneous factors. 19. Even furthermore, there are no two ways with the
proposition that Judges, like Caesar’s wife, must be above suspicion. Judicial officers do
discharge a very sensitive and important constitutional role. They not only keep in check
excesses of the executive, safeguard citizens’ rights and maintain law and order. Instead,
they support the very framework of civilised society. It is courts, which uphold the law
and ensure its enforcement. They instil trust of the constitutional order in people, and
ensure the majesty of law and adherence to its principles. Courts hence prevent people
from resorting to their animalistic instincts, and instead provide them with a gentler and
more civilised alternative of resolving disputes. In getting people to obey their dicta,
Courts do not make use of guns or other (dis)incentives, but instead rely on the strength
of their reasoning and a certain trust and respect in the minds of the general populace.
Hence, it is necessary that any corruption or deviation from judicial propriety by the
guardians of law themselves, be dealt with sternly and swiftly.
Case Number: C.A. No. 2077 of 2020 06-03-2020

Bench: Hon’ble The Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.R. Gavai, Hon’ble
Mr. Justice Surya Kant
Judgment By: Hon’ble The Chief Justice S.A. Bobde
4. M. Vanaja v. M. Sarla Devi
The Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 – Sections 7 and 11 – Requisites of
a Valid Adoption – The two important conditions are the consent of the wife before a
male Hindu adopts a child and proof of the ceremony of actual giving and taking in
adoption.

Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice L. Nageswara Rao, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hemant Gupta
Judgment By: Hon’ble Mr. Justice L. Nageswara Rao
5. Cheque: Sandhya Rani G. v. State of Kerala
The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 – Section 138 – When the accused admits the
signature, it is immaterial whether some other person had made the entries in the cheque
or filled it up. Even if some other person had filled up the cheque, it does not in any way
affect the validity of the cheque.
Facts of The Case:
When the case reached the stage of defence evidence, the petitioner filed an application
as Crl.M. P No. 10420/2018 in the trial court for sending the cheque to the Forensic
Science Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram to obtain opinion regarding the handwriting of
the entries. The second respondent filed objection to the aforesaid application contending
that the intention of the petitioner was only to protract the case and to cause delay in the
disposal of the case. As per Annexure-A order, the learned Magistrate dismissed the
application filed by the petitioner for the opinion of the expert. The legality and the
propriety of the aforesaid order are challenged in this petition filed under Section 482
Cr.P.C.
In Bir Singh v. Mukesh Kumar, AIR 2019 SC 2446, the Apex Court has held as follows:
“A meaningful reading of the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act including, in

particular, Section 20, Section 87 and Section 139, makes it amply clear that a person who
signs a cheque and makes it over to the payee remains liable unless he adduces evidence
to rebut the presumption that the cheque had been issued for payment of a debt or in
discharge of a liability. It is immaterial that the cheque may have been filled in by any
person other than the drawer, if the cheque is duly signed by the drawer. If the cheque is
otherwise valid, the penal provisions of Section 138 would be attracted. If a signed blank
cheque is voluntarily presented to a payee, towards some payment, the payee may fill up
the amount and other particulars. This in itself would not invalidate the cheque. The onus
would still be on the accused to prove that the cheque was not in discharge of a debt or
liability by adducing evidence. ….. Even a blank cheque leaf, voluntarily signed and
handed over by the accused, which is towards some payment, would attract presumption
under Section 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, in the absence of any cogent
evidence to show that the cheque was not issued in discharge of a debt. ….. In the absence
of any finding that the cheque in question was not signed by the respondent- accused or
not voluntarily made over to the payee and in the absence of any evidence with regard to
the circumstances in which a blank signed cheque had been given to the appellant-
complainant, it may reasonably be presumed that the cheque was filled in by the appellant-
complainant being the payee in the presence of the respondent-accused being the drawer,
at his request and/ or with his acquiescence. The subsequent filling in of an unfilled signed
cheque is not an alteration”.
6. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): 3 Important Provisions applicable under

Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Sections 269, 270 and 271 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 deal with negligent and
malicious acts likely to spread infections that are dangerous and courts have adjudicated
on such cases in the past.
269. Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.—Whoever

unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to
believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six
months, or with fine, or with both.
270. Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.—Whoever

malignantly does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be,
likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine,
or with both.
271. Disobedience to quarantine rule.—Whoever knowingly disobeys any rule made

and promulgated by the Government for putting any vessel into a state of quarantine, or
for regulating the intercourse of vessels in a state of quarantine with the shore or with
other vessels, or for regulating the intercourse between places where an infectious disease
prevails and other places, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
7. Aarifaben Yunusbhai Patel v. Mukul Thakore Bhai Amin
The Limitation Act, 1963 – Sections 5 and 14; Article 127 of Third Division, Part 1 –
The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 – Order XXI Rule 90 – Application to set aside sale
on ground of irregularity or fraud – Extension of prescribed period in certain cases – Held,
The limitation for filing an application to set aside a sale in execution of decree is 60 days.
Section 5 of the Act which deals with extension of time or condonation of delay is not
applicable to proceedings under Order XXI Rule 90 of the CPC. Therefore, the delay, if
any, cannot be condoned under Section 5 of the Act.
The Limitation Act, 1963 – Section 14 – Exclusion of time of proceeding bona fide in
court without jurisdiction – Any person claiming benefit of Section 14 of the Act can only
claim exclusion of time of that period for which it had been prosecuting another remedy
with due diligence and in good faith.
In terms of this Section the time spent by the applicant for prosecuting with due diligence
other civil proceedings may be excluded if such proceedings are prosecuted in good faith
in a court which, from defect of jurisdiction or other cause, is unable to entertain it

Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice L. Nageswara Rao, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Deepak Gupta
Judgment By: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Deepak Gupta
8. Palaniammal v. Kamalakannan
The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 – Section 66 (1) – There is no occasion for this court
to reassess and reappreciate the evidence as the First Appellate Court is the final court on
findings of facts. In view of the fact that the plaintiffs had failed to prove their case
completely, there is no occasion for us to consider any other aspect of the matter and we
find no reason to interfere with the order of the First Appellate Court.

Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashok Bhushan, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Navin Sinha
Judgment By: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Navin Sinha
9. Nand Ram v. Jagdish Prasad
Tenancy – Mere non-payment of rent does not amount to forfeiture of tenancy. It only
confers a right on the landlord to seek possession.

Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice L. Nageswara Rao, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hemant Gupta
Judgment By: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hemant Gupta
10. Shyam Sahni v. Arjun Prakash
Contempt Proceedings – Direction for retention of passport – In order to ensure the

presence of the parties in the contempt proceedings, the Court is empowered to pass
appropriate orders including the surrender of passport.

Bench: Hon’ble Mrs. Justice R. Banumathi, Hon’ble Mr. Justice A. S. Bopanna
Judgment By: Hon’ble Mrs. Justice R. Banumathi
11. Akshay Kumar Singh v. Union of India
Mercy Petition – The divorce petition said to have been filed by the wife of the petitioner
and the petitions filed by the petitioner before the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister
of Delhi under Sections 432 and 433 Cr.P.C. cannot a ground for exercise of judicial
review of the order of the President of India rejecting the Mercy Petition. Nor can it be
said that these subsequent events ought to have been taken note of by the President of
India who has gone through the records of the case and the evidence and other materials
placed before him.
Case Number: W.P. (Crl.) No. 121 of 2020 19-03-2020

Bench: Hon’ble Mrs. Justice R. Banumathi, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashok Bhushan,
Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.S. Bopanna
12. Benedict Denis Kinny v. Tulip Brian Miranda
Whether the High Court in exercise of its Constitutional jurisdiction conferred under
Article 226 of Constitution of India can pass an order interdicting a legal fiction engrafted
in a State enactment?
The power of judicial review vested in the High Courts under Article 226 and this Court
under Article 32 of the Constitution is an integral and essential feature of the Constitution
and is basic structure of our Constitution. The jurisdiction under Article 226 is original,
extraordinary and discretionary. The look out of the High Court is to see whether injustice
has resulted on account of any decision of a constitutional authority, a tribunal, a statutory
authority or an authority within meaning of Article 12 of the Constitution.
The Courts are guardians of the rights and liberties of the citizen and they shall fail in
their responsibility if they abdicate their solemn duty towards the citizens. The scope of
Article 226 is very wide and can be used to remedy injustice wherever it is found.
The power under Article 226 of the Constitution overrides any contrary provision in a
Statute and the power of the High Court under Article 226 cannot be taken away or
abridged by any contrary provision in a Statute.
When a citizen has right to judicial review against any decision of statutory authority, the
High Court in exercise of judicial review had every jurisdiction to maintain the status quo
so as to by lapse of time, the petition may not be infructuous. The interim order can always
be passed by a High Court in exercise of writ jurisdiction to maintain the status quo in aid
of the relief claimed so that at the time of final decision of the writ petition, the relief may
not become infructuous.

Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashok Bhushan, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Navin Sinha
Judgment By: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashok Bhushan
13. Dhanpat v. Sheo Ram
The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 – Section 65 (c) – Cases in which secondary evidence
relating to documents may be given – There is no requirement that an application is
required to be filed in terms of Section 65(c) of the Evidence Act before the secondary
evidence is led. A party to this may choose to file an application which is required to be
considered by the trial court but if any party to the suit has laid foundation of leading of
secondary evidence, either in the plaint or in evidence, the secondary evidence cannot be
ousted for consideration only because an application for permission to lead secondary
evidence was not filed.
The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 – Sections 63 and 68 – Once the Will has been proved
then the contents of such document are part of evidence – The witness is not supposed to
repeat in a parrot like manner.
Case Number: C.A. No. 1960 / 2020 19-03-2020

Bench Hon’ble Mr. Justice L. Nageswara Rao, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hemant Gupta
Judgment By: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hemant Gupta
14. Pawan Kumar Gupta v. State of NCT of Delhi
Constitution of India, 1950 – Articles 72 or 161 – Power of judicial review of rejection

of mercy petition by President of India is very limited – Court can interfere only when
order is mala fide, arbitrary or it is passed without application of mind or on consideration
of extraneous or wholly irrelevant factors or non-consideration of relevant material.
Constitution of India, 1950 – Article 72 – Judicial review – Rejection of mercy petition

by President – Held, When power is vested in the very high constitutional authority, it
must be presumed that the said authority had acted carefully after considering all the
aspects of the matter – It cannot be said that the President did not consider the mercy
petition with open mind. Pawan Kumar Gupta v. State of NCT of Delhi, W.P. (Crl.) No.
122 of 2020 20-03-2020
Constitution of India, 1950 – Article 72 – Judicial review – Rejection of mercy petition

by President of India – Held, Alleged torture, if any, cannot be a ground for judicial
review. Pawan Kumar Gupta v. State of NCT of Delhi, W.P. (Crl.) No. 122 of 2020 20-
03-2020
Case Number: W.P. (Crl.) No. 122 of 2020 20-03-2020

