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Current Affairs [PDF] - March 1-31, 2020
Last Updated: June 01, 2020
: ननन नन
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Contents
March 1, 2020
1. Corona Virus: WHO increases Global threat; US postpones ASEAN; Geneva International Motor Show
Cancelled
2. Red Panda Species are two separate species
March 2, 2020
3. RalDer-X: New Explosive Detection Device developed by DRDO and IISc Bangalore
4. Asian Development Bank Sanctions 4 million USD to members to contain Corona Virus
5. IMD: Above Normal Heat Wave during Summer in India
6. Zero Discrimination Day observed all over the world
7. India’s 40 million USD defence deal with Armenia beats Russia and Poland
8. Farmer Welfare: Krishi Vigyan Mela, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference launched
9. March 3: World Wildlife Day
March 3, 2020
10. National Chambal Sanctuary declared as Eco-Sensitive Zone
11. EKAM Fest: Event to Promote craftsmanship and products of Divyang entrepreneurs
12. GoI allows Export of Onions
13. Star Rating Programme for Light Commercial Air Conditioners and Deep Freezers launched
14. 8th Foundation Day of Land Port Authority of India held in New Delhi
15. The Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2019 introduced
16. GoI Allows Airlines to provide In-Flight WiFi
17. GoI nominates 2 sites to be included in World Heritage Sites List
18. Lok Sabha Speaker launches “Suposhit Maa Abhiyan”: To create Malnutrition free India
19. Financial Assistance to Kaziranga National Park under CAMPA
March 4, 2020
20. UNHRC files in Supreme Court on Citizenship Amendment Act
21. UP Government provides Rs 900 per month to farmers willing to keep stray cattle
22. Finance Minister introduces bill to amend Banking Regulation Act
23. Corona Virus: World Bank announces 12 billion USD aid
24. Global Coalition for Biodiversity launched on World Wildlife Day
25. Corona Virus: NASA reports Pollution Levels in China have dropped greatly
26. March 4: National Security Day
27. Ministry of Tribal Affairs constitutes committee on Community Forest Resource Guidelines
28. APEDA signs MoUs to implement Agriculture Export Policy
29. Luxembourg: The First Country in the World to provide Free Public Transport
March 5, 2020
30. Cabinet Approval: Foreign Direct Investment Policy on Civil Aviation
31. Cabinet Approval: Mega Consolidation of Public Sector Banks
32. Delhi announced as next Google Cloud Region after Mumbai
33. GoI clears Genome India Project
34. CRISPR (CaS9)-The Gene Editing Tool used to treat blindness for the first time
35. Cabinet Approval: To amend Companies Act, 2013
36. Black Carbon Levels in Himalayan Glaciers and Biomethanation
37. What is BHOG of FSSAI?
March 6, 2020
38. International Conference on Nano-Science and Nano Technology held in Kolkata
39. India-European Union to work together on Integrated Local Energy Systems
40. Corona Virus: OPEC to cut oil production largely since 2008 financial crisis
41. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana signs MoU with Amazon to e-market
42. RBI capped Rs 50,000 as withdrawal limit of YES Bank customers: What is YES BANK CRISIS in news?
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43. Jammu Airport comes under CISF
44. March 7: Jan Aushadhi Diwas
45. Mineral Law Amendment Bill passed in Lok Sabha
March 7, 2020
46. United Nations Global Compact Study: Women Labour-force has declined greatly in India
47. India shares two SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequences with Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data
48. Ministry of AYUSH develop “AYUSH GRID” and “National Ayurveda Morbidity Codes”
49. Ghojadanga of West Bengal and Agartala of Tripura designated as immigration check posts
50. March 8: International Women’s Day
51. CAG Report: 40% of Environment Related Crimes in India are from Rajasthan
52. Facts Box: Major Port at Vadhvan, Maharashtra
53. India joins Indian Ocean Commission as the fifth Observer
54. Monitoring Cell opened under Mission Bhagiratha
March 9, 2020
55. GoI to create 75 lakh Self Help Group by 2022
56. Parliamentary Panel: More than 40% of schools are without power and playgrounds
57. Protected Area Permits stopped in Arunachal to prevent Corona Virus
58. Facts Box: Fuel Cell Technology for Disaster Management
59. TIFAC under Ministry of Science and Technology launches Vigyan Jyoti
60. Oil Prices plunge by 20% as OPEC fails to make a deal
61. Australia wins India by 85 runs at Women’s Twenty20 World Cup
62. Facts Box: Delimitation Commission set up for Arunachal, Manipur, Assam, J&K, Manipur
63. Sanitary Napkin Disposal Bags to be made mandatory from 2021
64. HAL to set up logistics bases in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka
65. United Nations Development Programme releases Gender Social Norms Index
March 10, 2020

66. Gujarat has highest number of Solar Rooftop Installations
67. Stockholm International Report: India is the second largest importer of arms
68. Anti-HIV drugs used against COVID-19 for the first time in India
69. Corona Virus hits Diamond Industry of Surat greatly
70. March 10: CISF Raising Day
71. UNCTAD: FDI inflows are to drop by 15% due to Corona Virus
March 12, 2020

72. World Bank and GoI sign Agreement on Climate Resilient Rain-Fed Agriculture
73. 6th International Day of Yoga led by PM Modi to be held in Leh
74. WHO declares Corona Virus as GLOBAL PANDEMIC
75. Corona Virus: Epidemic Disease Act Invoked in India
76. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (amendment) bill passed in the Parliament
77. Committee formed for the implementation of Kisan Rail Scheme
78. CSIR develops Bi-Luminescent Security ink to Curb Fake Currency Notes
March 13, 2020

79. New Name for Mumbai Central Station: Nana Shankarseth
80. Animal Protection Index: India ranks second
81. What is Sir Creek Issue between India and Pakistan?
82. Spanish Flu: Predecessor Pandemic to Corona Virus
83. Iran seeks Financial Help from IMF first time since 1962 to fight against Corona Virus
84. GoI develops cost effective Solar Receiver Tube Technology
March 14, 2020

85. MEIS scheme to be replaced with RoDTEP Scheme
86. “BHOOMI RASHI PORTAL” provides transparent and error free Land Acquisition
87. Exposure Limits for Urban Cooperative Banks revised by RBI
88. Parliament passed Direct Tax Vivad Se Viswas Bill, 2020
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89. GST Council Meet: GST of Mobile Phones increased from 12% to 18%
90. Corona Virus: GoI brings hand sanitizers and masks under Essential Commodities Act
March 15, 2020

91. “Ganga Amantran Abhiyan” organized by National Mission for Clean Ganga
92. Corona Virus: ICMR develops testing strategy; WHO shifts epicenter from China to Europe
93. Corona Virus: National Emergency in the USA
94. Poultry Culling ordered by Kerala Government to control Bird Flu
95. Corona Virus: India closes 18 of 37 international borders
96. Corona Virus: India declares COVID-19 as “notified Disaster”
97. Corona Virus: SAARC Video Conference; India proposes COVID-19 Emergency Funds
98. Jammu Kashmir Statehood to be restored soon
March 16, 2020

99. Facts Box: Methanotrophic Bacteria Culture first time in India
100. Corona Virus: US Federal Reserve reduces interest rate to 0%
101. Supreme Court CJI rules out limited shut down of the court
102. UNCTAD: India among 15 countries economically affected due to Corona Virus
103. Ordinance passed by the Uttar Pradesh Government to recover damages of protests
104. Gold Imports of 2019-20 dip by 8.86% narrowing Current Account Deficit to 143 billion USD
105. DefExpo-2020 Outcomes reported at the Parliament
106. Banana Exports hit due to Corona Virus
107. WHO: Ground Water contaminated with Uranium in India above 30 micro-gram per litre
108. Chaitra Jatra Festival cancelled in Odisha due to Corona Virus
109. What is “Herd Immunity” Strategy adopted by the UK Government to contain Corona Virus?
110. Corona Virus: NMDC reduced iron ore prices by 1.5%
111. Motor Vehicles Act: 10% reduction of road accidents in 5 months
March 17, 2020

112. Corona Virus: India bans entry of people from UK, EU; WHO’s Blanket Ban comment on India
113. Ranjan Gogoi, the former Chief Justice of India nominated to Rajya Sabha by the President
114. First COVID-19 vaccine trial begins in the United States
115. Supreme Court rejects Curative Petitions filed over Nirbhaya Case: What are Curative Petitions?
116. India to provide 107.01 million Nepali rupees for construction of schools in Nepal
117. Former Rajya Sabha member and veteran journalist Patil Puttappa passes away
118. Supreme Court seeks immediate floor test from Madhya Pradesh State Government
119. What is Modified New Pricing Scheme-III?
120. What is Forex Swap and LTRO suggested by RBI governor to support Liquidity in India?
121. Bangladesh celebrates 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
122. Draft National Policy for Rare Diseases placed in website of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
March 18, 2020

