CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY 2020

Indian Navy conducts 5-day coastal security exercise, ‘Matla Abhiyaan’ in Kolkata, West Bengal

Indian Navy has carried out 5-day coastal security exercise called, ‘Matla Abhiyaan’ at Sunderban region in Kolkata, West Bengal
with the aim to create awareness about the coastal security to the local community & understand the navigational complexities
in the Sunderban delta waters.

Narmada Mahotsav 2020 celebrated at Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Madhya Pradesh (MP) Government conducts the Amarkantak Narmada Mahotsa 2020 from 31 st January to 2nd February 2020
in the beautiful plains of Amarkantak, MP during Narmada Jayanthi.Among 3 days of celebration one day will be reserved for all
women activities under the theme of “Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao”.

AP Govt made history with ‘Intivadhakey Pension’ scheme by covering 94 % within few days

The Andhra Pradesh (AP) state Government led by its Chief Minister(CM) Yeduguri Sandinti Jaganmohan Reddy,has created a
record with its ‘Intivadhakey Pension’ (Pension to your Doorstep) Scheme by covering 94 % of about 60 lakh pensioners at their
doorstep within a few days. The scheme was launched in 13 districts on February 1, 2020.

PM Modi announced 15-member trust named ‘Sri Ram Janma Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra trust’ for Ayodhya temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in Parliament about the formation of a trust to oversee the construction of a Ram
Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. In this regard, 67.703 acres of land near the temple area has been allocated to the trust. The
trust has been set up on the lines of Supreme Court direction to the central government in November 2019 to formulate a
scheme with necessary provisions for the setting up of a trust within three months for the construction of the temple.
Around 38 Cr bank accounts opened under PMJDY till January 2020 : Finance ministry

According to the Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Anurag Singh Thakur, bank accounts opened under the
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) have registered around 38 crore till January 2020. PMJDY was launched by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on 28 August 2014 to ensure affordable access to banking schemes to weaker sections and low-income
groups. PMJDY accounts have “No minimum balance” requirement. It offers an overdraft (OD) limit of Rs 10,000 & free accident
insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh.

Uttarakhand’s iconic Lakshman Jhula to be replaced by India’s first Glass floor bridge

Uttarakhand government has cleared the design of a glass floor suspension bridge, the first of its kind in the country, to be built
across Ganga River in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand as a replacement to iconic Lakshman Jhula which was closed in 2019 due to safety
reasons. It has been in place for 94 years. The glass floor suspension bridge design is prepared by Public Works Department
(PWD).It will be safe for commutation for at least 150 years.

Hyderabad Metro Rail becomes Country’s 2nd Largest Operational Metro Project

Chief Minister of Telangana Mr. K.Chandrashekhar Rao flagged off new Metro line from Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) to Mahatma
Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) connecting twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad on the stretch of 11-kms (Kilometers)
becomes India’s 2nd largest Metro Rail Network of total operational distance of 69.2kms, only next to Delhi Metro Rail Network
having an operational distance of 231kms.
20th ‘Hunar Haat’ 2020 held in New Delhi

The 20th ‘Hunar Haat’, an initiative of the Minority Affairs Ministry, showcasing handmade indigenous products of master
artisans and craftsmen organized from February 13-23, 2020 based on the theme of “Kaushal Ko Kaam” at India Gate Lawns,
Rajpath, New Delhi.

MP CM Inaugurates National Water Conference at Bhopal

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Kamal Nath has inaugurated the National water conference at Bhopal, Madhya
Pradesh. The conference is being held to finalize the guidelines of “Right to Water Act” or “Water Rights Act” and also to discuss
the water crisis in the state and also making the state a water-rich state.

Gandhinagar railway station in Gujarat to be the 1st in India to add 5-star hotel above the tracks: VK Yadav

According to the Chairman of the Indian Railway Board, Sri Vinod Kumar Yadav, Indian Railways has planned to prepare 5- Star
Hotel on the tracks in Gandhinagar railway station of Gujarat to give passengers the experience of world class facilities. This will
be the first experiment in India. The hotel, being built by the famous hotel chain Leela Group, could be completed by December
2020.
1st-ever Global investor’s summit 2020 will be held in Jammu & Kashmir

The Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) administration is set to host first ever Global Investors Summit-2020 in
the capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu in the month of April 2020 with the aim to attract investment and industries to J&K.

Delhi-based IGIA becomes 1st single-use plastic-free airport of India

According to the GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become
the 1st airport in India to be completely free of single-use plastic usage. It is inline with India’s target to abolish all single-use
plastic from India by 2022.