Bench: Hon’ble Mrs. Justice R. Banumathi, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashok Bhushan,
Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.S. Bopanna
15. Suo Motu v. State [Gujarat High Court]

In case any arrest is made during this period and the accused is lodged in a particular
jail without ascertaining whether such accused being taken into custody is clean or is a
suspect or infected with the Corona Virus, lodging him into jail where already hundreds
and thousands of under trial or convicts are lodged, it would be an imminent peril to all
the inmates of the particular jail where any new entry suspected or infected of the
Corona Virus is introduced. It may result into disastrous situation where large number
of inmates inside the jail may be infected thus defeating the social distancing and the
extraordinary measures being taken for control and check of the Corona Virus.
Therefore, it would be appropriate to direct the Department of Home, Government of
Gujarat to consider this aspect and issue necessary circular / instructions to all the
Superintendents of Police / Commissioners of Police throughout the State to ensure that
before any accused is arrested and sent to jail, it is confirmed that he is not a suspect or
infected with Corona Virus. It is only after such confirmation that an accused be lodged
in a particular jail, otherwise the same be avoided for the period of crisis.
16. Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India 2020

Supreme Court in this case held that Right to internet forms a part of freedom of speech
and expression under Article 19(1) (a) and ban of internet in the State of Jammu and
Kashmir is violative of it. The court also stated that an order suspending internet services
indefinitely is impermissible under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services
(Public Emergency or Public Service) Rules, 2017.
Bare Act in News: Epidemic Diseases

Act,1897
An Act to provide for the better prevention of the spread of Dangerous Epidemic
Diseases. WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the better prevention of the spread of
dangerous epidemic disease; It is hereby enacted as follows:
THE EPIDEMIC DISEASES ACT, 1897
_________
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
_________
SECTIONS
1. Short title and extent.
2. Power to take special measures and prescribe regulations as to dangerous epidemic

disease.
2A. Powers of Central Government.
3. Penalty.
4. Protection to persons acting under Act.
THE EPIDEMIC DISEASES ACT, 1897
ACT NO. 3 OF 18971 [4th February, 1897.]
An Act to provide for the better prevention of the spread of Dangerous Epidemic
Diseases.
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the better prevention of the spread of

dangerous epidemic disease; It is hereby enacted as follows:
1. Short title and extent. — (1) This Act may be called the Epidemic Diseases Act,
1897.
2[(2) It extends to the whole of India except 3[the territories which, immediately before
the 1st November, 1956, were comprised in Part B States]]
4* * *
5* * * * *
62. Power to take special measures and prescribe regulations as to dangerous epidemic
disease.—(1) When at any time the 7[State Government] is satisfied that 7[the State] or
any part thereof is visited by, or threatened with, an outbreak of any dangerous epidemic
disease, the 8[State Government], if 9[it] thinks that the ordinary provisions of the law
for the time being in force are insufficient for the purpose, may take, or require or
empower any person to take, such measures and, by public notice, prescribe such
temporary regulations to be observed by the public or by any person or class of persons
as 9[it] shall deem necessary to prevent the outbreak of such disease or the spread
thereof, and may determine in what manner and by whom any expenses incurred
(including compensation if any) shall be defrayed.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions,
the 7[State Government] may take measures and prescribe regulations for—
10* * * * *
(b) the inspection of persons travelling by railway or otherwise, and the segregation, in
hospital, temporary accommodation or otherwise, of persons suspected by the
inspecting officer of being infected with any such disease.
11* * * * *
1. This Act has been amended in its application to— (1) the Punjab by the Epidemic
Diseases (Punjab Amendment) Act, 1944 (Punjab Act 3 of 1944); in East Punjab by
East Punjab Act 1 of 1947: (2) the C. P. and Berar by the C. P. and Berar Epidemic
Diseases (Amendment) Act, 1945 (C. P. and Berar Act 4 of 1945).
The Act has been extended to— (1) the whole of Madhya Pradesh by M.P. Act 23 of
1958 (when notified).
(2) the transferred territories of Punjab by Punjab Act 8 of 1961.
(3) in Dadra and Nagar Haveli (w.e.f. 1-7-1965) by Reg. 6 of 1963, s. 2 and Sch.
(4) to Lakshadweep (w.e.f. 1-10-1967): vide Reg. 8 of 1965, s. 3 and Sch.
(5) Union territory of Pondicherry by Act 26 of 1968, s. 3 and Sch.

The Act has been repealed in its application to Bellary District by Mysore Act 14 of
1955.
2. Subs. by the A.0. 1950.
3. Subs. by the Adaptation of Laws (No. 2) Order, 1956 for “Part B States”.
4. The word “and” rep. by Act 10 of 1914, s. 3 and the Second Schedule.
5. Sub-section (3) rep. by s. 3 and the Second Schedule, ibid.
6. For Notifications issued under this section, see different local Rules and Orders.
7. Subs. by the A.O. 1937, for “G.G. in C.” 8. Subs., ibid., for “India”.
9. Subs., ibid., for “he”.
10. Paragraph (a) omitted, ibid.
11. Sub-section (3) omitted by Act 38 of 1920, s. 2 and the First Schedule.
1[2A. Powers of Central Government.—When the Central Government is satisfied that

India or any part thereof is visited by, or threatened with, an outbreak of any dangerous
epidemic disease and that the ordinary provisions of the law for the time being in force
are insufficient to prevent the outbreak of such disease or the spread thereof, the Central
Government may take measures and prescribe regulations for the inspection of any ship
or vessel leaving or arriving at any port in 2[the territories to which this Act extends]
and for such detention thereof, or of any person intending to sail therein, or arriving
thereby, as may be necessary.]
3. Penalty. —Any person disobeying any regulation or order made under this Act shall
be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188 of the Indian
Penal Code (45 of 1860).
4. Protection to persons acting under Act. —No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie
against any person for anything done or in good faith intended to be done under this
Act.
__________
1. Ins. by Act 38 of 1920, s. 2 and the First Schedule. Earlier substituted by the
A.O.1937.
2. Subs. by the Adaptation of Laws (No.2) Order, 1 9 5 6, f or “a Part A State or a Part

C State”.
Economy:
1. Defence Expenditure as a Part of GDP:
The Minister of State for Defence gave information about the defence expenditure as a
part of GDP in Rajya Sabha. The Defence Expenditure is increasing every year in
absolute terms, implying higher spending. However, Defence Budget as a percentage of
GDP may appear to be decreasing due to the increasing trend in the growth of GDP. In
Budget Expenditure (BE) 2019-20, the total Defence Budget (including Miscellaneous
and Pensions) is 15.47% of total Central Government Expenditure. In BE 2019-20, the
Capital Budget of the Ministry of Defence is approximately 31.97% of the total capital
expenditure of the Central Government Expenditure.
2. Competition Commission of India:
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) organised the Fifth National Conference
on Economics of Competition Law at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Competition
Commission of India is a statutory body responsible for enforcing the objectives of the
Competition Act, 2002. CCI has been established by the Central Government with effect
from 14th October 2003. CCI is composed of a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by
the Central Government.
3. Nidhi Companies:
 The Central Government has amended the provisions related to Nidhi companies
under the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules. The amendments have been made to
make the regulatory regime for Nidhi Companies more effective. This will accomplish
the objectives of transparency & investor friendliness in the corporate environment of
the country.
 Under Nidhi Rules, 2014, Nidhi is a company which has been incorporated as a Nidhi
with the object of cultivating the habit of thrift and saving amongst its members,
receiving deposits from, and lending to, its members only, for their mutual benefit. It
is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
 It works on the principle of mutual benefits that are regulated by the Ministry of
Corporate Affairs.
 Nidhi Company is a class of Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) has powers to issue directives for them related to their deposit
acceptance activities. However, since these Nidhis deal with their shareholder-
members only, RBI has exempted them from the core provisions of the RBI Act and
other directions applicable to NBFCs
Bullets:
 The State Bank of India has agreed to buy shares worth Rs 7250 crore of the cash-
strapped Yes Bank. The purchase of the shares will be in accordance with the draft
reconstruction scheme put forward by the Reserve Bank of India. SBI will purchase
the 725 shares of Yes Bank at a price of Rs 10 per share. After the purchase, the
shareholding of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Yes Bank will remain under 49% of
the paid-up capital. The State Bank of India has waived off the minimum balance
charges on all savings bank accounts. SBI has waive charges for non-maintenance of
Average Monthly Balance (AMB) for all 44.51 crore savings bank accounts.
 Paytm Payments Bank Ltd has partnered with Visa to issue Visa debit cards.
 The State Bank of India has launched an additional liquidity facility “Covid-19
Emergency Credit Line (CECL)”. The facility has been launched by India’s largest
lender State Bank of India to meet any liquidity mismatch for its borrowers in order to
tide over the current crisis situation.
 Karur Vysya Bank has launched India’s 1st pre-paid card Enkasu (My cash in Tamil)
in Karur, Tamil Nadu under its Quit cash movement. The card functions based on Near
Field Communication Technology (NFC) in a semi closed-loop & the customers
buying this card can make ‘tap & go’ payments for even small purchases to merchants
from an amount of Rs. 1 to doing away with the need for cash & small change.
 Charges on cash withdrawal from other bank ATMs and penalties for non-
maintenance of minimum balance in bank savings accounts are waived for 3 months.
This was announced by the minister of finance Nirmala Sitharaman. This has been
done to make sure that individuals don’t visit bank branches to avoid the spread of the
coronavirus. Waiver of minimum balance in bank accounts for the subsequent three
months. Applicable to all or any banks.
 Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has decided to launch a special
train ‘Swavalamban Express’ on June 05, 2020, to empower budding entrepreneurs
under its mission Swavalamban. It will construct an inter-connected small enterprise
ecosystem that will include business aspirants, mentors, experts and experience at all.
 ICICI Lombard a private sector non-life insurance company has launched a 1 year-
long “COVID-19 Protection Cover”. This policy will pay 100% of the sum insured to
the COVID-19 positive individual, irrespective of hospitalization expenses. The
insurance policy is in group insurance mode. It will provide value-added benefits such
as Health Assistance and CHAT/Virtual assistance, teleconsultation and ambulance
assistance, as part of the offering.
 The Reserve Bank of India has decided to conduct the variable rate Repo auctions as
a preventive measure to bridge over any frictional liquidity requirements caused by
COVID-19. As per the circular, the Reserve Bank of India will conduct fine-tuning
variable rate Repo auctions for Rs 1,00,000 crores in two tranches.
 ICICI Bank has rolled out the banking services on WhatsApp. The facility will enable
the banks’ retail customers to undertake a slew of banking requirements from their
home.
 The Punjab National Bank (PNB) has unveiled a new logo before its merger with the
Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) and the United Bank of India (UBI). Economy
Current Affairs
 Moody’s Investors Service stated that G-20 countries are expected to grow by 2.1% in
2020. Moody’s cuts 0.3 percentage points lower than its previous forecast, as the
global spread of the coronavirus, is resulting in simultaneous supply and demand
shocks. It cautioned that global recession risks have risen.
 S&P Global Ratings has reduced India’s economic growth forecast to 5.2% for
financial year 2020.
 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has lowered
growth projections for India for financial year 2020 to 5.1%.
 Fitch Ratings has reduced India’s GDP growth rate to 5.1% for the fiscal year 2020-
21. Earlier, Fitch Ratings forecasted India’s growth outlook at 5.6% which has been
reduced now to 5.1% for the fiscal year 2020-21.
 Moody’s Investors Service reduced India’s GDP growth in 2020 to 2.5 per cent from
the earlier estimate of 5.3 per cent. The Coronavirus pandemic will cause
unprecedented shock to the global economy.
 CRISIL has reduced India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for fiscal
2021 to 3.5 per cent from 5.2 per cent expected earlier. The cut is due to the
coronavirus pandemic.
 International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that the world has clearly entered
a recession due to the coronavirus pandemic.
 Asian Development Bank (ADB) will invest 100 million US Dollars in India’s
infrastructure sector through the government-promoted National Investment and
Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) of India Fund of Funds (FoF).
 Paytm Insurance Broking, has received the brokerage licence from the Insurance
Regulatory and Authority of India (IRDAI) to offer insurance products.
 Securities and Exchange Board of India has launched a mobile application ‘SEBI
SCORES’ for convenience of investors to lodge grievances in SEBI complaints
Redress System (SCORES).
 Indian MarTech Company, AdGlobal360 has been acquired by Japanese company
Hakuhodo Inc for an undisclosed sum. Adglobal360 is India’s fastest growing
MarTech Company headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana. The MarTech Company
facilitates its customers with end to end digital solutions.
 The World's first Digital Solutions Exchange in the cloud "GOKADDAL" has been
launched in India. GOKADDAL is a cloud-based solution exchange platform which
focuses on four A's i.e. Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Analytics and
Augmentative Technologies.
 Flipkart has tied up with Aegon Life Insurance to sell comprehensive insurance
solutions for customers who are seeking instant digital policies with a sum assured of
up to Rs 10 lakh.
Terms & Terminologies:
GDP
GDP stands for "Gross Domestic Product" and represents the total monetary
value of all final goods and services produced (and sold on the market) within a country
during a period of time.
Capital expenditure
Capital expenditure is the money spent on the acquisition of assets like land, buildings,
machinery, equipment, as well as investment in shares.
e-Kuber
e-Kuber is the Core Banking Solution (CBS) of Reserve Bank of India which
was introduced in 2012. CBS can be defined as a solution that enables banks to offer a
multitude of customer-centric services on a 24×7 basis from a single location,
supporting retail as well as corporate banking activities.
Science & Technology:
1. Sahyadri Megha: The address that uniquely defines a hardware