123. Starch-Based “Hemostat” developed at Institute of Nano Science to stop blood loss
124. NAVIC Messaging System for Fisheries Department
125. Corona Virus: GoI halts three crucial policies as revenues shrink
126. Swachh Bharat Mission: Gram Panchayats get more funds under 15th finance commission
127. European Project linking Black sea, North Sea and Baltic Sea criticized by Environmental Organization
128. Government of India allows private sector to diagnose Corona Virus
129. CSIR develops new Hand Sanitizer without using chemicals
130. Saudi Arabia to hold virtual G20 Summit as that of India’s SAARC
131. Agricultural & Processed food products Export Development Authority signs MoU with SFAC
132. GoI: Left Wing Extremism has declined by 38% in last five years
133. March 18: Ordnance Factory Day
134. GM Crop: White Flies Resistant Cotton Field Trials begins
135. Ayushman Bharat to help fight against COVID-19
136. GOI: Draft New Industrial Policy and National E-Commerce Policy to be released soon
137. Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 saved Rs 12,447 crores per annum since implementation
138. Defence Acquisition Council approves procurement of 83 Tejas Fighter Jets
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March 19, 2020
139. Lok Sabha passes Aircraft (Amendment) bill, 2020
140. “Innovate for Accessible India” Campaign launched by NASSCOM along with Microsoft
141. First Time: Supreme Court removed a state minister over Disqualification petition
142. Resolution to be moved in Rajya Sabha to remove the word “Socialism” in the Constitution
143. India in Phase 2 of Corona Virus Pandemic; No Community Transmissions in India
144. Budget Allocation to fight Corona: Odisha, Tamil Nadu allocated funds
145. What is Greenco Rating System followed in India?
146. Former Chief Justice of India takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP
147. International Energy Agency: India the third largest producer of Electricity
148. Corona Virus: UGC reschedules exams; International airlines banned temporarily
149. India and Israel sign Rs 880 crore Defence Deal
150. GoI allocates Rs 1,480 crores to National Technical Textiles Mission
151. PM Modi addresses the Nation: Introduces “People’s Curfew”, Economic Response Task Force to fight
Corona Virus
152. National Aquifer Mapping Programme: Plans developed for 11.8 lakh sq km
153. GoI: Benefits to COVID-19 affected workers under Atal Beema Vyakti Kalyan Yojana
March 20, 2020

154. Nirbhaya Case Convicts Hanged to Death in Tihar Jail
155. 1 million USD dispersed to SAARC nations under Emergency COVID-19 Funds
156. 15th Finance Commission to monitor COVID-19 before second report
157. IMD: El Nino to be neutral; Normal Monsoon rains for India
158. GoI notifies rules for Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme
159. SIDBI launches “Swavalamban Express” to promote business aspirants
160. Finanance Commission: N K Singh Committee for a new Fiscal Consolidation Road Map
161. Update on National Policy on Skill Development
162. National Centre for Cell Science: The Cellular Mechanism of Huntington Disease discovered
163. “Tech for Tribal”-Launched by TRIFED to develop Tribal Entrepreneurship
164. Defence Minister launches draft of Defence Procurement Procedure, 2020
March 21, 2020

165. United Nations launches World Happiness Report, 2020: India ranks 144
166. March 20: International Day of Happiness
167. Fossil links human hands to fins for the first time in Human Evolution
168. March 21: International Day of Forests
169. UN Report: “Peatland” protection will help attain climate goals
170. Parliamentary Standing Committee: No Sufficient Checks on genuineness of Fertilizer Subsidy
171. US tests Hypersonic Nuclear capable missile
172. Ministry of Health: Complaints to ICMR on misuse of Stem Cell therapy
173. ICMR issues new guidelines to test Corona Virus in India
174. Bridge Constructed across Teesta River in North Sikkim by BRO opened
175. Modified Electronics Manufacturing Scheme 2.0 approved by the Union Cabinet
176. Incentive Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing approved by Cabinet
177. “Satyarup Siddhanta”, an Indian Mountaineer enters ‘Limca Book of Records’ conquering highest
volcanoes
178. March 22: World Water Day
179. Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices approved by Cabinet
180. RAISE 2020: First Artificial Intelligence Summit of India postponed due to Corona Virus
March 22, 2020

181. Union Cabinet approves AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres
182. UK confirmed as first co-chair to India led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
183. Facts Box: Global Recycling Day
184. Facts Box: World Cities Summit
March 23, 2020

185. March 23: World Meteorological Day
186. International Olympics Organization to postpone Tokyo Olympics 2020
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187. India-Turkey Kashmir Irritant: India proceeds with FSV Indian Navy Agreement with Turkey
188. In-Person G7 Summit Cancelled; To be held through Video-Conferencing
189. Website launched by SAARC Disaster Management Centre for COVID-19 information
190. IITM hosts India’s first Hyperloop Pod Competition-What is Hyperloop Pod?
191. March 23: Shaheed Diwas
192. ICMR recommends Hydroxychloroquine to treat Corona Virus
193. Finance Bill, 2020 passed in Lok Sabha
194. United Nations Warns: 4.4 billion people to live with limited water by 2050
195. March 24: World Tuberculosis Day
196. Land Acquired from Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridors to increase Defence Production
197. National Super Computing Mission: Three More Super Computers to be installed
March 24, 2020

198. Public Safety Act: Former CM of J&K Omar Abdullah released
199. Finance Minister on COVID-19: Tax Filings extended, ATM, bank charges waived off, Business Rules Eased
and much more
200. What is the difference between lockdown, Curfew and Section 144?
201. Labour Ministry transfers Cess Funds for the Construction Workers to fight against COVID-19
202. GoI: Invest India Business Immunity Platform launched
203. New Hanta Virus Emerges in China after COVID-19
204. Four Mega Trials of COVID-19 Treatment launched by WHO
205. IMF: Recession due to COVID-19 to be worse than 2009
206. India goes on Complete LOCKDOWN to fight COVID-19; allocates Rs 15,000 crores
March 25, 2020

207. India’s first COVID-19 dedicated hospital set up by Reliance India in Mumbai with Negative Room Pressure
208. What are the Bio-Safety Levels of Containment in India?
209. Abel Prize, 2020 to Hillel Frustenberg and Gregory Margulis
210. First “Made in India” COVID-19 Test Kit gets commercial approval from CDSCO
211. What is Thermal Screening used at airports for COVID-19?
212. 7.5 magnitude Earth Quake hits Russia; 0.3m high Tsunami Waves expected
213. G20 Video Summit on Corona Virus
214. E-Commerce Giants: Flipkart suspends services, Amazon stops taking new orders
215. Islamic State claims responsible for Gunmen attack in Sikh Gurudwara, Kabul
216. GoI develops new biofortified high protein wheat variety
217. MoU between India and Germany approved by Union Cabinet
218. Sikkim Glaciers are being lost at faster rate than other parts of Himalayan parts
219. Union Cabinet approves extra supply of subsidized Food Grains to Ration Shops
March 26, 2020

220. Recapitalization of Regional Rural Banks approved by Union Cabinet
221. Census 2021 and NPR updation postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic
222. “Stay Home India with Books” initiative launched by GoI
223. GoI: Technology developed to improve Fuel Efficiency of Internal Combustion Engines
224. Sunil Chhetri, Indian Football team Captain named for FIFA’s COVID-19 Campaign
225. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana launched to fight COVID-19
226. UN launches Global Humanitarian Response Plan to fight against COVID-19
227. COVID-19: International Monetary Fund launches Government Policy Tracker
228. CII sets up COVID-19 Rehabilitation and Relief Fund
229. Election Ink allowed to stamp Corona Patients
March 27, 2020

230. G20 Summit: 5 trillion USD to be injected to fight against COVID-19
231. United Nations: 25 million jobs to be lost due to COVID-19 impact
232. Global Coal Production falls for the 4th Consecutive Year
233. RBI: Cuts repo rate to 4.4%; CRR to 3%; 3-month moratorium allowed on all loans
234. HydroxyChloroquine now made a H1 Drug in India; Exports banned
235. US launches Extremely High Frequency Satellite for military communication
236. Odisha sets up COVID-19 dedicated hospitals with 1,000 beds
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237. Facts Box: Mo Jeeban Programme
238. India begins antibody tests for Corona Virus
March 28, 2020

239. Indian Army launches “Operation Namaste” to combat COVID-19
240. What are DMF Funds that are to be used by the states to combat COVID-19?
241. Mutation and Pangolins main source of COVID-19
242. India-Japan sign Rs 15,295 crores rail project
243. DRDO develops N99 masks, ventilators and hand sanitizers to help fight against COVID-19
244. Project Arunank running in full swing in China border despite of COVID-19
245. What is Defence Production Act, 1950 invoked in the US?
246. Home Ministry changes rules: State Disaster Relief Funds to be used for migrant workers
247. Lock Down: Agriculture and allied activities exempted
248. Major Relief Measures by Power Ministry during Lock Down
249. Access to “SWAYAM”, National Online Education Platform has tripled
250. GoI sets up PM-CARES Funds to fight against COVID-19
March 29, 2020

251. India to participate in WHO trials of COVID-19
252. Corona Virus: GoI launched CoNTeC to connect Doctors in India with AIIMS
253. Supreme Court Extends Deadline of Transition from BS IV to BS VI
254. Ministry of Defence: One Day Salary to PM-CARES Fund; Rs 500 crore contribution
255. FDA approves Convalescent Plasma Treatment for seriously ill COVID-19 patients
256. RBI approves Mega Bank Consolidation Plan
257. India to get uninterrupted LPG supply from Saudi Arabia
258. 500 officials of TRIFED Van Dhan India unleash power of Webinars to Work from Home
March 30, 2020

259. Panel set up by PMO to mitigate COVID-19 and restore normalcy after 21 Days Lock Down
260. APMC provides Guidelines to prevent crowding in Mumbai
261. Air Vice Marshal Chandan Singh Rathore passed away
262. Earth Hour: A Symbolic Movement of “Lights OFF” to save environment
263. NSTIs of Skill Development to be used as Quarantine Centres for COVID-19
264. Insurance Scheme for Health Care Workers fighting COVID-19
265. GoI: No plans to extend 21-days of Lock Down; Science behind 21-day Lock Down
266. RBI and Finance Ministry to meet to decide on First Half Borrowing Plan
267. Odisha Mining Activity greatly affected due to COVID-19; 21 mines interrupted
268. Asian Development Bank to invest 100 million USD in NIIF
269. Baltic Sea: Seal Pups face tough winter due to reduced ice levels
270. Tamil Nadu Governor allocates 1 Crore to PM-CARES Fund
271. International Table Tennis Federation suspends events, freezes World Rankings
272. Rajasthan celebrates Statehood Day
March 31, 2020