SC approves permanent commission to women officers in the army

The Supreme Court (SC) bench of Justices Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud and Ajay Rastogi dismissed the central
government’s submission that women are physically weaker than men and agreed on Delhi High Court’s decision about
eligibility of permanent commission and command post to short service commissioned (SSC) women officers in the army.
Women officers in the Indian Military Service are recruited through the Short Service Commission (SSC) and can work in the
army for a period of 10 years, extendable up to 14 years.
Indian Army is set to Get New Headquarters – the Thal Sena Bhawan in Delhi Cantonment

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone of the Army Headquarters new building “Thal Sena Bhawan” in
Delhi Cantonment. Thal Sena Bhawan, the multi-storeyed complex adopting Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment
(GRIHA-5 rating) norms, designed like a “rising sun” and spread over nearly 39 acres. At present, the Army headquarters is split
into 8 pockets across New Delhi such as South Block, Sena Bhawan, Hutments Area, R.K.Puram, Shankar Vihar etc., and the new
building accommodates Army headquarters in one place ensures that they can work under one roof. The cost of the project will
be in excess of Rs 700 crore and will be constructed within 5 years.

PM Modi addressed the International Judicial Conference 2020, “Judiciary and The Changing World” held in New
Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the International Judicial Conference 2020 – “Judiciary and The Changing World”
in New Delhi. The theme of the conference was “Gender Just World”. Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde, Attorney
General Kottayan Katankot Venugopal, and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also addressed the gathering. The aim of the
conference was to facilitate cross fertilisation of ideas between judges of India and those from abroad. The Conference
introduced the “Just World” concept in the Judicial System of India which aims to take the judicial system of the country to every
citizen irrespective of their gender.

Losar festival was celebrated in Himachal Pradesh

Losar festival was celebrated at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The festival is celebrated on the 1 st day of the lunisolar Tibetan
calendar also called Tibetan New Year. Losar is a festival in Tibetan Buddhism. Hundreds of people from the Buddhist community
gathered at different temples in the state to celebrate Losar festival & prayers were offered at Dorje Drak Monastery in Shimla.
Overview of US President Donald Trump visit to India on February 24-25

The President of United States of America (USA), Donald John Trump, paid a State Visit to India on 24- 25 February 2020, at the
invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He arrived at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel international airport in Ahmedabad,
Gujarat for India visit to strengthen the Indo-US friendship and trade deal. He was accompanied by his wife Melania, and 12-
member delegation including his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner. It was the seventh visit by an American
president and first visit by Donald Trump.

US surpasses China to become India’s top trading partner.

India, U.S. have finalised defence deals worth $3 billion for MH60R navy choppers, Apaches

ISRO-NASA joint space mission for 2022 launch; blueprint discussed in Modi-Trump talks
Namaste, Trump event was organized for Donald Trump at Ahmedabad’s newly-built Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Cricket Stadium in Motera.

Atal Innovation Mission partnered with Nasscom to launch AI-based module in 5000 ATLs

NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has collaborated with Nasscom (National
Association of Software and Services Companies) to launch the artificial intelligence (AI) based module including AI kits across
5000 Atal Tinkering Labs in the country so that students can get for better knowledge of AI.

1st “Nimad Chilli Festival 2020” begins at Kasrawad in Khargone district,Madhya Pradesh; mascot named “chilli
chacha” released

First edition of 2 day unique initiative “Nimad Chilli Festival 2020” or ‘Mirch Mahotsav’ organised by Madhya Pradesh
Governmsent held at Kasrawad in Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh(MP). The aim of this festival is to promote Chilli
production & Chilli based industries in the state & especially to promote Nimari brand of chillies in India & abroad.

Maldives readmitted and becomes 54th member of Commonwealth family

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of the Maldives announced that Maldives has once again become a member of the
Commonwealth family after the meeting between Abdullah Shahid, Foreign Minister of Maldives & Patricia Scotland, Secretary
General of the Commonwealth. The Maldives became the 54th family member of the Commonwealth family.

Counterpoint data: India surpassed US to become 2nd largest smartphone market globally; China tops

According to the recently released Counterpoint Research’s Market Monitor service report, India surpassed the United States
(US) for the first time to become the 2nd largest smartphone market in the world. India recorded 158 million shipments in 2019
with 7% year-on-year growth which was mainly due to Chinese smartphone brands that were introduced. The list was topped by
China.

WHO renames deadly coronavirus from China as ‘COVID-19’

UN(United Nations) health agency, the WHO(World Health Organization) has officially renamed Coronavirus as ‘COVID-19’ [“co”
stands for “corona”, “vi” for “virus” and “d” for “disease”, while “19” was for the year, as the outbreak was first originated in
China’s Wuhan area in December 2019].