interface is called MAC (Media Access
The University of Agricultural and Control) Address. It identifies the physical
Horticultural Sciences (UAHS), Shivamogga address of a computer on the internet.
(Karnataka), has developed a new variety of It is 48 bits (6 bytes) hexadecimal address.
paddy, ‘Sahyadri Megha’. The University
MAC Address of each computer on a network is
has developed a new variety to prevent the unique.
decline in the area under paddy cultivation.
Internet Protocol (IP) address
Sahyadri Megha is a red variety of paddy
that is resistant to blast disease and rich in The address provided to a connection in
a network is called IP (Internet Protocol)
nutrients.
address.
2. MAC Binding It identifies the connection of a computer
on the internet.
The authorities have removed a ban on
social media and restored full internet access IPv4 is a 32-bit (4 bytes) address, and
in Kashmir on 4th March 2020. Among IPv6 is a 128-bits (16 bytes) address.
various conditions, Internet connectivity will IP address does not uniquely identify a
be made available “with mac-binding”. Every device on a network but, it specifies a particular
device has a Media Access Control (MAC) address, aconnection
hardwareinidentification
a network. number that
is unique to it. While accessing the Internet, every device is assigned an Internet Protocol
IP address changes each time a device is
(IP) address. This forces a particular device to access the internet
connected from aasspecific
to the network IP
it is dynamically
address. allocated to the device when it participates in the
network.
If either the MAC (Media Access Control) address or the IP address changes, the
device will not be able to access the internet.
MAC-binding will also enable authorities to trace a device on the basis of its online
activity.
2. National Supercomputing Mission
Recently, a Right to Information (RTI) reply has revealed that India has produced just
three supercomputers since 2015 under the National Supercomputing Mission
(NSM)which was announced in 2015, with an aim to connect national academic and R&D
institutions with a grid of more than 70 high-performance computing facilities at an
estimated cost of ₹4,500 crores over the period of seven years. It supports the
government's vision of 'Digital India' and 'Make in India' initiatives. The mission will be
implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and
Technology) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through
the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune and Indian Institute
of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. It is also an effort to improve the number of supercomputers

owned by India. These supercomputers will also be networked on the National
Supercomputing grid over the National Knowledge Network (NKN). The NKN connects
academic institutions and R&D labs over a high-speed network.
3. Qubit:
A quantum bit, or qubit, is the basic unit of information for a quantum computer,
analogous to a bit in ordinary machines. But unlike a bit, which can have the value 0 or
1, a qubit can take on an infinite number of values.
Quantum computer: A quantum computer is any device for computation that makes direct
use of distinctively quantum mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and
entanglement, to perform operations on data.
4. ICONSAT 2020:
The International Conference on Nano Science and Nano Technology (ICONSAT) 2020
was organized in March 2020 at Kolkata (West Bengal). ICONSAT is the series of
biennial international conferences held in India under the aegis of Nano Mission,
Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Bullets:
 The International Advanced Research for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials
(ARCI), Hyderabad has developed a fuel cell technology called Polymer Electrolyte
Membrane fuel cells (PEMFC).
 NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) announced the name of the
5th Mars (red planet) rover as Perseverance. Previously the rover was known by its
codename as Mars 2020.
 The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi will establish a Technology
Innovation Hub (TIH) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical
Systems (NM-ICPS). The Technology Innovation Hub will be established with the
help of Rs 7.25 crore sanctioned by the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
to IIT Mandi.
 A starch-based ‘haemostat’ material which concentrates the natural clotting factors in
blood that are critical for stopping the blood flow, has been developed by the Institute
of Nano Science and Technology (INST).
 A team at IIT Bombay has developed a mobile app named ‘CORONTINE’. The
‘CORONTINE’ app aims to help the authorities in tracking the asymptomatic carriers
and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease.
 A new space capsule from SpaceX has been picked up by National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) to ferry cargo and supplies to the agency’s planned
lunar space station. Hence, with a $7 billion NASA contract, SpaceX will use its
biggest rocket, Falcon Heavy to send spacecraft named as “Dragon XL” to the Lunar
Gateway.
 Blast Disease: It is caused by fungus Pyricularia grisea (P. oryzae). Also known as
rotten neck or rice fever. First recorded in India during 1918. Expected grain loss: 70
to 80%.
 Google Cloud announced its plans to open a Delhi Cloud Region. This will be the
company’s second cloud region in India since it launched one in Mumbai.
Defence & Security:

 A unit of Indian Army has organized a Self Defence Training demonstration for
Women with a theme of “Stronger You Stronger Society” in Nalbari district of
Assam.
 The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has designed a
casualty evacuation bag to transport or isolate persons infected with Covid-19. The
bag is water and air-proof and treated to deal with biological agents.
 The Indian Army’s International Seminar “Pragyan Conclave 2020” was held at
Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, organised by Centre for Land Warfare Studies
(CLAWS).
 High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune has organised the
National Workshop on Explosive Detection (NWED-2020) at Pune, Maharashtra.
RaIDer-X, an explosive detection device capable of detecting the explosives from a
stand-off distance has been jointly developed by IISc, Bangalore and High Energy
Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.
 The Ministry of Defence has signed the capital acquisition contract of worth Rs 880
crore with Israel Weapons Industries for the procurement of Negev 7.62 X 51 mm
Light Machine Guns.
 The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of 83
advanced Mk1A version of indigenous Tejas fighter aircrafts for Indian Air Force.
 The Defence Acquisition Council has approved the acquisition of indigenous
defence equipment’s worth Rs 1,300 crore.
 US Marines and UAE Emirati forces conducted the biennial exercise, named Native
Fury at Abu Dhabi. The biennial exercise, called Native Fury, shows the close ties
between American forces and the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven
sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula home to Abu Dhabi.
 Army Chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane has launched ‘Operation Namaste’ to
extend assistance to the govt in containing the spread of coronavirus and insulate the
force from the pandemic.
Naval Exercise – MILAN 2020
The Indian Navy has postponed its multi-nation mega naval exercise ‘MILAN’ due to
continuing spread of the coronavirus. MILAN (11th edition) was scheduled to be held in
Visakhapatnam from 18th – 28th March 2020.
Exercise MILAN
It is a biennial, multilateral naval exercise which started in 1995. The Navy has held 10
editions of the Milan exercise, with the theme of “synergy across the seas” to enhance
professional interactions between friendly foreign navies and learn best practices from
each other, since 1995. It was conducted at the Andaman and Nicobar Command until
2018. It is held under the aegis of Eastern Naval Command.
Over 40 countries were expected to participate in the exercise in 2020.
List of Joint Military Exercises of India held in 2020
Name of Exercise Participating Nations Conducted at

AJEYA WARRIOR 2020 India and the United The United Kingdom
Kingdom
EX Indradhanush – V Indian Air Force (IAF) and Air Force Station Hindon,
2020 Royal Air Force (RAF) Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
‘Sahyog-Kaijin’ India and Japan Chennai, India
MILAN 2020 — Visakhapatnam, India
BIMSTEC disaster India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Puri (Odisha)

management exercise - Sri Lanka & Myanmar
2020
SAMPRITI-IX India and Bangladesh UMROI, Meghalaya, India
Awards & Honours:

List of Awards & Honours:
1.Bharat Ratna: It is the highest civilian award of India. The award was given for
outstanding achievements in the Arts, Literature, Science and Public Services but the
government expanded the criteria to include “any field of human endeavour”. The number
of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
Important facts about Bharat Ratna:
 First recipient was C. Rajagopalchari

 Highest civilian award of India
 Presented by the Government of India.
 Presented for exceptional public service and rarest achievements in the field of art,
literature and science.
 Instituted in 1954
2. Padma Awards:
Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards are for exceptional and
distinguished service in any field including service rendered by Government servants.
Important facts about Padma Awards:
 Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian award in India.