273. WHO criticizes India over issues faced by Migrants during Lock Down
274. COVID-19: New Technology to Disinfect Maharashtra Hospitals under “NIDHI PRAYAS” Programme
275. Peak Hour Pollution flattened due to COVID-19
276. Study of Community Forest Resources by Ministry of Tribal Affairs
277. United Nations: India and China likely to stay away from Global Recessions
278. Global Sugar Supply Chains hit globally
279. China recommends Bear Bile as a cure for COVID-19
280. US-Iran: Four Nuclear Restrictions renewed by US
281. Extraordinary G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meet
282. “Stranded in India” Portal launched to help Foreign Tourists
283. Indian Railways offer 3.2 lakh isolation beds
284. SEZs manufacturing essentials like pharmaceuticals, hospital equipment are operational
285. COVID-19: Maharashtra and Telangana Government announce major salary cuts
286. NASA announces SUNRISE Mission
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March 1, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
1. Corona Virus: WHO increases Global threat; US postpones ASEAN;

Geneva International Motor Show Cancelled
The COVID-19 (Corona Virus), that began in China has now spread to more than 45
countries. Outside China, South Korea has the highest number of COVID-19 victims.
1. Highlights
On February 29, 2020, the World Health Organization increased the global risk of COVID-
19. This was because the endemic has now spread to sub-Saharan Africa and has
plunged financial markets. WHO also says that more than 20 vaccines for the virus are
under development globally.
2. US postpones ASEAN
The United States has postponed the ASEAN summit to March 14, 2020 due to the
corona virus outbreak. Today, confirmed Corona Virus cases in the United States is 60.
3. Geneva International Motor Show

The Geneva International Motor Show one of the biggest annual auto-show circuit has
been cancelled amid Corona Virus fears. The show brings in innovation and experiences.
2. Red Panda Species are two separate species
On February 29, 2020, the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered that the red
panda species are actually two separate species. Earlier, both the Himalayan red pandas
and the Chinese red Pandas were together considered as red panda species. However,
the DNA analysis says that they are two separate species.
1. Habitats
Chinese Red Panda are found in northern Myanmar, Sichuan, south-eastern Tibet and
Yunnan province of China. The Himalayan red Pandas are found in India, Nepal, Bhutan
and southern Tibet. On the whole, there are 10,000 red pandas in the wild.
2. Key Findings
The Yalu Zangbu river marks the geographical boundary between the two species. The
two species differ in face. The Himalayan Red Panda has more white spots in its face and
Chinese red panda is redder with less white on it. The tail rings of the Chinese Red Panda
is darker and paler as compared to the Himalayan Red Panda.
3. Threats and Conservation

Deforestation is the major threat of the red panda species. The Red Pandas are called
“Living Fossils” as they are the only living member of the Ailuridae mammalian family.
The IUCN Red List has categorized Red Pandas as “Endangered”.
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4. Yalu Zangbu river
The Yalu Zangbu is also called Yarlung Zangpo or Yarlung Tsangpo. It is the upper
stream of the Brahmaputra river. It is the longest river in Tibet.
March 2, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. RalDer-X: New Explosive Detection Device developed by DRDO and

IISc Bangalore
On March 1, 2020, at the National Workshop on Explosive Detection, a new Explosive

Detection device called RalDer-X was launched.
1. Highlights
RalDer-X has the capacity to detect explosives that are in the pure form and also those
that are added with contaminants. It is also capable of detecting explosives at a
distance. The device is capable of detecting various applications such as narcotics and
also other elements that are non-explosive in nature.
2. Significance
Explosive Detection is highly important to inspect whether a container contains
explosives especially at ports, airports and at borders.
3. Colorimetrics
The test is based on detecting the nitrogen compound in the explosive with its color
reations. This is because, almost all explosives are made of nitroaromatic, nitramine or
nitrate based compounds. However, it requires physical handling of explosive. Also, it
cannot be detected in a sealed container. These disadvantages are over come by the
new explosive device RalDer-X.
4. Asian Development Bank Sanctions 4 million USD to members to

contain Corona Virus
The Asian Development Bank is to provide 4 million USD to member countries in Asia
and Pacific to contain COVID-19, the Corona Virus. The fund is being allocated for buying
emergency supplies, assessing health systems, improve resilience and respond to
animal human disease outbreaks.
1. Highlights
The main objective of fund allocation is to strengthen immediate response in China,
Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. The bank has also sanctioned special
loan of 18.6 million USD to China to enhance distribution and supply of protective
equipment and essential medicines.
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2. Global Threats
Outside China, the virus has spread to Iran, Italy and South Korea. More than 84,000
people in 56 countries have been infected. So far 2,900 people have died because of the
virus.
3. Economic Downfall
The Global stock markets are facing steep falls. This is mainly because of travel bans
and international business meetings being cancelled and postponed. The World is
stepping towards weaker phase as compared to 2008 financial crisis. Therefore, it is
essential for international banks like ADB to step in to sanction loans.
5. IMD: Above Normal Heat Wave during Summer in India
The Indian Meteorological Department has announced that months of March, April and
May are to be warmer than normal. The heat waves are to prevail over the heat wave
zones of India
1. Heat Wave Zone

The Core Heat Wave Zone of India includes Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi,
Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh. Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana.
2. What is a Heat Wave?

According to the World Meteorological Organization, a Heat Wave occurs when the daily
maximum temperature of 5 consecutive days exceeds average maximum temperature
by 5 degrees Celsius. During a heat wave, the weather is excessively hot and also highly
humid. Heat Waves usually occur in oceanic countries.
3. How are Heat Waves formed?

Heat waves are formed when high pressure in the upper atmosphere strengthens and
remains in a particular region for days together. They are common in summer as jet
streams follow the sun. This high-pressure traps highly humid warm air under it. The air
warms oceanic winds in the earth forming heat waves.
6. Zero Discrimination Day observed all over the world
On March 1, 2020, Zero Discrimination Day was observed globally. The day was
observed to challenge discrimination and inequality faced by women and girls. It aims to
protect rights of women and promote their empowerment and gender equality. This year
the day was observed under the theme
1. Highlights
The Zero Discrimination Day is observed by the United Nations AIDS Programme. Every
year the day is observed on March 1. It was first marked in 2014. It is being associated
with the AIDS Programme as the United Nations believe that fighting discrimination
against women is important to eradicate AIDS.
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2. Sustainable Development Goal
The United Nations aims to end the threat towards AIDS programme by the year 2030 as
a part of Sustainable Development Goal.
3. Significance
It is important to mark the day as one among three women in the world are experiencing
some form of violence. There are more than 50% of women that have reported violence
against them globally according to UN. Therefore, it is important to mark these days to
increase awareness.
7. India’s 40 million USD defence deal with Armenia beats Russia and
Poland
On March 1, 2020, India bagged a deal to supply 4 indigenously built radars (capable of
locating weapons) to Armenia. The deal was worth 40 million USD.
1. Highlights
India and Armenia signed deals on DRDO built “Swati” weapon locating radars. Armenia
has decided to go with Indian built radars after testing Russian and Poland made
systems. Armenia also claims that Indian made systems were more reliable as compared
to the other two.
2. Swati Radar
The Radar is capable of handling multiple weapons at different locations. Currently,
Indian army is also using the same radar along the line of control to trace source of
attack of the Pakistan army.
3. Significance
The Deal will help India achieve its Rs 35,000 crores of defence exports very soon. It will
also help India find new markets to sell its indigenous defence systems. The Defence
Ministry is also negotiating with middle east countries, latin American and south-east
Asian countries to export its defence products.
8. Farmer Welfare: Krishi Vigyan Mela, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference

launched
The GoI is taking several steps to double farmers income by 2022. In order to help
achieve the target, Krishi Vigyan Mela and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference were
inaugurated by Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar.
1. Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference

The 11th Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference was held in New Delhi recently. Krishi Vigyan
Kendra means Farmer Science Centre. The Conference directed the centres to focus on
small and deprived farmers.
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2. Krishi Vigyan Kendra
These Centres are created by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research. The first Krishi
Vigyan Kendra was established in 1974. These centres provide different types of farm
support at district level. Also, they implement on-farm testing to assess agricultural
technologies.
3. Krishi Vigyan Mela

The Krishi Vigyan Mela was launched to make agriculture a profitable venture. It is a fair
that aims to call talents in agriculture. Several discussions at the fair were conducted to
ensure superior seeds are supplied to farmers at reasonable rates.
9. March 3: World Wildlife Day
The 2020 year was earlier announced as “BioDiversity Super Year”. Therefore, several
events are being conducted based on biodiversity. It includes World Wildlife Day as well.
This year the World Wildlife Day is being celebrated under the theme
1. Highlights
The Day is being celebrated by several leading organizations of the world. It includes
United Nations General Assembly, CITES and other regional and non-governmental
organizations. On this day, they aim to build collaborative partnerships, organize
conservation events and demand illegally sourced wildlife and products.
2. Significance of the theme

Sustaining all Life on Earth includes all plant species and wild animals as component of
biodiversity. It also includes use of natural resources in support of the following
Sustainable Development Goals
3. History
The resolution to mark world wild life day was passed at the 69th session of United
Nations General Assembly that was held on 20th December, 2013.
4. Why March 3?
On March 3, 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES) was adopted. The World Wildlife Day was proposed by Thailand.
March 3, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
10. National Chambal Sanctuary declared as Eco-Sensitive Zone
On March 2, 2020, the Government of India declared National Chambal Sanctuary as

Eco-Sensitive Zone. The Sanctuary is home to Gangetic Dolphins and critically
endangered Gharials.
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1. Highlights
The Sanctuary is home to naturally living Gharials. 75% of Gharials live in the Sanctuary.
It also harbours 180 species of migratory birds and fresh water Gangetic Dolphins. Being
declared as Eco Sensitive Zone, construction of resorts, hotels or other residential and
industrial activities are prohibited.
2. National Chambal Sanctuary