India ranks 77th in terms of sustainability & 131st in flourishing index: UN report

According to the report, “A future for the world’s children?” commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and The Lancet medical journal, India ranks 77th in terms of Sustainability Index and 131st in
the Flourishing Index of Children’s Survival, health, education and Well-being. Sustainability index is associated with per capita
carbon emissions and ability of children in a nation to live healthy lives.

Pakistan continues at grey list of FATF for another 4 months

The Paris based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an organization that monitors the financing of international terrorism, gave a
4-month extension to Pakistan & warned of action for its failure to combat money laundering and terror financing. Islamabad
(Pakistan) continues to remain on grey list & If it does not curb the financing of terrorism by June 2020, it will be put on the
blacklist.

Saudi Arabia, 1st Arab Nation that hosts G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting 2020 from Feb
22-23

The G20 Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors Meeting was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 22- 23 February 2020 on the
theme “Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All”. The meet was chaired by the Saudi Arabia’s finance minister
Mohammed al-Jadaan and central bank governor Ahmed al-Kholifey. It should be noted that Saudi Arabia is the first Arab nation
to hold the G20 presidency and will hold the fifteenth meeting of Group of Twenty (G20) i.e. G20 Leaders Summit 2020 from 21-
22 November 2020, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

RBI hikes Insurance cover on bank deposits to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh

India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the Insurance cover on bank deposits to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 1
lakh effective from February 4, 2020 with a view to giving protection to depositors. The cover is provided by a wholly owned
subsidiary of the RBI, the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). The DICGC does not directly charge any
premium from the depositor on this insurance. So Now Banks will pay a premium of 12 paise against 10 paise per Rs 100
deposit.

ADB approved $2 million fund amount to combat nCoV

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved to sponsor $2 million as funding to combat the outbreak of novel coronavirus
(nCoV). Under the funding, regional technical assistance will be provided in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and
Vietnam.

Induslnd Bank records highest growth in brand value among Top 500 Banking Brands 2020

As per the The Banker’s ‘Top 500 Banking Brands 2020’ report, India’s IndusInd Bank has topped the list of ‘Highest increase in
brand value’ among global banks. Its brand value saw an increaseof 122% over the past 12 months. The bank reported total
assets of Rs 3.1 lakh crore at the end of Q3 FY20. As a part of the report, the list “T op 50 By Total Brand Value by Country” has
been topped by China, followed by United States (US) at 2nd position while Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) ranked at 3rd
and 4th spots.
SBI Card join hands with Landmark group to launch 3 new retail co-branded credit cards

SBI (State Bank of India) Cards & Payments Services Ltd (previously known as SBI Cards and Payment Services Private Limited), a
payment solutions provider in India, has entered into the partnership with Landmark Group, one of the largest retail and
hospitality organizations, to launch 3 new retail co-branded credit cards namely Lifestyle Home Centre SBI Card, Max SBI Card
and Spar SBI Card with 4 Landmark Group brands- Lifestyle, Home Centre, Max and Spar.

Microsoft, SBI join hands to train differently-abled for employment in BFSI sector

Global tech giant Microsoft has collaborated with the Centre run State Bank of India (SBI) to train differently-abled people to
find jobs in the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector. In the first year of partnership 500 differently-abled
youths will be upskilled. As a part of this partnership, SBI Foundation and Microsoft will develop an artificial intelligence
powered market so that BFSI industry can connect more easily with differently-abled people for employment opportunities.

Fiscal deficit reached 132.4 % of budget estimate for 2019-2020 till December: CGA

According to the data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), the fiscal deficit reached 132.4 % of the full fiscal
target in December 2019 itself due to the slow pace of revenue collection in the current financial year-FY 2019-2020.As per the
data, in the first 9 months of the current FY, the fiscal deficit i.e. the difference between expenses & receipts stood at Rs
9,31,725 crore.
Fitch forecast India’s GDP growth to 4.6 % for FY20 & 5.6 % for FY 21

Fitch Ratings Inc., an American credit rating agency in its ‘India’s economic growth outlook’, has estimated India’s GDP (Gross
Domestic Product) growth to 5.6 % for the financial year-FY21. For the current fiscal 2019-20 (FY 20), GDP is projected at 4.6 %.
This estimation is less than what the central government had estimated in the Economic Survey 2020, presented just a day
before the Union Budget for 2020-21.

BSNL, Air India and MTNL saw highest losses for 3rd consecutive year, ONGC most profitable: DPE survey

According to “Public Enterprises Survey 2018-19”, which measures the annual economic condition of all central PSUs(Public
Sector Undertakings), ONGC(Oil and Natural Gas Corporation), Indian Oil Corporation(IOC) and NTPC(formerly known as
National Thermal Power Corporation Limited) were the top three PSUs with profits in 2018-19. At the same time, BSNL(Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited), Air India and MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited) saw the highest losses for the third
consecutive year.