 For distinguished services in any field including Government service.
 Padma Bhushan and Padma Shree are the other important civilian awards.
3. Nobel Prize:
The Nobel Prize is widely regarded as the most prestigious award available in the fields
of literature, medicine, physics, chemistry, peace, and economics.
Important facts about Nobel Prize:
 Most coveted international award of the world.

 Instituted by Alfred Bernard Nobel (inventor of dynamite).
 The award is giver on December 10 (death anniversary of Alfred Bernard Nobel).
 Apart from Economics, all other categories have been given since 1901.
 Economics Nobel Prize was instituted in 1967 and was first given in 1969.
4. Booker Prize:
It is an annual award for the best original novel, written in the English language, and
published in the UK literary award.
Important facts about Booker Prize:
 Highest literary award to authors of British, Irish and Commonwealth countries

 Instituted in 1968 by the Booker Company and the British Publishers Association
along the lines of Pulitzer Prize of US.
 Renamed as Man Booker Prize, as the sponsorship has been taken over by the Man
Group, an international stockbroker.
5. Vyas Samman:
Vyas Samman is awarded annually by the K.K. Birla Foundation in recognition of the
Hindi literary work published in past 10 years.
Important facts about Vyas Samman: Instituted in 1992 by the K.K. Birla Foundation. For
outstanding contribution to Hindi literature.
6. Oscar Awards:
This is an annual American awards ceremony honoring cinematic achievements in the

film industry.
Important facts about Oscar Awards:
 Conferred annually by the Academy of Motion Pictures in USA.
 The first Indian to get an Oscar was Bhanu Athaiya for the movie ‘Gandhi’.
 Satyajit Ray was the first Indian awarded Oscar for lifetime achievements in cinema
in 1992.
7. Moorti Devi Award:
The Moorti Devi Award is an annual literary award in India presented by the Bharatiya
Jnanpith organization for a work which emphasizes Indian philosophy and culture.
8. Saraswati Samman:
The award was instituted in 1991 by the K. K. Birla Foundation. It is an annual award
given for outstanding prose or poetry literary works in any 22 Indian languages.
9. Jnanpith Award:
The award was instituted in 1961 and it is It is presented by the Bharatiya Jnanpith, a trust
founded by the Sahu Jain family, the publishers of the newspaper The Times of India. It
is an annual award given for outstanding prose or poetry literary works in any 22 Indian
languages.
10. Bihari Puraskar:
Bihari Puraskar is a literary award instituted by K. K. Birla Foundation. The award is

named after the famous Hindi poet Bihari and is awarded to an outstanding work
published in Hindi or Rajasthani by a Rajasthani writer.
11. Dadasaheb Phalke Award:
Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Cinema/Films. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s

highest award in cinema. It is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony
by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organisation set up by the Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting.
12. Arjun Award:
The Government has modified the format of Arjuna Award very recently and as per the
revised schematic guidelines a sports person must have very good consistent
performances for the previous 3 years at the international level to be considered as eligible
for the Award. Arjuna Award for the outstanding performance from the sports persons in
Sports and Games.
Important facts about Arjuna Award:
 Given by Sports Ministry, Government of India.
 These are given for the special achievements in different types of sports.
13. Dronacharya Award:
The award is named after the very famous archery coach, mentioned in the epic of India
known as the Mahabharata. This very award is not related with the sports persons who
are still playing in the field; instead this is related to those eminent coaches of any
particular sport.
Important facts about Dronacharya Award:
 Instituted in 1985.
 Given by Sports Ministry, Government of India.
 These are given to sports coaches.
14. UNESCO Peace Prize: Presented by United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) For extraordinary contributions for international peace.
15. Right Livelihood Award: Right Livelihood Award is given in the fields of
Environment and Social Justice. Instituted in 1980 by the Right Livelihood Society,
London. Known as alternate Nobel Award. To promote and contribute in the fields of
Environment and Social Justice.
16. UNESCO Human Rights Award: Given in field of Human Rights Awareness.
Presented by UNESCO for contributions in the field of Human Rights Awareness. Given
every alternate year.
17. UN Human Rights Award: Presented by UN for personal contribution for the cause
of human rights. It is presented every sixth year.
18. World Food Prize: Presented by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) For the
cause of agriculture and food development.
19. Dhyan Chand Award: The award that is given to the veteran sportspersons of India
for their lifetime achievement in their respective field of sport is named as the Dhyan
Chand Award for Life Time Achievement in Sports and Games.
20. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is the highest
honour bestowed to a sports person for his/her achievements in India. It was instituted in
1992. Presented for commendable display by the players.
21. Stirling Prize: The Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize is a British prize
for excellence in architecture.
22. Aga Khan Award: The Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) is an
architectural prize established by Aga Khan IV in 1977. It aims to identify and reward
architectural concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of Islamic
societies in the fields of contemporary design, social housing, community development
and improvement.
23. Pritzker Prize: The Pritzker Architecture Prize is awarded annually “to honour a
living architect.
24. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize: The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science
and Technology (SSB) is a science award in India given annually by the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for notable and outstanding research, applied
or fundamental, in biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, mathematics,
medicine and Physics.
25. Kalinga Prize: The Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science is an award given
by UNESCO for exceptional skill in presenting scientific ideas to lay people.
26. Grammy Award: A Grammy Award, or Grammy, is an accolade by the National

Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding
achievement in the music industry.
27. Abel Prize: The Abel Prize is an international prize awarded annually by the
Government of Norway to one or more outstanding mathematicians.
28. Mahatma Gandhi Peace prize: This award is given to individuals and institutions
for their contributions towards Social, Economic and Political Revolution through non-
violence and Gandhian Philosophy. The award carries Rs. 10 million in cash. Instituted
in 1995 by Government of India. It is presented for international peace on the lines of
Nobel Prize.
29. Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award: This is for Excellence in Public
Administration, Academics and Management. Instituted in 1965 by the Government of
India. Given annually to persons for outstanding contributions to international
understanding and goodwill among the people of the world.
30. Gallantry Awards
 Param Vir Chakra: It is India’s highest award for bravery.

 Mahavir Chakra: It is the second highest gallantry award.
 Vir Chakra: It is the third highest gallantry award.
 Ashok Chakra: It is the highest peace-time gallantry award
31. Dhanvantri Award: These awards are given for the extra ordinary performance in
medical sciences.
32. R.D. Birla Award: Given in the field of medical sciences.
33. Bhartiya Jnanpeeth Award: Instituted in 1965. Given for distinguished works in
any recognized language by a scholar.
34. Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding: Instituted in 1965 by

the Government of India. Given annually to persons for outstanding contributions to
international understanding and goodwill among the people of the world.
35. Magsaysay Awards:
Instituted in 1957 and named after Ramon Magsaysay, the former President of
Philippines. This award is given annually on August 31. Award is given for outstanding
contributions to public service, community leadership, journalism, literature and creative

arts and international understanding. Regarded as the Nobel Prize of Asia.
Awards given in the month of March:
1. Prachi Salve, Pradeep Dwivedi won 2019 Road Safety Media Fellowship award
Prachi Salve of India Spend and Pradeep Dwivedi of Dainik Jagran jointly won the top
prize in the Road Safety Media Fellowship 2019. The award recognized their contribution
towards reporting on road safety by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS). The awardees
were selected by a three-member jury. Other awardees: ♦ Journalist B. Raveendra Shetty
of Vijay Karnataka and Purnima Singh of Times Now Hindi shared the second prize. ♦
The third prize was jointly won by Kishor Dwivedi, Press Trust of India (PTI), and
Sangamesh Menasinakai, The Times of India. CMS: CMS is a not-for-profit research
think tank. It is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) India. CMS
conducted a three-month fellowship program for journalists. The participating member
was directed to work on road safety and related issues in the year 2019.
2. Rajesh Chaplot honored with Uganda’s Highest Civilian Award
Rajesh Chaplot, a distinguished Non-Resident Indian (NRI) businessman, was honored