The Sanctuary begins in the Vindhyan Ranges, extends along the Chambal river and
ends in Yamuna river. It is spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
3. Eco-Sensitive Zone
The Eco-Sensitive Zones are protected areas that act as “shock absorbers”. They also
act as transition zones. They are governed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate change. The governing is an important factor as land is a state subject. There
are no acts that regulate the zones. However, they are regulated with guidelines framed
by the Ministry.
11. EKAM Fest: Event to Promote craftsmanship and products of Divyang

entrepreneurs
A week-long festival called “EKAM FEST” was organized to promote the products of
Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs. More than 80 Divyang entrepreneurs and artisans
participated in the event.
1. Highlights
The event focuses to promote knowledge and entrepreneurship of Divyang Community.
It also aims to market their opportunities. The event was organized by NHFDC (National
Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation). The NHFDC also launched the
NHFDC Swavalamban Kendra (NSK), an initiative to establish micro skill training centre
for Divyangs
2. NHFDC
The NHFDC operates under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It was
established in 1997. The Company provides financial assistance to divyangs and persons
with disabilities. Currently it is implementing Vishesh Microfinance Yojana
3. Vishesh Microfinance Yojana

Under the scheme, NHFDC finances income generating schemes of Disabled persons.
This is being done by signing agreement with Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks
and other financial institutions. The main objective of the scheme is to reach out
unbanked population and promote inclusive livelihood.
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12. GoI allows Export of Onions
In September 2019, GoI had banned the export of onions in order to bring down its
prices in the country. The prices of the key cooking ingredient had soared due to supply
disruptions and floods in the major onion producing states Haryana and Maharashtra.
1. Highlights
Onion prices peaked in December 2019 as rains hit the Kharif crop badly. Now, with the
arrival of Rabi crop, the shortage is getting replenished and hence GoI has removed the
ban on exports of onions. Also, the Minimum Export Price imposed on onions as 850 USD
per tonne is being removed.
2. Minimum Export Price

The Minimum Export Price is fixing a floor price. An exporter cannot sell his product
below Minimum Export Price. The MEP is usually imposed on Basmati Rice and Onions to
restrict their export volumes.
3. Current Concerns of MEP

In order to export a product, a country should produce genuine export surplus. The
concept of MEP was introduced by GoI to maintain the above status. However, the
exporters have become masters in circumventing MEP and hence it has become
ineffective to restrict export of a commodity.
13. Star Rating Programme for Light Commercial Air Conditioners and
Deep Freezers launched
On March 2, 2020, in its 19th foundation day, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
operating under Ministry of Power launched star rating programme for Light Commercial
Air Conditioners (LCAC) and Deep Freezers.
1. Highlights
The Star Rating Programme was formulated by Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the
Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Around 24 appliances have been covered under the
programme.
2. Significance
Both LCAC and deep freezers are major energy consumers. Therefore, it is important to
include these two appliances in the programme to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.
Especially, LCAC is of primary importance as it is used in commercial air conditioning.
With including these two appliances, it is estimated that the electricity consumption is to
be saved by 9 billion units.
3. Star Rating
The Star Rating gives energy efficiency of an appliance. Higher the star rating lower is
the energy consumed.
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14. 8th Foundation Day of Land Port Authority of India held in New Delhi
On March 2, 2020, the eighth foundation day of the Land Port Authority of India was
celebrated. The event discussed various aspects of land ports such as cargo operations
at Integrated Check Ports and other border infrastructure.
1. Land Port Authority of India

The Land Port Authority of India is responsible for managing border infrastructure. It
creates, upgrades and maintains the integrated check posts and also border
infrastructure.
2. Functions
The Authority works to provide secure and efficient systems of cargo and passenger
movements across international borders. It also works to reduce the dwell time and
trade transaction time and costs. It promotes people-to-people contact.
3. Legislation
The Land Port Authority of India is a statutory body. It was established under Land Ports
Authority of India Act, 2010. Under the act, it has powers to undertake joint ventures to
discharge its functions. It functions under Ministry of Home Affairs.
15. The Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2019 introduced
On March 2, 2020, the HRD Minister introduced the Central Sanskrit Universities Bill,
2019 in Rajya Sabha. It was introduced in Lok Sabha in December 2019 and was passed.
1. Key Features of the Bill

The bill aims to convert deemed Sanskrit universities to central Sanskrit universities.
They are Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi, Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Tirupati
and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New Delhi.
2. Powers and Functions

The Powers and Functions of the universities are as follows
3. Authorities of the Universities

The Universities will also have a court to review policies, an executive council that will
create academic posts and appoint teaching faculties. It will also hold a board of studies
that will approve research subjects.
16. GoI Allows Airlines to provide In-Flight WiFi
The Government of India recently permitted the airlines operating in the country to
provide in-flight WiFi Services to its passengers. This technology allows the passengers
to use laptop, tablet, smart watches, smartphones and a point of sale device in flight
mode.
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1. In-Flight WiFi
In-Flight WiFi is offering internet services to passengers during their flight with an airline.
India and North Korea were the only two countries that were hesitant in offering in-flight
WiFi services. India was hesitant due to security concerns. The Ministry of Civil Aviation
has been highly strict since the hijacking of Delhi to Kathmandu flight in 1999.
2. How does an In-Flight WiFi work?

When a Passenger turns ON the fight mode, the antenna of the plane is linked to
terrestrial internet services. After the flight climbs to 3,000 metres altitude which any
flight reaches in 4 to 5 minutes of its take off, the antenna of the flight will switch to
satellite-based services. Hence there will be no break in internet services to the
passengers.
17. GoI nominates 2 sites to be included in World Heritage Sites List
The Government of India submitted two nomination dossiers for their inclusion in World
Heritage List for the year 2020. They are as follows
1. Dholavira
The dholavira is an archaeological site in Gujarat. It consists of ruins of ancient Indus
Valley Civilization. It is located in Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest wildlife
sanctuary in India area wise. The site is located on the Tropic of Cancer.
1.1. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

It is a saline wetland. The land has an average depth of 0.5 metres to 1.5 metres. It dries
up and turns into a saline desert in the months of October and November. Also, it
supports variety of water birds and mammals.
2. Deccan Sultanate
The Deccan Sultanates were 5 major kingdoms. They ruled between Vindhya Range and
Krishna river in the Deccan Plateau. Their architecture was Indo-Islamic and greatly
influenced by the Mughal architecture. There are 4 major places that are addressed as
Deccan Sultanate Monuments and Forts. They are
18. Lok Sabha Speaker launches “Suposhit Maa Abhiyan”: To create

Malnutrition free India
On March 1, 2020, the Lok Sabha speaker Shri Om Birla launched Suposhit Maa Abhiyan
in Kota, Rajasthan. The Scheme aims to create malnutrition-free India. It mainly supports
pregnant women and adolescent girls.
1. About the Scheme

Suposhit Maa Abhiyan was launched to preserve the health of future generations. Under
the programme, more than 1000 women are to be given food for 1 month. It is
applicable only to one pregnant woman per family.
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2. Significance
The Scheme is launched to help India achieve its target of “Malnutrition Free India” by
2022. Kota, Rajasthan was selected as it is the constituency of the speaker.
19. Financial Assistance to Kaziranga National Park under CAMPA
On March 2, 2020, a Rajya Sabha Member of the ruling party replied about the financial
assistance being provided to the Kaziranga National Park, Assam
1. Highlights
The Rajya Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa said that Rs 94,46,585 and Rs 51,24,670
were sanctioned for Kaziranga National Park during the financial years 2018-19 and
2019-20. The funds were sanctioned under CAMPA. Apart from this, funds were also
transferred under Project Tiger Scheme and Development of Wildlife Habitat Scheme
2. What were the steps taken withe funds?

The Assam Government has used the allocated fund to deploy Special Rhino Protection
Force, Assam Forest Protection Force, Home Guards and front line forest staff. Many
platforms and highlands have been constructed in the park. This helps the animals to
stay safe during floods. Anti-poaching camps have been organized. Several smart
technologies like “Electronic Eye” have been adopted.
3. CAMPA
CAMPA is Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority. It was
established in 2001 and is governed through CAMPA act.
3.1. Background
In 2003, the Supreme Court noticed that funds collected for afforestation were
underutilized by the states. Therefore, the apex court set up CAMPA to manage the fund.
Later in 2015, the act was constituted to regulate the afforestation funds.
March 4, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
20. UNHRC files in Supreme Court on Citizenship Amendment Act
On March 3, 2020, the United Nation Human Rights Commission moved to Supreme
Court on the matter of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The commission has filed a
case challenging CAA.
1. India on the Move of UNHRC

India believes that the CAA is an internal matter of the country. Also, according to India,
CAA is constitutionally valid.
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2. What is the issue?
The Citizenship Amendment Act was passed in 2019. The act amends Citizenship Act
1955. It seeks to give nationality only to 6 religious communities (Hindus, Christians,
Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Sikhs) if they entered India before 31 December 2014. It
does not include Muslims. Also, the act does not include other refugees such as
Rohingya from Myanmar and Tamils from Sri Lanka.
3. Significance of the act

According to GoI, the partition of India failed to protect the minorities in Pakistan and
Bangladesh. India and Pakistan were partitioned under Nehru-Liaqat pact in 1950.
Pakistan announced itself as a Muslim nation while India became secular. Even after
independence, India has constantly conceded that minorities in Pakistan are its
responsibilities.
21. UP Government provides Rs 900 per month to farmers willing to

keep stray cattle
On March 3, 2020, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that his
government will pay Rs 900 per month to farmers willing to keep stray cattle.
1. The Issue
Earlier in 2019, the farmer protests in Uttar Pradesh had gone up over stray cattle
destroying their fields. The population of stray cattle in the state increased as the UP
Government had banned illegal animal slaughtering in the state.
2. Steps taken
Initially cow shelters were built to adopt abandoned stray cattle However, they began
overflowing and also it was financially difficult for the UP Government to take care of
cattle in huge numbers.
22. Finance Minister introduces bill to amend Banking Regulation Act
On March 3, 2020, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman introduced bill in Parliament to

amend banking regulation law to regulate cooperative banks. It aims to prevent frauds
as that seen at Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Banks (PMC).
1. Highlights
The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 intends to regulate 1,540 cooperative
banks with total savings of Rs 5 lakh crores. It also aims to protect the small depositors
that struggle a lot during frauds like that of PMC. The withdrawal limit of PMC banks was
limited to Rs 1000 during the crisis. This had put several customers in an insecure
environment.
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2. Key Features of the Amendment
The amendments are being made only to multi-state cooperative banks and urban
cooperative banks. The Cooperative Banks are currently under dual control of both RBI
and Registrar of Cooperative Societies. With the amendment, RBI will have extra powers
apart from regulatory functions such as capital adequacy and cash reserve. However,
the administrative role of the bank is to continue with the Registrar of Societies.
23. Corona Virus: World Bank announces 12 billion USD aid
On March 3, 2020, the World Bank announced 12 billion USD to assist countries that are
grappling with economic impacts of corona virus. The virus has reached 60 countries so
far.
1. Highlights
The World bank is to provide the financial aid for the countries to act upon the needs
and develop a fast response towards the spread of the virus. The financing is only to
member countries whose economy is at stake due to the virus. Also, priority is to be
given to those countries that are the poorest and are at highest risks.
2. Current Global Risk