Amazon Web Services to invest $1.6 billion for 2 data centres in India

Amazon, E-commerce (electronic commerce) company and leader in cloud computing service with its Amazon Web Services
(AWS), is setting up 2 data centers near Hyderabad, Telangana, with a total investment of Rs. 11,630 crore (around $ 1.6 billion).
The data center aims for safe and secure storage, to manage and process customer data & information through cloud
computing.

World Population Review Report: India becomes 2019’s 5th largest economy; US tops

In accordance with the US-based think tank World Population Review, India has become the fifth- largest in the world with a
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of $2.94 trillion overtaking the UK (United Kingdom) and France in 2019. The size of the UK
economy is $2.83 trillion and that of France is $2.71 trillion. The list has been topped by the United States (US) with $21.44
trillion GDP.
DPIIT amended FDI Policy to allow 100% FDI for insurance intermediaries

The foreign direct investment (FDI) policy has been amended by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
(DPIIT) to allow 100% FDI for insurance intermediaries, which includes insurance brooking, insurance companies, third party
administrators, surveyors and loss assessors. The decision has been taken on the lines of last year’s Union budget (2019-2020)
which had proposed 100% FDI for insurance intermediaries.

Bengaluru recorded 2019’s highest number of digital transactions among cities while MH topped among states:
Report by Worldline India

In accordance with the report by online payment processor Worldline India titled “Wordline India Digital Payments 2019”,
Bengaluru (Karnataka) accounted for the highest number of digital transactions in India in 2019, followed by Chennai (Tamil
Nadu), Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. Among states, Maharashtra (MH) has topped with the highest number of digital
transactions followed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi.

Amulya Mica chosen as Most Promising Brand 2019 at 7th MSME Excellence Award in New Delhi

Amulya Mica (Purbanchal Laminates Pvt Ltd), spear-headed by its Managing Director Rakesh Agarwal, was chosen as the Most
Promising Brand of the Year Award 2019, Gold Category during the 7th edition of the MSME Excellence Award. The award &
summit was organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) at Le Maiden in New Delhi.
RBI governor Shaktikanta Das wins ‘Central banker of the year 2020, Asia-Pacific’ award

The Banker magazine, a British English-language monthly financial affairs publication owned by The Financial Times Ltd, has
named Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das as the ‘Central Banker of the Year 2020’, Asia-Pacific for
encouraging growth and balancing the economy.

73rd BAFTA 2020 in London, UK: ‘1917’ wins best film award

73rd British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards 2020 ceremony, popularly referred to as BAFTA Awards 2019
was held on February 2, 2020 in Royal Albert Hall,London, United Kingdom. It honours the best national and foreign films of
2019.

Rishabh Pant appointed as brand ambassador of JSW Steel

Steel producer of India, JSW steel has appointed Indian cricketer Rishabh Rajendra Pant as its brand ambassador. His contract
term will be for a period of 3 years and will promote JSW steel products such as SW Colouron+ color coated sheets & JSW
Neosteel TMT bars etc.

Kohli most-valuable celebrity 3rd time in a row; Akshay, SRK in top 5 in Duff & Phelps’ celebrity report

Duff & Phelps published the celebrity brand evaluation report for 2019. Indian Captain Virat Kohli has retained the top position
for the third consecutive time. Kohli’s brand value has gone up to $237.5 million in 2019 with a jump of 39%. Bollywood Actor
Akshay Kumar ranked at 2nd position with a brand value of $104.5 million. Bollywood couple, Ranveer Singh and Deepika
Padukone became the 3rd position with a brand value of $93.5 million each.
Pullela Gopichand -1st Indian to receive International Olympic Committee’s Coaches Lifetime Achievement Award

Pullela Gopichand, the Chief National coach for the Indian Badminton team has received the International Olympic Committee’s
(IOC) Coaches Lifetime Achievement Award in Male Category of the year 2019 during the 3rd edition of International Olympics
Committee Annual Awards, He is the 1st Indian coach to be Honoured with this Lifetime award by the Olympics Committee.