with the Highest Civilian Award "Golden Jubilee Medal-Civilians" of Uganda. The award
was conferred by the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, in a ceremony in Kampala.
Chaplot was awarded for his excellence in the field of Business and Commerce, Social
Service and for fostering better India-Uganda ties. Rajesh Chaplot: Chaplot is from
Udaipur in Rajasthan. He has also received Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, which is the
highest award for overseas Indians. It was conferred by President Ramnath Kovind in
Varanasi 2019. He received his degree from The Institute of Charted Accountants of
India, New Delhi. Chaplot migrated to Africa in 1996. He is presently spearheading
several companies and business associations in Uganda and Congo in different roles like
Managing Director, CEO, Director, and Board Member. He also served as the Chairman
of the Indian Association of Uganda, Secretary-General of Indian Business Forum
Uganda, and the Board Member, Uganda Manufacturers Association.
3. CRPF instituted Shakti Award
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has instituted a special 'Shakti Award.' It will
be annually presented to chosen personnel who works for the empowerment of
women. Shakti Award: ♦ The award was announced on International Women's Day on 8
March. The award will be conferred every year on 19 March, the CRPF Raising Day. ♦
Women who work for creating women-friendly infrastructure, better work environment,
ease of living with safety, addressing women-specific issues, and related innovation and
initiatives will be awarded. ♦ The award will carry a reward of Rs.1 lakh, a citation, and
a trophy. ♦ The award aims to recognize the best practices and efforts made towards
women empowerment and gender equality in the force. ♦ It aims to motivate CRPF
personnel to do better and innovate in the field. ♦ CRPF has raised the world's first all-
women battalion with a strength of over 1,000 personnel in 1986. Currently, there are six
such battalions.
4. Minister Rajnath Singh conferred WTI Awards on 8 March
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conferred the Fourth Edition of the Women
Transforming India Awards (WTI) on 8 March 2020, the International Women's Day. The
award ceremony was organized by NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform. The
awards recognized women from diverse fields, including healthcare, education, and food
tech, amongst other fields. Winner list: WTI recognized 30 finalists, and 15 winners were
awarded. The winners of the award are: ♦ Dr. Priyanka Mokshmar, Co-founder of Vaayu
Home Appliance ♦ Ramya Venkataraman, Founder of Centre for Teacher Accreditation
(CENTA) ♦ Shilpi Kapoor, Founder of BarrierBreak ♦ Rinka Banerjee, Founder of
Thinking Forks ♦ Nidhi Pant, who combats the issue around waste and farmer living
standard through her Science for Society team ♦ Anupriya Balikai, Founder of Spookfish
Innovations ♦ Kalpana Sankar, Founder of Hand in Hand ♦ Khushboo Jain, Founder of
ImpactGuru ♦ Sneha Sundaram, Founder of Kutuki ♦ Jayanti Pradhan, an agro-processor
and farmer from Odisha ♦ Jugnu Jain, Founder of CSO ♦ Pratyusha Pareddy, Founder of
NemoCare ♦ Poonam Bir Kasturi, Founder of Daily Dump ♦ Ruchi Jain, Founder of Taru
Naturals ♦ Sujata Sahu, Founder of 17000 ft Foundation ♦ Dr. Praveen Nair, Founder
Trustee of Salaam Baalak Trust, was awarded a Special Jury Award. About WTI Awards:
WTI Awards was initiated in the year 2018. It is awarded under the support of the Women
Entrepreneurship Platform. The theme for the year is "Women and Entrepreneurship."
The Platform identifies inspiring stories of successful women entrepreneurs. It processes
a review of applications, jury, and super jury rounds with assistance from mentors and
partners of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform. Women Entrepreneurship Platform:
The Women Entrepreneurship Platform was initiated in 2017 and formally launched on 8
March 2018. It brings together stakeholders to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem
for women. The Women Entrepreneurship Platform was formulated on three pillars,
namely Karma Shakti, Gyan Shakti, and Iccha Shakti. The Platform provides incubator
support, mentorship, funding avenues, compliance and taxation support, and peer
learning. The program was initiated with 30 partners. Presently, there are over 14,000
registered users in the Women Entrepreneurship Platform.
5. President Ram Nath Kovind conferred 2019 Nari Shakti Puraskar

President Ram Nath Kovind presented Nari Shakti Puraskar or Woman Power Award for
the year 2019 on International Women's Day, which is March 8, at a special ceremony
held in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. 15 eminent women were awarded the Nari Shakti
Puraskar 2019. The award recognized the significant efforts of the women who rendered
distinguished services towards the emancipation of women, especially vulnerable and
marginalized women. Awardees: The winners of the Nari Shakti Puraskar for the year
2019 are from various areas, including agriculture, sports, handicrafts, afforestation and
wildlife conservation, Armed Forces, and education. The awardees are Padala Bhudevi,
Bina Devi, Arifa Jan, Chami Murmu, Nilza Wangmo, Rashmi Urdhwareshe, Sardarni
Mann Kaur, Kalavati Devi, Tashi, and Nungshi Malik, Kaushiki Chakroborty,
Bhageerathi Amma, Karthyayini Amma, Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawna Kanth, Mohana
Singh. Nari Shakti Puraskar: Nari Shakti Puraskar was initiated by the Ministry of
Women and Child Development. The award acknowledges the exceptional contribution
made by individuals and institutions. The award was first conferred in 1999. The Nari
Shakti Puraskar award carries a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh and a citation. It celebrates women
as game changers and catalyst of positive change in the society. These outstanding women
have contributed towards safeguarding women's rights along with pushing the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It recognizes women as equal
partners in the advancement of society.
6. Scientists from IIT Delhi, DRDO received National Award
Scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and IIT-Delhi
received National Award for Young Women Showing Excellence through Application of
Technology for Societal Benefits. Dr. Shweta Rawat: Dr. Shweta Rawat from Defence
Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), DRDO, Timarpur, Delhi was
awarded for the discovery of female-specific Full Body Protector. The device aimed to
safeguard the Female troops deployed in riot control actions. The gear has been developed
in collaboration with the Rapid Action Force using the ergonomic design principle based
on anthropometric dimensions specific for female troops. It has unique properties,
including anti-stab, anti-puncture, flame retardant and acid resistance. It assures greater
comfort and flexibility to the women forces while deployed in law and order maintenance
duties. Dr. Shalini Gupta: Dr. Shalini Gupta, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, was awarded as she led the development of a
technology SeptifloTM. It offers fast and affordable assay for point-of-care diagnosis and
treatment of bacterial septicemia. She is pursuing unconventional approaches to design
novel bio-systems for medical diagnosis, drug delivery, and biomaterials fabrication on a
chip through the start-up Nano DX Healthcare Pvt.
7. President to confer National Lalit Kala Akademi Awards

President Ram Nath Kovind is to confer Lalit Kala Akademi's 61st annual awards to 15
artists on 4 March 2020 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The award appreciates the
extraordinary talents to perform even better in the future. Jury: The awardees were
selected by jury of the eminent artists. The winners of the award are: ♦ Anoop Kumar
Manzukhi Gopi from Thrissur, Kerala ♦ David Malakar from Kolkata, West Bengal ♦
Devendra Kumar Khare from Vadodara, Gujarat ♦ Dinesh Pandya from Mumbai,
Maharashtra ♦ Faruque Ahmed Halder from 24 Parganas in Kolkata, West Bengal ♦ Hari
Ram Kumbhawat from Jaipur, Rajasthan ♦ Keshari Nandan Prasad from Jaipur,
Rajasthan ♦ Mohan Kumar T from Bengaluru, Karnataka ♦ Ratan Krishna Saha from
Mumbai, Maharashtra ♦ Sagar Vasant Kamble from Mumbai, Maharashtra ♦ Satwinder
Kaur from New Delhi ♦ Sunil Thiruvayur from Ernakulam, Kerala ♦ Tejaswi Narayan
Sonawane from Solapur, Maharashtra ♦ Yashpal Singh from Delhi ♦ Yashwant Singh
from Delhi The jury selected the winners from among 283 artworks selected by the first
tier Jury. Lalit Kala Akademi: Lalit Kala Akademi, also known as the National Academy
of Art was set up by the Government of India on 5 August 1954. The autonomous body
is located in New Delhi. In 1957, the Akademi was given statutory authority under the
Societies Registration Act 1860. The Akademi serves by promoting the creative
endeavors of Indian artists. It brings the fine arts of the artists to bear upon a large number
of people. The Akademi plays an important role in defining and redefining, the sensibility
of an entire culture, falling under the visual arts spectrum.
8. Assam CM awarded 2020 Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee award
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was conferred the Dr. Syama Prasad
Mukherjee award 2020 for Politics on 28 February. The award was conferred by the
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Speaker of People's Majlis of Maldives
Mohamed Nasheed at the 6th India Ideas Conclave in Gujarat. He was awarded for his
work in integrating the nation and to take Mukherjee's vision and philosophy forward.
Syama Prasad Mukherjee: Syama Prasad Mukherjee was born on 6 July 1901. He served
as the youngest ever Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University. He is the first Minister of
Industry and Supply in independent India. In 1946, he demanded the partition of Bengal
to prevent the inclusion of its Hindu-majority areas in a Muslim-dominated East Pakistan.
He co-founded Janata Party (renamed as BJP) in the year 1977-1979. He was arrested by
the Jammu and Kashmir State police for entering the state without a permit. He passed
away in jail on 23 June 1953. Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee award: Dr. Syama Prasad
Mukherjee award was instituted by India Foundation. The award carries a citation, a
specially designed trophy and a cheque worth Rs.1 lakh.
Other Awards:
 Assam’s Environmental activist Jadav Payeng who is popularly called the ‘Forest Man
of India’ has been named the winner of 128th Commonwealth Points of Light Award
for his exceptional voluntary service to environmental conservation.
 Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor V
Praveen Rao has won the 7th Dr MS Swaminathan Award. He has won the award for
the period 2017-2019.
 PV Sindhu has won the inaugural edition of BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year
Award for 2019. BBC has also conferred former Indian sprinter PT Usha with the
Lifetime Achievement award.
 Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been named as the “Greatest Leader of All Time” in a poll
conducted by ‘BBC World Histories Magazine’. He was the 19th-century ruler of the
Sikh Empire in India. Arfa Khanum Sherwani of “The Wire” and Bengaluru-based
freelancer Rohini Mohan have been jointly awarded Chameli Devi Jain Award for
outstanding woman journalist.
 The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters named Hillel Furstenberg from
Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel and Gregory Margulis from Yale University,
the USA as winners of the Abel Prize 2020. They share the prize & the amount of
Norwegian Krone 7.5 Million (USD 8.3400).
 Critically-acclaimed debut novelist Ruchika Tomar is the winner of the 2020
PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel, for “A Prayer for Travelers”.
 Indian filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has been honoured with IIFTC Tourism Impact Award
2020 for her outstanding contribution to world tourism through her cinema. She has
promoted tourism through her films like 2011 ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ which was
shot in Spain, and 2015 comedy-drama ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ shot in Turkey. Asia’s
largest film tourism event, 8th India International Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC) was
held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

List of Important Awards and Honours March 2020
Award Awardee
128th Commonwealth Points of Light Jadav Payeng
Award winner
MS Swaminathan Award 2020 V Praveen Rao
Chameli Devi Jain Award 2020 Arfa Sherwani & Rohini Mohan
Hemingway Award 2020 Novelist Ruchika Tomar
IIFTC Tourism Impact Award 2020 Zoya Akhtar
2019 Road Safety Media Fellowship Prachi Salve, Pradeep Dwivedi

Award
Moghai Ojah Award Paramananda Majumder
Uganda’s Highest Civilian Award Rajesh Chaplot
National Award DRDO

Summits & Conferences:

1. Pune will host the annual session of 108th Indian Science Congress in 2021 with the
theme “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women
Empowerment”.
2. The 19th edition of World Productivity Congress (WPC) will be held in Bengaluru,
Karnataka with the theme “Industry 4.0: Innovation and Productivity”.
3. The 5th edition of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical
and Economic Cooperation) Summit 2020 to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in the month
of September 2020.
4. Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India (AAI) along with the
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is organizing “Wings
India 2020” event at Hyderabad, Telangana.
5. The 7th World Cities Summit will be held in Singapore with a theme "Liveable and
Sustainable Cities: Adapting to a Disrupted World".
6. Saudi Arabia ‘s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud will chair the Extraordinary
Virtual G20 leaders’ Summit. The extraordinary Virtual Summit of G20 leaders will
feature the participation of leaders across the globe including Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
7. 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. 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.
8.World Cities summit 2020: The next edition of the World Cities Summit (WCS) has
been postponed and will be held from 20–24 June 2021 in Singapore due to COVID-19
outbreak. Inaugurated in 2008, The WCS is an exclusive platform for government
leaders and industry experts to address liveable and sustainable city challenges, share
integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships. It is held biennially in Singapore.
Along with Singapore Government, it is jointly organised by Singapore’s Centre for
Liveable Cities and the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Theme of WCS - 2020 is
''Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Adapting to a Disrupted World''. It aims to discuss
how cities can cope with climate change, social shifts and technological disruptions with
confidence.
9. National Conference on Women in Police and CAPFs: Bureau of Police Research
and Development (BPR&D) organised the National Conference on Women in Police and
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by the Union
Minister for Women and Child Development. The main objective of the National
Conference was to discuss and deliberate on the following two themes: Cyber Stalking
and Bullying of Women: Steps for Protection and Challenges faced by CAPF Women
in Operational Areas. Few important issues related to women in Police which were
highlighted during the conference are: Workplace harassment besides cybercrime.
Society should not look at working women with bias and hold the performance of men to
be the only benchmark for success. Training of members of the Child Welfare
Committees (CWC). The need to train more female forensic investigators and cybercrime
experts. BPR&D was also advised to make a SoP for “One Stop Centre for Women”.
10. India Pharma & India Medical Device 2020 Conference: The Department of
Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in association with Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organised India Pharma 2020 &
India Medical Device 2020 Conference & Exhibition. This is the fifth edition, and was
organised for the first time in the State of Gujarat (which is also the partner state for this
event) at Gandhi Nagar from March 5-7, 2020. Theme: “India Pharma: Meeting
Challenges of Affordable and Quality Healthcare and India Medical Device:
Promoting Affordable responsible and Quality Medical Device for Universal Health
Care”.
11.SAARC conference on COVID-19: Recently, the South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) conference on COVID-19 was held through video
conference. India has proposed to create a COVID-19 Emergency Fund which could be
based on a voluntary contribution from all SAARC members. Further, $10 million has
been extended by India as a contribution to the fund.
The fund can be used to meet the cost of immediate actions by any member and
will be coordinated through foreign secretaries and embassies of the member countries.
Persons in News & Appointments:

1. Ajay Bhushan Pandey appointed as new Finance Secretary of India, succeeding Rajiv
Kumar.
2. Bhushan P Dharmadhikari is appointed as Chief Justice of Bombay High Court
(Maharashtra).
3. Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
appointed Sunil Joshi as new Chief Selector of Indian Cricket Team.
4. Ford India MD Anurag Mehrotra is appointed as CEO for New joint venture formed
by Mahindra and Ford. This JV will sell Ford branded cars in India and other emerging
markets. Mahindra will own controlling stakes of 51 %, while Ford will be having 49
%.
5. Government appointed Bansi Lal Bhat as officiating chairperson of National Company
Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
6. Government re-appointed B. P. Kanungo as RBI Deputy Governor. Other RBI Deputy
Governors are M. D. Patra, M. K. Jain.
7. N. S. Vishwanathan retired as RBI Deputy Governor on Mar 31, 2020.
8. Govt appointed Krishan Mohan Prasad and Satish Kumar Gupta as members of
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Current CBDT chairman is Pramod Chandra
Mody.
9. IndusInd Bank appointed Sumanth Kathpalia as its MD & CEO.
10.Iraqi President Barham Salih appointed Adnan al-Zurfi as country’s new prime
minister.
11.Ivan Janša (Janez Janša) has been appointed as New Prime minister of Slovenia.
12.Madhya Pradesh Government appointed Iqbal Singh Bains as Chief Secretary of state.
13.Misc. Appointments (March 2020):
14.Sudhanshu Pandey appointed as new CMD of PSU MMTC.

15.Amita Pandove appointed as Information Commissioner in Central Information
Commission. Note that Bimal Julka was recently appointed Chief Information
Commissioner of India.
16.Indian-American Seema Verma is appointed a key member of White House
Coronavirus Task Force constituted by US President Donald Trump.
17.Sanjay Kumar Panda is appointed as New Indian Ambassador to Turkey.
18.MRF’s CMD K.M. Mammen is re-elected as chairman of Automotive Tyre

Manufactures’ Association (ATMA).
19.SBI Life Insurance Company re-appointed Sanjeev Nautiyal as MD & CEO.
20.SBI Appointed Chalasani Venkat Nageswar as deputy MD and chief financial officer
(CFO).
21.KJS Dhillon appointed as Director General of Defence Intelligence Agency and
Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence).
22.Nupur Kulshrestha became first woman to be appointed as Deputy Inspector General
(DIG) of Indian Coast Guard.
23.ITBP Director General Surjeet Singh Deswal has been given additional charge to serve
as a Director General of Border Security Force (BSF)
24.Actor Amitabh Bachchan signed by IDFC FIRST Bank as its First brand ambassador.
25.Microsoft appointed Eric Horvitz as its first-ever Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).
26.UK Based Banking Group HSBC appointed Noel Quinn as its permanent CEO.
27.US based service provider Salesforce appointed former SBI chairperson Arundhati
Bhattacharya to head its India operations.
28.Karan Bajwa is appointed as Head of Google Cloud India.
29.Rajiv Bajaj is appointed as MD & CEO of Bajaj Auto.
30.Ravinder Singh Dhillon is appointed as CMD of PSU Power Finance Corporation
(PFC).
31.Hirdesh Kumar is appointed as new Chief Electoral Officer of UT of Jammu and
Kashmir.
32.Ajay Kumar appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to Uganda (East Africa).
33.Sameer Aggarwal is appointed as new CEO of Walmart India, the India arm of
American Retail Giant.
34.Muhyiddin Yassin appointed as new Prime Minister of Malaysia. He replaced
Mahathir Mohammad who had resigned recently. At 94 years of age, he was World’s
Oldest govt leader.
35.Pekka Lundmark appointed President and CEO of Finnish Tech firm Nokia. He will
Rajeev Suri for the post.
36.Prashant Kumar has been appointed as New MD & CEO of Yes Bank, with Sunil
Mehta as non-executive chairman.
37.Mahesh Krishnamurthy and Atul Bheda will serve as non-executive directors.
38.SBI, which has 49 % stake in Yes Bank, will nominate 2 directors. Any investor other
than SBI with 15% voting rights can nominate 1 director.
39.RBI appointed R Gandhi (former RBI Deputy Governor) and Ananth Narayan
Gopalakrishnan as additional directors on Yes Bank board.
40.President Ramnath Kovind nominated former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi to
Rajya Sabha.
41.Under Clause (3) of article 80, President can nominate upto 12 persons to Rajya sabha.
42.RBI nominated Debasish Panda (Department of Financial Services Secretary) on its
central board.
43.Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been appointed as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for
his 4th term. Few days earlier, Kamal Nath-led Congress government lost its majority
in state after several MLAs withdrew their support, led by Jyotiraditya Scindia.
44.Singapore’s Daren Tang elected as Director General of World Intellectual Property
Organisation (WIPO), succeeding Australia’s Francis Gurry.
45.WIPO is one of 15 specialized agencies of United Nations (UN)
46.WIPO was created in 1967, headquartered at Geneva (Switzerland).
47.Ukraine’s parliament appointed Denys Shmygal as new prime minister, after his
predecessor Oleksiy Honcharuk resigned.
48.Air Vice Marshal Chandan Singh Rathore passes away: On March 29th,2020 the
Mahavir chakra recipient Air Vice Marshal Chandan Singh Rathore passed away in
his Jodhpur residence. His services during the 1962 and 1971 wars were impeccable.
49.Satyarupa Siddhanta enters Limca Book of records: The Indian mountaineer
Satyarupa Siddhanta enters Limca Book of Records and has set the record of becoming
the first Indian to climb the highest volcanoes of all seven continents.
50.Former Egyptian President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak passes away: He served as
President of Egypt between 1981 and 2011.Mubarak was ousted after popular protest
against his rule. He along with his sons were detained against allegation of corruption
and abuse of power.
Reports and Indices:

List of important Reports:
Sl.No. Reports/Indices Publishing Organisation

1. Ease of Doing Business
2. World Development Report
3. Global Economic Prospect (GEP)
Report
4. Remittance Report
5. Ease of Living Index
6. India Development Update
7. Global Financial Development Report
8. Energy Efficiency Implementation
Readiness
9. Human Capital Index (Prepared as a
part of World development Report) World Bank
10. Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable
Energy (RISE)
11. Logistics Performance Index
12. Report: A Glass Half Full: The
promise of Regional Trade in South
Asia
13. Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2018:
Piecing Together the Poverty Puzzle
14. Human Capital Index (Prepared as a
part of World development Report)
15. Universal Health Coverage Index World Bank + WHO
16. Global Human Capital Index
17. Global Information Technology
Report
18. Travel and Tourism Competitiveness World Economic Forum
Report
19. Global Competitiveness Report
20. Global Enabling Trade Report
21. Global Financial Stability Report International Monetary Fund
(IMF)
22. World Economic Outlook IMF

23. Global Financial System Report Bank for International

Settlements (BIS)
24. World Happiness Report UN – Sustainable Development
Solutions Network (SDSN)
25. Gender Inequality Index UNDP
26. Global Gender Gap Index WEF
27. Gender Parity Index UNESCO
28. Global Environment Outlook UN-Environment Programme
(UNEP)
29. Red Book (Uranium Report) IAEA+ Nuclear Energy Agency
30. Red List IUCN
31. World Energy Outlook International Energy Agency
32. Corruption Perception Index Transparency International
33. World Press Freedom Index Reporters without Borders
34. Global Hunger Index International Food Policy
Research Institute (IFPRI)
35. Rule of Law Index World Justice Project,
American independent
Multidisciplinary organisation
36. State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index Ministry of New and
(SARAL) Renewable Energy
37. Transformation of Aspirational Districts NITI Aayog
38. SDG Index NITI Aayog + Ministry of
Statistics and Programme
Implementation
39. Global Innovation Index Cornell University, INSEAD
and WIPO
40. India Innovation Index NITI Aayog with Institute for
Competitiveness
41. Annual Survey of Education Report Pratham Group
42. Greenex (Green Index) Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
1.Human Development Index (HDI)-2019
Human Development Report was recently released by UN Development Programme