The World Health organization in its recent report of Corona Virus Disease situation
report says that so far the virus has killed 37 people outside China. Overall, 166 have
died so far all over the world. Today, the number of COVID-19 cases is 10,566.
3. Scenario in India
India has so far relatively stayed safe in spite of China being a neighbor. So far 5 cases
have been reported in India. The virus had badly affected the manufacturing sector of
the country namely electronics, medicines, chemicals and textiles.
24. Global Coalition for Biodiversity launched on World Wildlife Day
On March 3, 2020, on the sidelines of the World Wildlife Day celebrations, Global
Coalition for Biodiversity was launched. The initiative was launched by the European
commission. The coalition was named “United for Biodiversity”.
1. Highlights
The Global Coalition is constituted of national parks, aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens
and science museums that are spread all over the world. The Coalition has called the
institutions all over the world to join before the Convention on Biological Diversity in
Kunming, China. The Convention is to be held in China in October 2020.
2. IPBES at the Coalition

The Coalition cited Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
findings that more than 1 million species are under risk of extinction. The Coalition
hence adopted a pledge to appeal to visitors of the institutions associated with it to
“raise voice for Nature”.
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3. What is IPBES?
IPBES is Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Services. It was established in Panama City in 2012 by 94 countries. It is not a part of
United Nations. However, on the request of IPBES, the United Nations Environment
Programme provides secretariat services to IPBES.
25. Corona Virus: NASA reports Pollution Levels in China have dropped
greatly
On March 2, 2020, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) reported that
Nitrous Oxide pollution in China has declined greatly between January and February
2020. According to the report, nitrous oxide pollution has declined by more than 100
tonnes of carbon-dioxide.
1. Highlights
The report says that every year, after New Year Celebrations, air pollution in china peaks
to its highest. However, this year, due to economic slowdown caused by the fear of virus,
the pollution was at its minimal. This was mainly because of closure of several
businesses and factories all over China.
2. Current Scenario
The World Health Organization has said that COVID-19 can be contained. This is because
out of 80 countries that have been infected with the virus, 38 of them have less than 10
cases.
3. Controversy
Though WHO is optimistic, the Health Agencies believe that the countries have to assess
their preparedness in fighting the disease. They say that 30% of those hospitalized with
COVID-19 infections require critical care. In such scenario, apart from financial support,
the countries should also possess skilled hands that are capable of operating the critical
care equipment.
26. March 4: National Security Day
On March 4, 2020, the Rashtriya Suraksha Diwas or National Security Day was
celebrated throughout India. The Day is celebrated to honour the work of Indian Security
Forces. This includes every security personnel, policemen, para military forces, guards,
commandos, army officers, etc.
1. Highlights
The National Security Day is celebrated to promote and increase security forces. The
Day reminds the citizens about their fundamental duties towards the country. Above all,
the day pays homage to the security jawans who lost their lives for the country.
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2. Why March 4th?
The National Security Days is being observed on March 4 every year because, the
National Security Council was established on the very same day
3. National Security Council

The Security Council looks into the economic, political and strategic security concerns of
India. It was established in 1998 by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
27. Ministry of Tribal Affairs constitutes committee on Community Forest

Resource Guidelines
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently constituted a committee under NC Saxena,
former member of Planning Commission of India. The Committee will examine and
recommend Community Forest Resources (CFR) Guidelines. The Committee has been
constituted under Forest Rights Act, 2006.
1. Why the Committee?

In 2016, the Tribal Affairs Ministry framed CFR in consultation with the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change. However, the guidelines faced several
criticisms from tribal organizations all over India. They complained that the guidelines
were too technical.
2. The Issue
The Forest Right Act, 2006 gives habitat rights to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group
and pre-agriculture communities. They shall access the resources in the area that are
designated as their habitat. However, the act left it at the responsibility of the states to
identify the habitats. Several states failed to recognize such habitats.
28. APEDA signs MoUs to implement Agriculture Export Policy
The Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) has signed
Memorandum of Understandings with IIT Delhi, Quality Council of India (QCI) and Indian
Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA).
1. Agriculture Export Policy

The Agriculture Export Policy was launched in 2018. It aims to increase the agricultural
export potential of the country. It is highly important to increase the exports of
agricultural products in order to achieve the goal of “Doubling Farmers Income” by 2022.
2. IIT-Delhi
With IIT-Delhi, APEDA has signed agreement in the field of technologies. The IIT-Delhi will
share its research laboratories with APEDA under the agreement. It will also help in
improvising farm machineries. The institute is to develop ripening indices, protocols to
export horticultural produce by sea.
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3. QCI and ICFA
The QCI will develop training materials for INDGAP scheme. INDGAP is India Good
Agriculture Practices. The ICFA will help APEDA to organize community specific trade
events. It will also help agricultural start ups in scaling up their business.
29. Luxembourg: The First Country in the World to provide Free Public
Transport
Luxembourg in Europe has become the first country to make all forms of public transport
free. It is the second smallest country in the European Union.
1. Highlights
Around 0.2 million passengers travel to Luxembourg from its neighbouring countries
such as Belgium, France and Germany for work. Also, it has the highest car density in
European Union.
2. Why Free Public Transport?

According to European Commission Statistical Wing, Luxembourg had 670 cars per 1000
people. The capital of the country also called Luxembourg was the 53rd most congested
city in the world according to 2020 Traffic Index. People in the city lost 163 useful hours
to traffic. It will also help reduce pollution to great extent.
3. How does it work?

The project of making public transport free is a dual social measure in the country. It is
funded by the tax payers. This will help low earners save money. Also, the burden is
shouldered by the better off population.
4. Similar Measures by Delhi Government

In October 2019, the State Government of Delhi announced similar scheme. The
Government had made public transport free for women. Delhi being the 8th most
congested city in the world, the scheme has boosted women population. However, it
financial drained Delhi Transport Corporation.
4.1. Hurdles
Infrastructure of buses is the major concern. The Supreme Court in 2001 assessed that
Delhi needs 10,000 buses. The predictions should increase by 2020. Currently, there are
only 6,233 buses with the Delhi State Transport Corporation (according to February
2020).
March 5, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
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30. Cabinet Approval: Foreign Direct Investment Policy on Civil Aviation
On March 4, 2020, the Union Cabinet under PM Modi cleared the Foreign Direct
Investment Policy on Civil Aviation. According to the policy, 100% FDI is permitted in the
air transport services. Earlier only 49% was available for sale to NRIs
1. Benefit
The main benefit of the policy is that it will help in divestment of Air India. The
amendment in the policy will permit NRIs to invest in Air India. The policy will also
improve ease of doing business in the country. It will also contribute to growth, income
and employment.
2. Concern
The policy says that for Air India the foreign investment shall not exceed 49%. This
means that though 100% FDI is allowed, the automatic route is open only to NRIs.
3. Other Airlines
For other airlines other than Air India, 100% FDI is permitted under automatic route. This
includes domestic, scheduled and other air transport services.
31. Cabinet Approval: Mega Consolidation of Public Sector Banks
On March 4, 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by Narendra Modi had approved mega
consolidation of 10 Public Sector Banks.
1. Highlights
The mega merger is to come into effect from April 1, 2020. It includes amalgamation of
United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of India into Punjab National Bank. Also,
amalgamation of Syndicate Bank into Canara Bank. The Cabinet also approved
amalgamation of Corporation Bank and Andhra Bank into Union Bank of India. It also
approved amalgamation of Allahabad Bank into Indian Bank
2. Benefits
The Amalgamation will help these under performing banks get cost benefits. Also, each
amalgamated bank will hold business of 8 lakh crore rupees. This will help the banks
compete with other banks in India and also globally. It will also increase competitive
spirit of the banks boosting Indian Banking System.
3. How is Amalgamation different from Merger?

A Merger is where two or more business entities combine to form a new entity. On the
other hand, in amalgamation one business entity acquires one or more business entities.
32. Delhi announced as next Google Cloud Region after Mumbai
On March 5, 2020, Google announced that it will open its next cloud region of India at
Delhi by 2021. This is the second cloud region of Google after Mumbai, that was
launched in 2017. Google owns 22 cloud regions in Asia Pacific.
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1. Highlights
Along with Delhi Cloud Region, Google will also open its data centers in Toronto
(Canada), Melbourne (Australia) and Doha (Qatar).
2. What is Google Cloud Region?

The Google Cloud Services are now available in South America, North America, Asia,
Europe and Australia. They are regions that stores data. These data storage regions help
several companies to store and secure their data.
3. How is it helpful for India?