Overview of 92nd Academy awards 2020 (Oscars 2020) held in Los Angeles, US

92nd Academy Awards ceremony 2020 (commonly known as Oscars), presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences (AMPAS), honored the best films of 2019 was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United
States (US). The ceremony was hosted by actor and singer Billy Porter, award-winning journalist and talk show host Tamron Hall,
supermodel Lily Aldridge and film critic Elvis Mitchell. Actor Zachary Robin Gottsagen, starring in the 2019 comedy- drama “The
Peanut Butter Falcon, has created history as 1st Oscar presenter with down syndrome. An American actor Joaquin Rafael
Phoenix (45) cliched the best actor trophy for his performance in “Joker”, whereas American actress, Renée Kathleen Zellweger
(50) won the best actress award for “Judy”

India’s renowned Feminist scholar & activist Gita Sen wins Dan David Prize 2020

Gita Sen, an Indian feminist scholar, activist has won the prestigious Dan David Prize 2020 under “present” category for her
path-breaking work in the fields of population policies, reproductive and sexual health, women’s rights, poverty, labour markets
and global governance. Ms. Sen is the Distinguished Professor & Director at the Ramalingaswami Centre on Equity & Social
Determinants of Health, at the Public Health Foundation of India.
65th Amazon Filmfare Awards 2020 in Guwahati, Assam: Gully Boy’ bags best film

The 65th edition of Amazon Filmfare Awards 2020 was held at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam from 15 Feb
2020 – 16 Feb 2020. The event was hosted by Karan Kumar Johar (often referred to as KJo), an Indian film director, producer,
actor and television personality along with Varun Dhawan, and Vicky Kaushal. Zoya Akhtar’s directorial ‘Gully Boy’ emerged as
big winner as it bagged 13 awards including the prestigious best film award. Ranveer Singh bagged Best Actor’s trophy for his
performance in Gully Boy, while Alia Bhatt won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for the same film.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw won EY Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2019

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director (MD) of Bengaluru based biopharmaceutical company Biocon, won
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year 2019 (for her innovation & affordable life saving medicines), at the 21st edition of the
awards held in New Delhi, India. Adi Godrej, Godrej Group Chairman was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award while
Tuhin Parikh, senior managing director (Real Estate), BlackStone India become the first recipient awarded with
“Transformational Impact Person of the Year award”.

Hrithik Roshan awarded as the Best Actor in Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival 2020

The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2020 was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Hrithik Roshan bagged the
Best Actor award for film “Super 30” and the title for Best Film also went to “Super 30”. The award for Best Actor in Television
Series was awarded to Dheeraj Dhoopar and Best Actress in Television award was conferred to Divyanka Tripathi.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) won trophies for Republic Day Parade 2020

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh presented trophies to the best marching contingents for Republic Day Parade 2020 at Delhi.The
Indian Air Force contingent named as the best among the three services. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is named as
the best marching contingent in the Central Armed Police Forces and other additional forces category.

Forest Man of India & environmentalist Padma Shri Jadav Payeng honoured with 6th Swami Vivekananda
Karmayogi Award 2020

Forest Man of India & environmentalist Padma Shri Jadav ‘Molai’ Payeng is honoured with the 6 th annual Swami Vivekananda
Karmayogi award 2020 for his consistent efforts in creating a man made forest through afforestation.The award comprises of a
trophy, a recitation & a reward of Rs 1 Lakh. Karmayogi award is presented to recognize extraneous achievement towards
development of the North east region of India.
Indian-origin techie Arvind Krishna elected as CEO for IBM

Indian origin technology executive Arvind Krishna has been elected as Chief Executive Officer of American IT giant International
Business Machines Corp (IBM) after a “world-class succession process” will be effective on April. He becomes the third Indian to
head US-based multinational company after Microsoft corporation chief Satya Nadella and Google ceo sundar Pichai.

Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi appointed as new PM of Iraq

Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, 65 years old, was appointed as the Iraq’s new Prime Minister (PM) by its President Barhim Salih. He
was the successor of Adil Abdul-Mahdi who resigned in November 2019 due to anti-government protests. The 2019 Iraq Protests
was also named as Tishreen revolution (October revolution) or Iraqi Intifada.

Pramod Agrawal became the Chairman of Coal India Limited

Pramod Agrawal became the new Chairman & Managing Director (MD) of Coal India Limited (CIL). He was the successor of Anil
Kumar Jha who retired on 31st January 2020. Agrawal, 1991 batch IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer, served as the
principal secretary for urban development and housing department in Madhya Pradesh (MP), Bhopal.

Arvind Kejriwal sworn as Delhi CM for 3rd time on Feb. 16, 2020

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) party leader Shri Arvind Kejriwal, 51 years old, sworn as Chief Minister (CM) of New Delhi on February
16, 2020 at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, with his cabinet members. He serves as a CM of Delhi for consecutively 3rd time during the
period of 2013, 2015 and 2020. The AAP won 62 of the 70 seats in the 2020 Assembly election & in 2015, it had won 67 seats.
Vinay Dube appointed as CEO of GoAir

Vinay Dube was appointed as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of GoAir. He was the successor of Cornelis Vrieswijk who
resigned in February 2019. GoAir MD (Managing Director), Jehangir Waldia was holding the additional charge of chief executive.