(UNDP). It unveils Human Development Index (HDI) which measures average
achievement in three basic dimensions of human development,
i. Life expectancy,
ii. Education and
iii. Per capita income.
According to its recent report, India ranks129 out of 189 countries on the 2019 HDI, up
by one position (130) from last year. Norway, Switzerland, Ireland occupied the top 3
positions followed by Germany & Hong Kong in 4th and Australia in 5th ranking.
2. Global Competitiveness Index 2019
It is published by World Economic Forum annually. The index covers 141 nations and it
measures national competitiveness through 103 indicators organized into 12 pillars. India
has moved down 10 places to rank 68thamong 141 countries on the global
competitiveness index. It is among the worst-performing BRICS nations along with Brazil
(ranked even lower than India at 71stthis year). The overall ranking, India is followed by
some of its neighbours including Sri Lanka at 84th place, Bangladesh at 105th, Nepal at
108th and Pakistan at 110th place.
3. Multidimensional Poverty Index 2019
MPI is a measure that takes into account the incidence of poverty and the extent of
deprivation. It is calculated by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative and
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The MPI value ranges between 0 and
1 and the value of 1 indicates the highest deprivation level, while 0 indicates the lowest.
India ‘s MPI stood at 0.121 in 2016, half of what it was in 2006. India ‘s MPI is lower
than the global average of 0.159 and the South Asian countries but higher than BRICS
countries (excluding Russia). According to the report Bihar was the poorest state in 2015-
16, with more than half its population in poverty. The four poorest states of India
according to the report are Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
4. Global Hunger Index 2019
The 14thGlobal Hunger Index (GHI) 2019 was released recently and it had ranked India
a lowly 102 among the 117 countries it had mapped. The GHI has been brought out almost
every year by Welthungerhilfe (lately in partnerships with Concern Worldwide) since
2000. A low score gets a country a higher ranking which implies a better performance.
The reason for mapping hunger is to ensure that the world achieves ―Zero Hunger by
2030 -one of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Four indicators of GHI -
1. Undernourishment (which reflects inadequate food availability)

2. Child Wasting (which reflects acute under nutrition)
3. Child Stunting (which reflects chronic under nutrition)
4. Child Mortality (which reflects both inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environment)
India is one of the 47 countries that have serious ‘levels of hunger.
5. Global Gender Gap Index 2019-20
The Global Gender Gap Index for the year 2020 was released by World Economic Forum.
Iceland, Norway, and Finland occupy the top three spots in the Report. Yemen ranked at
the last place (153rd). India has ranked 112th among 153 countries, slipped four places
from the previous year ranking. Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and China are ranked at
50, 101, 102 and 106respectively. Pakistan is ranked at 151.
It measures progress towards parity between men and women in –
1. Economy
2. Education
3. Health &
4. Political representation.
The index lies between 0 and 1, with 1 denoting complete parity and 0, complete
inequality.
6. Ease of Doing Business Index 2019
It is being released as part of the World Bank every year
The indicators are -
1. Ease of starting business
2. Getting electricity
3. Dealing with construction permits
4. Registering property
5. Protecting investors
6. Access to credit
7. Employing workers
8. Trading across borders
9. Paying taxes
10. Enforcing contracts &
11. Resolving insolvency
Somalia was ranked at 190th spot. India ranks at 63rd among 190 countries, moved 14
places from the previous year (77th rank in 2018). The report assesses improvement in
ease of doing business environment in Delhi and Mumbai. In the last 5 years, India ‘s
ranking has improved 79 places - to 63 in 2019 from 142 in 2014.
7. Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index
The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) is produced by the World
Economic Forum (WEF). It measures the factors and policies that make a country a viable
place to invest within the Travel and Tourism sector. India has secured 34th place in the
Index.
8. International Intellectual Property Index 2020

International Intellectual Property Index is released by Global Innovation Policy Centre
or GIPC of the US Chambers of Commerce. India has been ranked 40thout of 53
countries on a global intellectual property index 2020.
9. Corruption Perceptions Index
The Corruption Perceptions Index is an index published annually by Transparency
International since 1995. It ranks countries "by their perceived levels of public sector
corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys. The 2019 CPI
draws on 13 surveys and expert assessments to measure public sector corruption in 180
countries and territories, giving each a score from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very
clean). In the last eight years, out of 159 countries taken up for assessment only 22
countries significantly improved their CPI scores. India’s ranking in the Corruption
Perceptions Index (CPI-2019) has slipped from 78 to 80 compared to the previous year.
10. SDG India Index
SDG India Index is a single measurable Index to map the progress of States & UTs
towards 2030 SDGs. The index is released by NITI Aayog, it is developed in collaboration
with the Ministry of Statistics &Programme Implementation (MoSPI). NITI Aayog has
the twin mandate to oversee the implementation of SDGs in the country, and also promote
Competitive and Cooperative Federalism among States and UTs. The SDG India Index
tracks the progress of all States and UTs on 62 Priority Indicators selected by NITI Aayog,
which in turn is guided by MoSPI’s National Indicator Framework. Through which a
composite score was computed between the range of 0-100 for each State and UT based
on their aggregate performance across 13 SDGs, which indicates the average performance
of State/UT towards achieving 13 SDGs & their respective targets. If a State/UT achieves
a score of 100, it signifies that it has achieved the 2030 national targets. The higher the
score of a State/UT, the greater the distance to the target achieved.
Classification Criteria based on SDG India Index Score is as follows:
1. Aspirant: 0-49
2. Performer: 50-64
3. Front Runner: 65-99
4. Achiever: 100
11. Composite Water Management Index
The index is developed by NITI Aayog and it ranked states on how well they managed
water. It is released by the Ministry of Water Resources. It comprises 9 broad sectors with
28 different indicators covering various aspects of groundwater, restoration of water
bodies, irrigation, farm practices, drinking water, policy and governance. According to
the recent report, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have managed water
resources efficiently. Meghalaya, Uttarakhand and Nagaland are the bottom three states
in the index. While Tripura has emerged as top performer in north-east, Rajasthan has
emerged as the best performer in the incremental progress over last two years.
Some of the other important findings from the recent report are,
1. India is facing its ―worst‖ water crisis in history and that the demand for potable water
will outstrip supply by 2030, if steps are not taken.
2. 21 cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, will run out of
groundwater by 2020, affecting 100 million people.
3. Critical groundwater resources, which accounted for 40% of the water supply, are being
depleted at ―unsustainable‖ rates and up to 70% of the supply is ―contaminated.
12. World Happiness Report
The World Happiness Report is an annual publication of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Solutions Network. It is a landmark survey of the state of global happiness
that ranks 156 countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. The
World Happiness Report 2020 for the first time ranks cities around the world by their
subjective well-being and digs more deeply into how the social, urban and natural
environments combine to affect our happiness. Finland was once again crowned as the
world’s happiest country, extending its lead over Denmark and Switzerland.
According to the report Finland’s residents enjoy a high quality of life, security and public
services, with rates of inequality and poverty among the lowest of all OECD countries.
As in each of the previous seven reports, Nordic states dominated the top ten, along with
countries such as Switzerland, New Zealand and Austria. Luxembourg also edged into
the tenth spot for the first time this year. India ranks 144 in the ranking. Meanwhile, the
countries at the bottom of this year’s ranking are those afflicted by violent conflicts and
extreme poverty, with Zimbabwe, South Sudan and Afghanistan classed as the world’s
least happy countries.
Important Days:
Important Days and Dates of March
 March 1: Zero Discrimination Day; World Civil Defence Day
 March 3: World Wildlife Day, World Hearing Day
 March 4: National Security Day
 March 8: International Women's Day
 March (2nd Thursday in March): World Kidney Day
 March (2nd Wednesday in March): No Smoking Day
 March 15: World Disabled Day; World Consumer Rights Day
 March 16: World Sleep Day
 March 18: Ordnance Factories Day (India)
 March 20: International Day of happiness; World Sparrow Day
 March 21: World Forestry Day; World Down Syndrome Day; World Poetry Day
 March 22: World Day for Water
 March 23: World Meteorological Day
 March 24: World TB Day
 March 27: World Theatre Day