India has strict data localization laws. This is because by this, GoI believes that consumer
data can be protected in a better way. This way it helps in national security, sovereignty
and economic development.The Google Cloud Region hence helps companies to store
data locally.
33. GoI clears Genome India Project
The Department of Biotechnology operating under Ministry of Science and Technology

has cleared Genome India Project. More than 20 leading institutions including IISc
Bengaluru are to participate in the project.
1. Highlights
The project will at its first phase take samples of 10,000 persons to develop a reference
Genome. The Centre of Brain Research operating under IISc will act as a nodal point of
the project. The Project was inspired by Human Genome Project.
2. Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project was launched in 1990 and ended in 2003. It was an
international project funded by the US Government.
3. What is Genome?
Genome is the sequence of DNA. It contains all the hereditary information of an
individual. Genome is not the same as gene or DNA. Genes are made of DNA. The
Genome is simply sum of all DNAs of an individual.
34. CRISPR (CaS9)-The Gene Editing Tool used to treat blindness for the
first time
The Gene Editing Tool called CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic
Repeats) has been used for the first time to treat blindness. However, doctors claimed
that it will take a month to check if the vision of the patient has restored. This has been
achieved at the Oregon University, Portland, USA.
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1. What is CRISPR?
It is a family of DNA sequences that are found in prokaryotic organisms like bacteria.
They are derived from DNA of Bacteriophages. Bacteriopage is a virus that infects
bacteria and archaea.
2. Technology Used
The CRISPR-Cas is used to edit genes in an organism. It is an enzyme. Cas is CRISPR
Associated protein.

The CRISPR based tool allows to target genomic location. After identifying the target, it
adds, removes or alters that particular DNA sequence.
4. Pros and Cons

The Gene Editing technology can be used to modify disease causing genes. It is capable
of editing genetic diseases as well. On the other hand, it marks irreversible changes in
the bodies of future children. Many activists believe that it is unethical and against
nature.
35. Cabinet Approval: To amend Companies Act, 2013
On March 4, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved 72 changes to the Companies Act, 2013.
The main aim of the amendment is to decriminalize the provisions in the act.
1. Highlights
The amendment aims to recategorize 23 offences and omit 7 compoundable offences.
Under the amendment, the companies with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
obligation of less than Rs 50 lakhs need not constitute a CSR committee.
2. What is CSR?
The CSR is a concept through which a company takes volunteer efforts in philanthropical
programmes and adopt businesses that benefit society. The Injeti Srinivas Committee
was constituted to review existing frameworks of CSR and strengthen its ecosystem.
3. Section 129 A introduced

The act is to be amended to make filings more scientific. A new Section 129 A is to be
included that will file results of unlisted companies (under the act) on a periodic basis.
This is to be done in additional to annual filing.
4. Benefits
The amendments will help increase investments, especially foreign investments. This is
mainly because, the amendment is to allow domestic firms to list on foreign exchanges.
At present, Indian Companies have the option of GDR (Global Depository Receipt) and
ADR (American Depository Receipt) alone.
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36. Black Carbon Levels in Himalayan Glaciers and Biomethanation
The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) conducted study near Gangotri Glacier
in 2016. According to the study, the black carbon concentration in the region has
increased by 400 times.
1. Highlights
The increase in carbon concentration in the region is mainly because of agricultural
burning and forest fire. The concentration of black carbon was found to be minimum in
August and maximum in May.
2. What is Black Carbon?

Black Carbon are fine particles of carbon that are formed due to incomplete combustion
of fossil fuels and biomass. These particles are capable of absorbing energy from the sun
(light) a million times more than that of carbon dioxide. However, black carbon are short
lived unlike carbon dioxide.
3. Biomethanation
The Government of India has taken the technology of Biomethanation as a solution for
stubble burning. Quality manure and biogas are obtained from bio-methanation process.
Six biomethanation plants are to be constructed in Punjab that will convert paddy straw
into bio-gas.
37. What is BHOG of FSSAI?
The Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration recently asked the administrators
of temples to obtain BHOG certificate from FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority
of India). This was launched in 2018.
1. What is BHOG?
BHOG is Blissful Hygiene Offering to God. These are certificates issued by FSSAI. The
BHOG certificates ensure quality of food offered to devotees and deities as well. It was
launched as a precautionary measure to maintain hygiene of foods at the temples.
2. About the Project

The project was initiated by FSSAI. The project apart from maintaining the quality of
foods at temples, also gives training for food handlers on basic food safety. It incudes
Gurudwaras, Temples, Mosques. The project has also made it mandatory for the Prasad
stalls and vendors that sell Prasad in and around temple premises to obtain BHOG
certificate.
3. Eat Right Campaign

The certificate also includes principles of Eat Right Campaign. The Eat Right Campaign is
based on two broad pillars namely “Eat Healthy” and “Eat Right”.
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March 6, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
38. 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.
1. Highlights
The Conference highlighted the current need of India in the field of Nano-Science. It
includes 5Ms namely Material, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Manpower and Machines. The
Conference was attended by more than 450 scientists from all over the world.
2. Current Scenario
India started its journey of nanotechnology with the launch of “Nano Science and
Technology Initiative” (NSTI) in 2001 for a span of 5 years. In 2007, it was renamed as
“Nano Mission”. Nano Mission had wider objectives and larger funding of 250 million
USD. This effort paid off well with Indian researchers publishing more than 23,000 papers
in the field in next 5 years. In 2013, India ranked third in research paper publication in
the field after China and USA.
39. India-European Union to work together on Integrated Local Energy

Systems
During India’s Smart Utility Week, India and European Union called upon Integrated Local
Energy System. The countries are to work upon clean energy and climate. The
collaboration will help to improvise clean energy supply
1. Highlights
The collaboration and steps that were taken are completely based on Mission Innovation.
The collaboration will aim at increasing the contribution of renewables. Along side of the
collaboration, India and Sweden are to work on Smart Grids. These projects are to be
funded by Department of Science and Technology (DST). The DST has so far established
3 major international smart grids in 24 countries.
2. Smart Grid Systems

Smart Grids are electricity networks that allow devices to communicate (between
consumers and suppliers), protect distribution network, allow to manage demand, save
energy and reduce costs.
3. Mission Innovation
Mission Innovation is a global initiative of 24 countries. It aims at accelerating clean
affordable energy to create commercial opportunities. It was announced by Bill Gates at
COP21 in 2015 along with PM Modi, President Obama and President Hollande (French).
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40. Corona Virus: OPEC to cut oil production largely since 2008 financial
crisis
On March 5, 2020, the world’s largest oil production nations of OPEC (Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries) have planned to cut production. This is the deepest oil
production cuts since 2008 financial crisis.
1. Highlights
The major member of OPEC, Saudi Arabia has planned to cut production by 1.5 million
barrel a day from April 2020. This is equivalent to holding back 3.6% of global oil
supplies. The cuts are being made to avoid oil prices from collapsing.
2. Russia Factor
Russia has been hesitant towards making deeper cuts. Being a major contributor of
OPEC, Russia’s move might backfire other OPEC countries. This is because, the oil
exports of Russia will tend to increase as Russia oil will become cheaper. Therefore,
other countries of OPEC are forcing Russia to join deeper oil production cuts
41. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana signs MoU with Amazon to e-market
On March 5, 2020, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission

(DAY-NULM) has signed MoU with Amazon to e-market products made by self help
groups in India.
1. Highlights
The MoU has been signed as a part of Women’s Day celebration. Every year March 8 is
celebrated as International Women’s Day. The women entrepreneurs in E-Commerce
platform has been growing substantially. The MoU will help to empower these women
entrepreneurs.
2. Shehri Samridhi Utsav

It is an initiative of Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs. It is a rally that aims at
increasing the outreach of DAY-NULM. It also organizes job melas and fairs for products
made by women SHGs.
3. DAY-NULM
It is a flagship programme of Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs. The programme aims
to reduce poverty. It also aims to reduce vulnerability of urban poor by enabling their
self-employment opportunities and also increase their skilled wage employment
opportunities.
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42. RBI capped Rs 50,000 as withdrawal limit of YES Bank customers:
What is YES BANK CRISIS in news?
On March 5, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India imposed a month-long moratorium. Also,
the Apex Bank has imposed withdrawal restrictions of Rs 50,000 to the customers.
However, in case of medical emergencies and higher education fees, the restriction has
been increased to Rs 5 lakhs.
1. Highlights
The Reserve Bank has taken actions as the Yes Bank is currently unable to raise funds
that will help against loan losses. RBI has selected SBI (The State Bank of India) to inject
capital into Yes Bank. SBI is to conduct viability assessment in buying stakes at Yes
Bank.
2. What is Moratorium?
Moratorium is a temporary suspension of an activity or business. Though RBI has powers
to impose restrictions on financial activities of banks in India, it has no powers to impose
a moratorium. Moratorium has been imposed on the bank by GoI under recommendation
of RBI.
3. Banking Regulation Act

The Reserve Bank of India has powers to take above actions under Banking Regulation
Act, 1949. Section 35A of the act provides powers to put withdrawal restrictions on any
bank in India.
43. Jammu Airport comes under CISF
On March 6, 2020, the Jammu airport security was taken over by the Central Industrial
Security Force (CISF). With this there are 63 airports under CISF at present.
1. Airport Security
The CISF is responsible for airport security at all commercial airports of India. Earlier the
airports were under the control of airport police. However, after the hijack of Indian
Airlines Flight 814 in 1999, it was handed over to CISF.
2. CISF
It was set up in 1969. However, it was made an armed force in 1983. Recently in 2017,
the GoI increased the strength of CISF personnel from 145,000 to 180,000. It operates
under Ministry of Home Affairs. Apart from airport, CISF also guards seaports, industrial
sectors, atomic power plants, oil refineries, thermal power plants, mines and other public
sector undertakings. It also guards currency note presses.
44. March 7: Jan Aushadhi Diwas
On January 7, 2020, Jan Aushadi Diwas is to be celebrated. The day is being celebrated
to commemorate the achievements of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadi Pariyojana.
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PM Modi is to interact with seven Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendras as a
part of celebration of the day.
1. Highlights
The Prime Minister is to interact with seven Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Pariyojana
Kendras through video conferencing.
2. Janaushadhi Kendras
The Kendras are the biggest retail pharma chain in the world. They are spread across
700 districts. There are more than 6,200 such Kendras in India. In 2019-20, the total
sales at these outlets crossed Rs 390 crores. This saved Rs 2,200 crores for common
citizens.
3. Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