Supratim Bandyopadhyay appointed as PFRDA Chairman

Supratim Bandyopadhyay was appointed has been chairman of the PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development
Authority). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Supratim appointment for a period of 5 years from the date
of assumption or till attaining the age of 65 years.

Michael Miebach named as Mastercard’s new President & CEO, Ajay Banga moves to Executive Chairman

Mastercard named Michael Miebach as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will replace Ajaypal Singh Banga
from January 1, 2021, who assumes charge as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ajay Banga, will replace Richard
Haythornthwaite who is going to retire.
RBI approves appointment of Sumant Kathpalia as MD & CEO of IndusInd Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Sumant Kathpalia as Managing Director(MD) and Chief
Executive Officer(CEO) of private sector lender IndusInd Bank for three years,which is effective from March 24, 2020, He is the
successor of Romesh Sobti.The headquarters of IndusInd bank is Mumbai, Maharashtra..

Cognizant Tech Acquires EI Technologies and Code Zero Consulting Companies

Cognizant technology solution corporation has made two strategic acquisitions EI technologies, a Paris- based digital technology
consulting company and Code Zero, Georgia-based consultancy for cloud- based CPQ (Configure-Price-Quote) & Billing Solutions
for the development of global salesforce practice before its fourth Quarter Earnings. Code zero company provides cloud-based
configure-price-quote and billing solutions.

Energy major Total to acquire 50% in Adani’s solar portfolio for $510 mn

French energy major Total Gas & Power Business Services SAS (TOTAL) will acquire 50% stake in all operational renewable
energy projects of Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL) for $510 million (Rs 3633 crore) along with other tools in a solar energy joint
venture (JV) that will house 2,148 mw now possessed by the Adani group firm.The remaining 50 % in the JV will be held by AGEL

NCLAT clears JSW Steel’s acquisition of Bhushan power for Rs 19,700 cr

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has approved JSW Steel’s (formerly known as Jindal South West) bid of
Rs 19,700 crore for the acquisition of the bankrupt Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd (BPSL). Also, EBITDA (earnings before interest,
tax, depreciation and amortization) earned by BPSL during its Corporate Insolvency resolution process will also be handed over
to JSW Steel.
Twitter acquired Chroma Labs founded by Facebook veterans

Twitter has acquired California-based Chromo Labs for an undisclosed amount. Chromo Labs develop tools for short-form video
& photo creation and was founded by 7 Facebook and instagram workers in 2018. The Chroma Stories app let users fill in stylish
layout templates and frames for posting collages and Instagram stories, Snapchat etc.

Crisil completed acquisition of 100% stake in Greenwich Associates

Rating Agency Crisil completed the acquisition of 100% stake in Greenwich Associates. The transaction was announced on
December 19, 2019. Greenwich is a leading provider of proprietary benchmarking data, analytics and qualitative insights to
financial services firms worldwide.

UAE discovers new natural ‘Jebel Ali gas field’ between Abu Dhabi, Dubai

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has discovered huge shallow gas resources called ‘Jebel Ali gas field’ with estimated reserves of
80 trillion standard cubic feet spanning an area of 5,000 square kilometres (sqkm) in the cross-border area of the Emirates of
Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
World’s oldest Bamboo Fossil Discovered turns out to be Conifer

A fossil of leafy branch was discovered in Eocene, Patagonia in 1941, at that time of Examination it considered as bamboo’s fossil
and still it became the oldest bamboo of the world, but in recent Examination of that fossil by Dr. Peter Wilf from Pennsylvania
state university revealed the real nature of the plant’s fossil (chusquea oxyphylla name of the fossil) and it was published in
open-access journal Phytokeys.

Indian Army Major Anoop mishra develops world’s 1st bulletproof helmet that can stop AK-47 firing

In a vital development, a Major in the Indian Army, Anoop Mishra has developed the world’s 1st bulletproof helmet which can
stop an AK-47 bullet round from a distance of as less as 10 meters. The helmet is developed under the Indian Army’s “Abhedya”
project. In addition to bulletproof helmet, the Indian Army’s College of Military Engineering, in association with a private firm,
has developed India’s first and world’s cheapest gunshot locator, which can detect the exact location of the bullet from a
distance of 400 meters.