Sports Affairs:
1.Tokyo Olympic torch relay cancelled:
The Japan leg of the Tokyo Olympic torch relay has been cancelled due to the
coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was made by Yoshiro Mori, President of the
Tokyo 2020 organizing committee. The move comes after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach agreed to postpone the
Tokyo Olympic games by roughly one year. The decision was made during a telephone
conference. International Olympic Committee (IOC) is planning to draw a new plan for
the relay. IOC stated that the Olympic flame will remain in Japan. Background: The
torch relay was scheduled to begin in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan. The
flame for the Tokyo Olympics 2020 was lit as scheduled on 12 March in ancient
Olympia despite the COVID-19 outbreak.
2. Tokyo Summer Olympics 2020 postponed:
Japanese authorities are planning to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics due to
the COVID-19 pandemic. The final decision will be announced soon. It was announced
by Yoshiro Mori, president of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee. Highlights: The
game will not be cancelled but will be postponed. The organizers are still discussing if
they could still secure the Olympic venues for all 33 sports, and for the Paralympics.
Japan's official budget for the Olympic Games is around $12.6 billion, so far. The
Tokyo Olympic torch relay is due to start on 26 March in Fukushima in northeastern
Japan. Recently, Canada and Australia have announced its pullout from the Tokyo
Olympics due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Games of the XXXII Olympiad (2020
Summer Olympics): Host city: Tokyo, Japan Planned dates of the event: 24 July-9
August 2020 Participating Nations: 204 Athletes: 11,091 Events: 339 in 33 sports.
3. Indian umpires Janani Narayanan and Vrinda Rathi named in ICC panel:
The number of women matches officials across different International Cricket Council
panels has gone up to 12 as Janani Narayanan, and Vrinda Rathi of India was named in
the International Panel of ICC Development Umpires. The announcement comes soon
after the launch of 100% Cricket, a 12-month campaign anticipated building on the
momentum of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. The campaign launched just
before 86,174 people watched the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final
at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on International Women’s Day.
4. Tai Tzu Ying won 2020 All England Badminton Championships:
Taiwan's Tai Tzu Ying won the third women's singles title in four years at the Yonex All
England Badminton Championships 2020 in Birmingham, England. She defeated the
defending champion, Chen Yu Fei, on 15 March. Also, Viktor Axelsen won the All
England title in the men's singles championship. He secured Denmark's first win in the
event since Peter Gade's triumph in 1999.
5. Amit Panghal, Lovlina Borgohain won bronze medal in the Asian Boxing Olympic
qualifiers:
Boxers Amit Panghal and Lovlina Borgohain won the bronze medal in the Asian Boxing
Olympic qualifiers held in Amman, Jordan. Both the boxers had already claimed their
place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Borgohain secured 0-5 and lost to China's Hong Gu
in the 69kg weight category. Pangal was defeated by China's Jianguan Hu in the 52 kg
category. Other winners: In a total of five Indian boxers, namely Vikas Krishan in 69kg
category, Lovlina Borgohain in 69kg category, Pooja Rani in 75kg category, Ashish
Kumar in 75kg category and Satish Kumar in +91kg category, secured their seats at the
Olympics. Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualification Tournaments: Five qualification series of
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualification Tournaments are conducted across all continents and
286 Olympic spots. The qualification series is hosted at Dakar, Amman, London, Buenos
Aires, and Paris.
6. Tiger Woods to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of fame
Tiger Woods is to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of fame in its class of 2021. He
will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in December 2020, once the age of entry was lowered
from 50 to 45. Woods has won 15 majors and a joint record 82 times on the PGA Tour.
The 44-year-old won the Masters at Augusta in April 2019 for his 15th major. Tiger
Woods: Eldrick Tont Woods, nicknamed as Tiger, is a USA's professional golf player.
He ranks second in both major championships and the Professional Golfers' Association
of America (PGA). He holds numerous records in golf and is considered one of the
greatest golfers of all time.
7. PV Sindhu was awarded the 2019 BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year:
Top Indian shuttler PV Sindhu won the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2019. The
award ceremony was hosted by BBC Director-General Tony Hall. Also, Veteran athlete
PT Usha was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. She was awarded for her
contribution to Indian sports and for inspiring generations of players. PV Sindhu: PV
Sindhu became the first Indian to win the BWF World Championships in the year 2019.
She has secured five world championship medals. She is the first Indian singles
badminton player to win an Olympic silver medal. She competed with four other strong
nominees, namely Mary Kom (boxing), Vinesh Phogat (wrestling), Dutee Chand
(athletics), and Manasi Joshi (para-badminton)
8. First ever Khelo India Winter Games begin at Gulmarg in Kashmir:
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the first-ever five-
day Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg. Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg hosting
Khelo India Winter Games 2020 from March 7th to 11th.The sports shall be organized
every year at Gulmarg. The training academy should be established on the standards of
the International level in which international coaches shall impart training to
sportspersons. The interactive session with youth at National Integration Camp hosted by
Government Physical Education College Gadoora, Ganderbal. The camp was hosted to
motivate and guide the youth for their active participation in the promotion of unity,
communal harmony, national integration, FIT India. Khelo India Youth Games Khelo
India Youth Games formerly Khelo India School Games held annually in January First
event: 2018 Last event: 2020.
9. SAI announced first edition of Khelo India Women’s Hockey League:
Sports Authority of India (SAI) has announced the first edition of the Khelo India
Women's Hockey League (Under 21) will be held at three different venues across the
country in three phases between March-November 2020. Organizing Team: Khelo India
Women's Hockey League (Under 21) tournament will be organized by Hockey India.
Highlights: ♦ Phase 1 will be held from 23-29 March 2020 at the Major Dhyan Chand
National Stadium in New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh. ♦ Phase 2 will be held from 13-19 July
2020 at the SAI Center in Bengaluru, Karnataka. ♦ Phase 3 from 22-29 November 2020
at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. ♦ The government aims to create
talent identification platforms for athletes from multiple sports through the Khelo India
Scheme. ♦ Various academies registered under Hockey India and Public Sector Units'
teams will play in the League.
10. Mumbai to Host 2023 IOC session:
Mumbai will be hosting the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) session in 2023.
The announcement was passed by IOC president Thomas Bach. Highlights: ♦ The
committee chose India to encourage and support the National Olympic Committee of
India and all the National Federations to promote and strengthen Olympic sport in the
country. ♦ The decision by IOC committee is yet to be ratified at the 136th IOC session
in Tokyo in July 2020. ♦ Also, the year 2023 will be a significant year for India as it
coincides with the 75th anniversary of Indian independence. ♦ India last hosted an IOC
session in 1983 in New Delhi. International Olympic Committee (IOC): Formed on: 23
June 1894 Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland Honorary President: Jacques Rogge
President: Thomas Bach.
11. Khelo India University Games 2020:
Khelo India University Games 2020 was held for the first time at Kalinga Institute of
Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. The games were held
from 22 February to 1 March 2020. Over 4,000 top athletes from a total of about 176
universities across India participated in the event. Launching Team: The Khelo India
University Games was launched by the GoI in partnership with the Government of the
State of Odisha. The competition was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Aim: The aim of Khelo India University Games is to make it an aspirational competition
for India's youngsters to help them find a balance between sport and education. Results:
Men's Competition: Gold - Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar Women's Competition:
Gold - Himachal Pradesh University, Himachal Pradesh Boxing: Men's Events: 46 - 49
kg Category: Gold - Gurwinder Singh 49 - 52 kg Category: Gold - Lalit 52 - 57 kg
Category: Gold - Shashikant Yadav 57 - 60 kg Category: Gold - Sunil Chauhan 60 - 63
kg Category: Gold - Ashutosh Bhagat 63 - 69 kg Category: Gold - Pawan Kumar 69 - 75
kg Category: Gold - Kunal 75 - 81 kg Category: Gold - Saksham 81 - 91 kg Category:
Gold - Sawan Gill 91+ kg Category: Gold - Sagar Football: Women's Football: Gold -
Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu Athletics: Men's Events: 3000 meters Steeplechase:
Gold - Atul Poonia (Maharaja Ganga Singh University) 5000 meters: Gold - Narendra
Pratap Singh (Mangalore University) Triple Jump: Gold - Arun AB (MG University)
Decathlon: Gold - Krishna Kumar (Mangalore University) High Jump: Gold - Adarsh
Ram (University of Madras) 200 meters: Gold - Rahul Kumar (University of Madras) 4
x 100 metres Relay: Gold - MG University Women's Events: 200 metres: Gold - Dutee
Chand (KIIT University, Bhubaneswar) 3000 metres Steeplechase: Gold - Komal
Chandra (Savitribai Phule Pune University) 5000 metres: Gold - Jyoti (Panjab University)
Heptathlon: Gold - Sonu Kumari (Lovely Professional University) Hammer Throw: Gold
- Varsha (Mangalore University) 4 x 100 metres Relay: Gold - MG University Top 5
Ranked Universities: Panjab University, PB - 46 (17 Gold, 19 Silver, 10 Bronze)
Savitribai Phule Pune University, MS - 37 (17 Gold, 11 Silver, 9 Bronze) Punjabi
University, Patiala - 33 (13 Gold, 6 Silver, 14 Bronze) M D U, Rohtak, Haryana - 33 (11
Gold, 11 Silver, 11 Bronze) Mangalore University, Karnataka - 25 (9 Gold, 7 Silver, 9
Bronze).
12. Mexican Open 2020:

Rafael Nadal won the Mexican Open 2020 championship at Acapulco. He defeated
Taylor Fritz to claim the title. With this win, he defeated the World No.1 Novak Djokovic
in the ATP Rankings. Mexican Open 2020: 2020 Mexican Open is the 27th edition of
the men's Mexican Open and 20th for the women. The tournament is a part of the 2020
ATP Tour. The championship was held at Princess Mundo Imperial from 22-29 February
2020. Result: Men's Singles: Rafael Nadal (Spain) Women's Singles: Heather Watson
(Britain) Men's Doubles: Marcelo Melo (Brazil), Lukasz Kubot (Poland) Women's
Doubles: Giuliana Olmos (Mexico), Desirae Krawczyk (US).
13. Australia won ICC Women’s T20 World cup 2020 by defeating India in Australia
ICC (International Cricket Council) Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 , the 7th ICC
Women’s T20 World Cup tournament was held in Australia from February 21- March 8,
2020.The final match, which was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on
International Women’s Day (8 March), Australia women’s cricket team defeated the
Indian women’s cricket team by 85 runs and won the title for the 5th time.
14. ICC Women’s T2I Rankings 2020:
On March 4, 2020, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20I (Twenty-
twenty International) rankings 2020 for Women players, the 16-year-old Indian
opener Shefali Verma climbed 19 places to reach the top with 761 points. She replaced
New Zealand’s Suzie Bates down a notch, who now have 750 po
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For Internal Circulation only March 2020

3. Important Amendments & Bills

5. Bare Act in News

7. Science & Technology

9. Awards & Honors

10. Summits and Conferences

11. Persons in News & Appointments

12. Reports and Indices

13. Books and Authors

14. Important Days

15. Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 extended up to March 2021

 Defining contingent liabilities, providing a quantifiable measure of such liabilities

recommended insertion of a time limit within which this exemption would be

From the States:

the Department of Government Reforms and Public Grievances in consultation with

3. India as an Observer at IOC

4. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at 50

5. Tokyo Olympics officially postponed until 2021

Bills and Amendments:

2.Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2020:

3.Lok Sabha passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020:

5. Ministry of Culture to revisit the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites

6. The U.P. government promulgates Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damage to Public

8. Parliament passed the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020:

9. Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020 introduced in LS:

11. Maharashtra State Assembly approves bill on caste validity certificate:

12.Union Cabinet approves Companies (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019:

17. Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020 introduced in Lok Sabha:

Case Number: C.A. No. 1966 – 1967 of 2020 04-03-2020

2.Manoj Suryavanshi v. State of Chhattisgarh

Case Number: Crl.A. No. 388 of 2020 05-03-2020

Mr. Justice M. R. Shah

3. Sadhna Chaudhary v. State of Uttar Pradesh

Judicial Officer – Misconduct – Mere suspicion cannot constitute ‘misconduct’. Any

Case Number: C.A. No. 2077 of 2020 06-03-2020

4. M. Vanaja v. M. Sarla Devi

Case Number: C.A. No. 8814 of 2010 06-03-2020

5. Cheque: Sandhya Rani G. v. State of Kerala

Facts of The Case:

“A meaningful reading of the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act including, in

6. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): 3 Important Provisions applicable under

269. Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.—Whoever

270. Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.—Whoever

271. Disobedience to quarantine rule.—Whoever knowingly disobeys any rule made

7. Aarifaben Yunusbhai Patel v. Mukul Thakore Bhai Amin

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