The basic aim of the scheme is to create awareness about Generic medicines. Generic
Medicines are unbranded medicines that are equally safe. They are much cheaper than
the branded ones.
45. Mineral Law Amendment Bill passed in Lok Sabha
On March 6, 2020, the Lok Sabha passed Mineral Laws (Amendment) bill, 2020. The bill
aims to amend Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) act, 1957 and also
Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015.
1. Highlights
The bill was passed in the parliament without discussion. This was because of the
constant uproar of the opposition over death of 52 people in the Delhi Violence over
Citizenship Amendment Act.
2. Key Features of the bill

The bill opens up the coal sector completely for commercial mining. It also intends to
remove end use restrictions to participate in coal mine auctions. This will mainly help
reduce coal imports.
3. Coal Sector in India

The Coal output in India has been declining lately. This is mainly due to flooding of mines
and labour unrest. Therefore, GoI has taken several steps to boost coal production in the
country. The FDI in coal sector has been made to 100%. GoI is also taking several steps
to reduce coal imports. In spite being the fourth largest producer of coal in the world,
India imported 235 billion tonnes of coal in 2019.
March 7, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
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46. United Nations Global Compact Study: Women Labour-force has
declined greatly in India
The United Nations Global Compact conducted a study recently and found that female
labour participation has decreased from 34% in 2006 to 24.8% in 2020. The study also
says that out of the 153 countries surveyed, India is the only country where economic
gender gap is greater than political gap.
1. Key Findings
The Study says that if women labour participation has been the same as that of men, the
GDP of the country shall be boosted by 27%. Globally 38.7% of employed women are
working in forestry, agriculture and fisheries. However, only 13.85 of them are
landholders.
2. Suggestions
The study suggests that corporate policies and public policies in India should ensure
effective solutions. They should adapt life changes with their employees including dual
career couples, maternity and changing care needs.
3. United Nations Global Compact

The United Nations Global Compact states 10 principles on human rights, anti-
corruption, environment and labour. It encourages businesses world wide to adopt
socially responsible policies.
47. India shares two SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequences with Global

Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data
On March 7, 2020, India officially shared two SARS-CoV-2 with the Global Initiative on
Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID).
1. Highlights
The Pune based National Institute of Virology has shared two sequences of novel corona
virus with Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data. It is important to study the
genome sequences of the virus as it will help in epidemiological investigations. These
include how the virus spreads and where the virus has come from, etc.
2. GISAID
The GISAID promotes international sharing of influenza virus sequences.
3. Corona Virus update

More than 100,000 are infected globally due to Corona Virus and spread across 90
countries. Around 31 people are currently infected with Corona Virus. It includes 16
Italian nationals as well. India has so far imposed travel restrictions to Iran, Italy and
South Korea. Also, India has suspended issue of e-visas to Italy, Japan, Iran and South
Korea.
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48. Ministry of AYUSH develop “AYUSH GRID” and “National Ayurveda
Morbidity Codes”
On March 6, 2020, the Ministry of AYUSH released digital platform called AYUSH GRID.
The grid provides facilities associated with AYUSH hospitals and laboratories and
promote traditional health care.
1. AYUSH GRID
There are more than 12,500 AYUSH centres in India. The “AYUSH GRID” platform aims to
digitize entire AYUSH sector. The Ministry has launched AYUSH Hospital Information
Management System, Yoga locator application, Tele-medicine, case registry portal,
bhuvan application earlier. These projects are to be linked with AYUSH GRID at later
stages.
2. National Ayurveda Morbidity Codes

The Ministry of AYUSH has developed National Ayurveda Morbidity Codes. These codes
classify diseases described in Ayurveda. In the first phase of the initiative 4 disease
conditions have been identified namely KAsa, Kushtha, Jwara and Shwasa.
3. AYUSH-Backbone of Ayushman Bharat

Ministry of AYUSH is the backbone of Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The GoI prescribed cross-
pathy under the scheme. The ministry has also collaborated with Council for Scientific
and Industrial Research to set up traditional knowledge digital library.
49. Ghojadanga of West Bengal and Agartala of Tripura designated as

immigration check posts
On March 6, 2020, Ghojadanga of West Bengal and Agartala of Tripura were designated
as land immigration check posts. They are located in Indo-Bangladesh border.
1. Highlights
The Government of India has designated Agartala and Ghojadanga to check all classes of
passengers entering to and exiting from India. The immigration posts will check travel
documents of the passengers.
2. Legislation
The check posts were authorized under Passport rules, 1950.
3. India-Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of the strongest trading partners of India. Today, the trade between
the countries stand at 10 billion USD. Also, Bangladesh is the largest contributor of
tourism to India. Also, the visas issued by Indian high commission in Bangladesh is the
highest of all the Indian missions. It issues more than 1 million visas annually.
4. LCS And Customs Ports

The movement of Goods and people are both routed through Land Customs Stations,
immigration check posts and inland custom ports. India has adopted the policy of
“Guarding and Securing” in order to secure its boundary at Bangladesh border.
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50. March 8: International Women’s Day
Every year, March 8th is marked as International Women’s Day. It was first proposed by
the Socialist Party of America in 1909. However, it was pertained to New York City. The
first International Women’s Day was marked first in 1909.
1. Theme
This year the International Women’s Day (ITW) is marked under the theme
2. Women’s Day in India

For the first time in Indian history, women visiting monuments under Archaeological
Survey of India are to be provided with free pass. This is being done to signify Indian
Culture’s respect for women. Women are being worshipped as goddess in Indian Culture.
51. CAG Report: 40% of Environment Related Crimes in India are from
Rajasthan
On March 6, 2020, the Comptroller and Auditor General tabled the report for the year
that ended on 31st March 2018 (2017-18). The report was tabled in the assembly.
According to the report, between 2014 and 2016, 40% of environmental crimes in India
were from Rajasthan.
1. Key Findings of the Report

The report pointed out that Wildlife Crime Control units were not established in the state.
The crimes violated Forest (Conservation) act and Wildlife Protect Act.
2. Forest Reserves
The Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve and Sariska Tiger Reserve were not regulated due to
the absence of Local Advisory Committee. In Ranthambhore, 5 out of 10 core areas were
not closed in monsoon season.
3. Irritants
The CAG identified several irritants to the wild life in the area. The Abheda Biological
Park in Kota had garbage dumping yard nearby. The other concerns were firing range of
the army, industrial areas and slums.
52. Facts Box: Major Port at Vadhvan, Maharashtra
The Union Cabinet recently approved the proposal to set up major port at Vadhvan in
Maharashtra. The GoI has sanctioned Rs 65,545 crores for the project.
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1. Highlights
The port is being set up to achieve GoI target of developing infrastructure projects of
worth 100 lakh crore rupees. The port will handle 16,000 to 25,000 TEUs per day. A
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is to be in association with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust is
to be fromed.
2. What is special about Vadhvan Port?

The Mundra port and JNPT port are the two largest container handling ports in India.
They have drafts of 16 metres and 15 metres respectively. The Vadhvan port has a
natural port of 20 metres. This makes it ideal to handle bigger vessels.
53. India joins Indian Ocean Commission as the fifth Observer
On March 6, 2020, India joined the Indian Ocean Commission as the fifth observer. The
other four observers in the grouping are Malta, China, European Union and OIF
(International Organization of La Francophonie).
1. Highlights
It is important for India to join as an observer at the Commission because, it will help
India in expanding its plans in Western Indian Ocean. The Western Indian Ocean
strategically connects South Eastern Coast of Africa. However, this move is not
connected with the Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. This is purely to support India
interests in the western flanks of the Indo-Pacific region.
2. Indian Ocean Commission

The Indian Ocean Commission was created in 1982 at Port Louis, Mauritius. It comprises
of 5 African Indian Ocean Nations namely Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, Reunion
(France) and Seychelles.
54. Monitoring Cell opened under Mission Bhagiratha
A dedicated monitoring cell was opened under Mission Bhagiratha to invite grievances
and issues of supply of drinking water.
1. Highlights
The aim of the cell is to get prepared to address water scarcity of summer. The cell
constituted will record complaints and redress them without any delays.
2. Mission Bhagiratha
The Mission Bhagiratha is a safe drinking water project that was launched for the state of
Telangana. It aims to provide drinking water to every village and city household. It will
supply clean drinking water from the rivers Krishna and Godavari.
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3. River Bhagirathi
Though the mission is named “Bhagirathi”, it does not denote the river. According to
hindu culture Bhagiratha, is an Indian king who brought the holy river Ganga to the
earth.
March 9, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
55. GoI to create 75 lakh Self Help Group by 2022
On March 8, 2020, Minister of Rural Development Narendra Singh Tomar announced that
more than 17 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs) are to be developed by 2022. Currently,
there are more than 60 lakh self help groups in the country mobilizing 6 crore women.
1. Highlights
The Self-Help Groups will be provided funds for their livelihood missions. They will be
linked with banks for easy credit flow. The platforms such as E-Marketplace will also be
linked with the SHGs to provide better prices for their products.
2. Self Help Groups

The concept of Self-Help Groups was introduced in 1992 under the guidelines of RBI and
NABARD. Today, more than 90% of SHGs in the country consist of women.
3. Why SHGs?
The SHGs help to promote Gender Equity, Social Integrity, Financial Inclusion and help
raise voice of marginalized section. It also helps to improve efficiency of Government
Schemes.
56. Parliamentary Panel: More than 40% of schools are without power
and playgrounds
A Parliamentary panel set up on education submitted its report to Rajya Sabha on 2020-
21 demand for grants. The report said that shortfalls in budget funds has led to critical
infrastructure gaps.
1. Key findings of the report

The Panel in its report says that more than 27% cuts have been made in budget
allocations for school education. The report also says that only 56% of schools have
electricity. The lowest rates were found in Manipur and Madhya Pradesh. Also, only 57%
of schools have playgrounds. A boundary wall which is essential for safety of students
and school property was not found in 40% of the schools.
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2. Recommendations
The panel recommended that the Ministry of HRD shall collaborate with Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to make developments. The
scheme shall also be used to provide renewable energy to give access of power to
schools. According to the report, the performance of the schools were better where the
above facilities were implemented.
57. Protected Area Permits stopped in Arunachal to prevent Corona