DRDO developing a new ballistic missile Pranash with striking range of 200km

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing Pranash, a new 200Km strike range ballistic missile
which will be the advanced version of Prahaar, with the strike range of 150Km. Pranash is a single stage solid propellant surface-
to-surface missile. Prahaar is a short range Ballistic missile having a strike range of 150 Km and it can carry the nuclear warheads
up to 200Kg.
Kerala CM launched “Yodhavu” mobile app to combat drug menace

Kerala Chief Minister (CM) Pinarayi Vijayan launched “Yodhav” (Warrior) mobile app (application) at Kochi, Kerala, through
which the public can inform police about drug abuse & its distribution. The application was introduced by the Kochi city police
and the informer’s identity could be kept secret.

Scientists discover breathable oxygen in galaxy outside of Milky Way for 1st time

A team of astronomers at China’s Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, led by Junzhi Wang has identified molecular oxygen in a
galaxy outside the Milky Way.The team identified the presence of molecular oxygen by analyzing light waves that had reached
Earth from Markarian 231, a galaxy around 581 million light years away.

L&T-built 5th offshore patrol vessel called ‘ICGS Varad’ commissioned in Chennai, Tamil Nadu for Indian Coast
Guard

The Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) 98 meter long 5th Offshore Patrol Vessel called “ICGS Varad” was inducted into service by Shri.
Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of State for Shipping (Independent Charge) and Union Minister of State for Chemicals
and Fertiliser at LOT Kattupalli shipyard, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

8,000 years old Carbon founded inside The Yongle Blue Hole (YBH)

Peng Yao & his team at the Ocean University of China in Qingdao found 8,000 years old Carbon inside The Yongle Blue Hole
(YBH), the world’s deepest blue hole, in the South China Sea. YBH has a depth of 300 metres from top to bottom which puts
down Dean’s Blue Hole in Bahamas of 202 metres depth from the position of the world’s deepest blue hole.
Rubigula state bird of Goa declared as official Mascot for 36th National Games in Goa

The Flame-Throated Bulbul or Rubigula bird the state bird for Goa, which is officially declared as the Mascot for the 36th
National Games going to held in Panaji, Goa.

Rohit Rajpal to continue as India's Davis Cup captain 2020

All India Tennis Association (AITA) announced Rohit Rajpal will continue as India’s non-playing Davis Cup captain 2020, in the
selection committee meeting held at New Delhi, India.India will travel to Croatia for their next tie on 6th and 7th of March, 2020.

Bangladesh won the 13th ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2020 defeating India in South Africa

13th edition of 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, an international limited-overs cricket tournament was held in South Africa
from 17 January – 9 February 2020. It was administered by International Cricket Council (ICC). The Finals were held at the JB
Marks Oval, Potchefstroom, South Africa between Bangladesh & India. Bangladesh’s youth team defeated India by three wickets
in a thrilling match in the final. With this, the Bangladesh team won the under-19 World Cup title for the first time.

Australia clinches ICC women’s championship trophy 2020 for the 2nd time

Australia were awarded the ICC (International Cricket Council) Women’s Championship trophy 2020, which they maintained by
winning victories in the eight-team one-day championship between 2017 and 2020. The Australia’s team was led by Meghann
Moira Lanning (also known as Meg Lanning). With this, Australia makes it to the Women’s Cricket World Cup to be held in New
Zealand 2021.
“United by Emotion” to be 2020 Tokyo Olympics Motto

The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic games revealed the official motto, “United By Emotion”, which
reflects the “universal values” and “unifying power of sport”, for the upcoming 2020 Olympics to be held in Tokyo, Japan from
July 24, 2020 to August 9, 2020. The official Olympic motto is “Citius, Altius, Fortius” or “Faster, Higher, Stronger”, but each host
city chooses its own motto to accompany that edition of the Games.

India to host the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2020; ‘Kick Off the Dream’ is official slogan

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the 5 host cities of India for the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football
Association) Under-17 Women’s Football World Cup which begins on 2nd November 2020. The official slogan of the tournament
is “Kick Off the Dream”.

Young Indian Grand Master D.Gukesh wins title at 34th Cannes open 2020 chess

The 13-year old Young Indian Grandmaster (Youngest GM of India) Dommaraju Gukesh emerged as champion in the 34th
Cannes Open 2020 chess tournament held at Cannes, France by beating Harutyun Bargeshyan from France in the Final round
and secured a total of 7.5 points.

PM Modi inaugurated first-ever Khelo India University Games at Cuttack, Odisha

Prime Minister (PM) Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever Khelo India University Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor
Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha through video conferencing. Nearly 3,400 athletes from 159 universities across the country will
participate in 17 disciplines including rugby which is among the 6 team events. Khelo India was started in 2018 in order to attract
youth towards sports & recognising young talents in every part of the country. The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
(KIIT) will be the main center for sporting extravaganza.
Pop singer Lord J launches his Autobiography Book “Lord J: Lord of Anonymity”

Lord J is the 1st and only Anonymous singer in the world. Lord J was born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Lord J is a Self-Taught
singer and Lyric writer in an Anonymous way, and he is a world famous celebrity without revealing his identity to the world. The
Name Lord J was given to him by an LA (Los-Angeles)- based fan. Albums: Lord J has done Lip Locks, Love Me for Me, Roger That
and Beside Me.

Vice President released the book ‘A Child of Destiny’ an Autobiography by Prof K. Ramakrishna Rao

The Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha Shri Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu released a Book titled ‘A Child of
Destiny’ Autobiography penned by Professor Koneru Ramakrishna Rao at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and
Management) University Vishakatapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

A book “Messages from Messengers” by Priti K Shroff launched

“Messages from Messengers” book written by Priti K Shroff was launched in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The book deals with Indian
culture and tradition and is suitable for everyone in all stages of life, as a tool for self-guidance. MD (Managing Director) and CEO
(Chief Executive Officer) of the Bombay stock exchange, Ashish Chauhan was the chief guest of the function.
Manmohan singh released the books “who is bharat mata” in Both English and Kannada versions

The Former Prime Minister of India Mr. Manmohan Singh has released the book “who is bharat mata” in English, which is
penned by Professor Purushottam Agarwal, along with its Kannada version titled “Yaaru Bharat Maate”, which is translated by
Professor K E Radhakrishna.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu released Sadhguru’s book ‘Death-An Inside Story’

Vice-President President Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu,who was the chief guest at the 26th Maha Sivaratri celebrations at Isha
Yoga Centre in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (TN), has launched a book titled “Death; An Inside Story: A book for all those who shall
die” penned by Jaggi Vasudev, (generally referred to as Sadhguru),an Indian yogi ,author & founder of Isha Foundation.

World Cancer Day 2020 was observed on February 4

The World Cancer Day is organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Geneva, Switzerland, every year on
February 4 to raise awareness to encourage cancer’s prevention, detection and treatment. The primary goal of World Cancer
Day is to reduce the illness & death caused by cancer.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science was observed on February 11, 2020

International Day of Women & Girls in Science was observed on 11th February, 2020. The day was celebrated to achieve equal
participation & access to womens and girls in science. Theme: “Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green
Growth”. The theme aims to encourage women and girls to opt for science.

World Radio Day (WRD) celebrated on February 13, 2020

On February 13, 2020, World Radio Day (WRD) is celebrated all over the world with the theme “Radio and Diversity”. The day
aims to highlights the unique power of radio which connects lives and brings people together from across the world.

World Day of Social Justice was observed on February 20, 2020

World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20. The day creates awareness against social injustice regarding
gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability. The theme for 2020 was “Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social
Justice”.

World Thinking Day celebrated on February 22, 2020

Each year on February 22 Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. The theme of World
Thinking Day 2020 is “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”. On this day girls from every part of the world does the same activity
around a shared theme. The day is observed in the memory of Scouting and Guiding Founder Lord Baden-Powell’s birth
anniversary since 1926.
Rare Diseases Day was observed on February 29, 2020

Rare Disease Day (RDD) is an observance held on the last day of February. This year marked the 13 th observance of International
Rare Disease Day, which was observed on February 29, 2020. The day creates an awareness of rare diseases and improves
access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with rare diseases & their families. Slogan of RDD 2020 was “Rare
is Many. Rare is Strong. Rare is Proud”.

World’s largest solar telescope reveals never-before-seen images of Sun’s turbulent surface

Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), the world’s largest solar telescope with 13-foot mirror, has captured first highest-
resolution image of the Sun’s turbulent surface at Hawaiian island of Maui.

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly to be Goodwill Ambassador of Indian team at Tokyo Olympics: IOA

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has invited BCCI President Sourav Ganguly to become the Goodwill Ambassador of the Indian
contingent at the Tokyo Olympics Games 2020, which is scheduled to be held from July 24 to August 9, 2020.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2020

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg has been nominated for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize by two lawyers Jens Holm
and Hakan Svenneling, who are both members of Sweden’s Left Party. It is the second consecutive year that Thunberg has been
nominated.

Haryana Govt announced Rs 6 crores cash rewards to gold medal winners at Olympics games

The Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar has announced that the state government will provide Rs. 6 crores for the
players who bagged gold medals, Rs. 4 crores for the silver medalist and Rs. 2.5 crores for the bronze medalists at the Olympics
Games and also employment in Haryana Civil Service or Haryana Police service to the sportsperson.