Virus
With the number of infections raising in India to 34, the Ministry of Home Affairs recently
stopped issuing Protected Area Permits (PAPs) in Arunachal Pradesh.
1. Highlights
The step is being taken as it was learnt that the number of Corona Virus cases are
increasing in India mainly because of persons with travel history. The GoI has also plans
to close India-Myanmar border.
2. Protected Area Permits

The Protected Area Permits in India are in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim,
Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh. Currently, only touristic visit is allowed
through Protected Areas limits in India. Even a person from these protected areas who is
married to a non-Indian cannot settle permanently in these areas.
3. Legislation
The Foreign (Protected Areas) Order 1958 has guidelines about using the Protected
areas and issuing Protected Area Permit.
4. Restricted Area Permit

Like Protected Areas there are certain regions called Restricted Areas in the country. The
usage and permits of these areas are provided in the Foreigners (Restricted Areas)
order, 1963. The Restricted Areas in India are in the parts of Sikkim and Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
58. Facts Box: Fuel Cell Technology for Disaster Management
The scientists of ARCI (Advanced Research for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials)
recently developed PEMFC (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells). The technology is
to be used to manage Natural Disasters.
1. Highlights
The PEMFC is a system with 10 KW capacity. They have operational advantage to
operate at low-temperature in decentralized systems of power generation. The
technology was developed at Chennai centre of ARCI.
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2. Significance
The technology is to act as power house to Emergency Operation Centres. The Control
Rooms that respond to disasters are now being altered as Emergency Operation Centres.
Therefore, the technology has come in at the right time.
3. Fuel Cells
The Fuel cell uses chemical energy to generate electricity. It consists of 2 electrodes
called anode and cathode. It also holds an electrolyte that acts as catalyst to speed up
reactions at electrodes. The main advantage of fuel cell is that it creates minimum waste
(pollution).
59. TIFAC under Ministry of Science and Technology launches Vigyan

Jyoti
On March 8, 2020, TIFAC operating under Ministry of Science and Technology launched
Vigyan Jyoti. The scheme was announced to celebrate International Women’s Day.
1. Highlights
The Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) launched
Vigyan Jyoti in order to encourage women to take science as their career. Under the
scheme, selected qualified women from more than 500 women are to be provided
opportunities to attend science camps at NITs, IITS and other leading institutions in the
country.
2. Vigyan Jyoti
The Vigyan Jyoti was launched by the Central Government to promote STEM Education
among girls. STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It was
launched in October 2019. It is essential to bring in such initiatives because according to
ministry of science and technology only 24% of total passed out students are in the field
of STEM and only 22% of the post graduates are women.
3. TIFAC
TIFAC was formed as a registered body in 1988 under DST (Department of Science and
Technology).
60. Oil Prices plunge by 20% as OPEC fails to make a deal
On March 9, 2020, the prices of crude oil plunged by 20% after OPEC to failed to make a
deal in making production cuts.
1. Highlights
The Saudi Arabia and its major allies like Kuwait, Iraq and UAE initiated to make a deal at
the OPEC to reduce production of oil. This was proposed predicting reduction in oil prices
due to spread of Corona Virus in the world. However, Russia the major member of OPEC
refused to make the deal.
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2. Why did Russia refuse?
With US imposing CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act),
several countries reduced or even stopped importing oil from Russia. This has now made
Russia the fourth largest International Reserves in the world. Also, Russia is also in the
state that it shall cope with lower prices.
3. Way Forward
The oil prices are expected to plunge further in the future. The Saudi has taken up new
strategy targeting Russia and US shale oil firms. These firms will lose money greatly
when oil prices fall below 50 USD per barrel for more than few months.
61. Australia wins India by 85 runs at Women’s Twenty20 World Cup
On the eve of Women’s Day, the final match of T20 (Twenty 20) was held at Melbourne,
Australia. India lost the T20 world cup to Australia.
1. Twenty20
The T20 was first introduced in 2003 in England. A T20 match is completed in 90
minutes. The break between the innings is 10 minutes. The T20 is conducted by ICC
(International Cricket Council) once in 2 years.
2. ICC
The International Cricket Council is the governing body cricket matches. It was founded
in 1909. The Council organizes events such as ICC T20 world cup, Women’s cricket world
cup, ICC Champions Trophy, Under-19 Cricket World Cup, etc.
3. Ranking System
The ICC also releases international rankings based on T20 matches. In order to qualify
the ranking, a team should have played at least 8 international matches. Till 2018, a
separate ranking system for women’s team was not maintained by ICC. However, in
2018 ICC announced that Women’s team will have a separate ranking system based on
their performances in both ODI And T20.
62. Facts Box: Delimitation Commission set up for Arunachal, Manipur,

Assam, J&K, Manipur
A Delimitation Commission was formed under former Supreme Court judge Ranjana
Prakash Desai.
1. Highlights
The Delimitation for the state of Jammu and Kashmir is to be carried out according to
Jammu and Kashmir reorganization act. The previous delimitation for the state of Jammu
and Kashmir was done in 1995. The state was under President’s rule when the last
delimitation was done.
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2. Legislation
The delimitation commission was formed under Section 3 of Delimitation Act, 2002. So
far, 4 such delimitation commissions have been constituted under the act. They were in
1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.
3. What is Delimitation?
Delimitation is the process of fixing boundaries of constituency. The Delimitation had
been suspended between 1976 and 2001. This was because GoI was implementing the
policy of family planning in a full-fledged way during this period.
63. Sanitary Napkin Disposal Bags to be made mandatory from 2021
On March 8, 2020, the Union Environment Minister Prakash Javedekar announced that
sanitary napkin disposal bags are to be made mandatory.
1. Highlights
The sanitary napkin manufacturers have to supply a biodegradable bag along with every
napkin from January 2021. There are high possibilities for the “Swachhta Sevaks” or the
women garbage collectors to get infected as they are handling the sanitary napkin
wastes directly from the garbage.
2. Legislation
The soiled diapers, napkins, blood-soaked cotton and condoms from the households are
received by the municipal waste collectors. The Municipal Solid Waste (Management and
Handling) rules, 2000 makes it mandatory to dispose these wastes after segregating
them biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. However, some napkins contain layer
of plastics and some don’t. Therefore, it is difficult to sort them.
64. HAL to set up logistics bases in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri
Lanka
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is to set up logistics bases in Vietnam,

Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. This is to entice them towards buying India’s military
helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.
1. Highlights
The HAL is working towards increasing defence exports and help India achieve its 5
billion USD defence target. It will also help India achieve its Defence target of Rs 35,000
crores by 2024. Currently India is exporting Defence products of worth Rs 17,000 crores.
2. Role of HAL
HAL has been taking significant roles in boosting Defence Exports. The turn over of the
company was Rs 19,705 crores.
40
3. What is Logistics?
Logistics is management of information from one place to another. It involves supplies,
transportation, packaging, warehousing and social security.
65. United Nations Development Programme releases Gender Social

Norms Index
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently released the Gender
Social Norms Index. It measures the social beliefs that obstruct Gender Equality.
1. Key Findings of the Report

The report consists of data collected from more than 75 countries covering 80% of world
population. According to the report, half of the world population believe that men are
better political leaders. It also says that more than 40% of the world population believe
that men have more rights to get a job when jobs are scarce. Today, only 24% of
parliamentary seats are held by women.
2. India
According to UNDP previous reports, Gender Inequality Rank (2018) was 122. As per
2015 UNDP report, the MMR (Maternal Mortality Ratio) was 174 per 1 lakh live births.
3. Beijing Declaration
This year 2020, marks 25th anniversary of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It
was signed in Beijing during the fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. Therefore,
the UNDP is calling the member countries to actively participate in events and take
actions in promoting Gender Equality.
March 10, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
66. Gujarat has highest number of Solar Rooftop Installations
Gujarat has topped solar roof top plants across the country. The state government has
taken up dedicated schemes in order to achieve renewable power goals.
1. Highlights
There are more than 50,915 rooftop solar plants set up in the state today. The state
government has adopted the scheme called “Surya Gujarat” in order increase the use of
solar energy at domestic level. The scheme aimed to cover more than 8 lakh domestic
consumers by 2022. It had also provided 40% subsidy to projects with capacity between
3 KWhr and 10 KWhr.
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2. Significance
It is important for India to reduce its dependence on oil. This shall be achieved by
increasing solar power consumption.
67. Stockholm International Report: India is the second largest importer

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

The report says that Russia is the largest supplier to the Indian market between 2015-
19. Russia has remained the top supplier in spite of the fact that Indian Weapons market
for Russia declined from 72% to 56%.
2. India
India has diversified it arms imports in the year 2015-19. The report also said that India
acquired military hardware from other countries. It includes Scanter-6000 radars from
Denmark, ACTAS sonar systems from Germany, Embraer ERJ-145 jets from Brazil, K-9
Thunder artillery guns from South Korea and Super Rapid 76 mm Naval Guns from Italy.
68. Anti-HIV drugs used against COVID-19 for the first time in India
India for the first time used Lopinavir and Ritonavir combination to treat Italian patients
in India infected with COVID-19. The couple were on a tour to India and are currently
being treated in Jaipur
1. ICMR
The Indian Council of Medical Research has been authorized to research on COVID-19
drugs. Also, the council has been approved to use the above HIV drug combination
during public health emergencies.
2. What are First-line and Second-Line Drugs?

The First-line drugs are of minimum dosages and are given to patient during the initial
stages of a treatment. The second line drugs are prescribed when the first line drugs are
not responding. The second line drugs have higher side effects than first-line drugs.
69. Corona Virus hits Diamond Industry of Surat greatly
Workers in Diamond Industry of India, especially in the parts of Surat have been facing
job losses and pay cuts as Corona Virus has hit exports to China. China is the biggest
market of precious stones and since February China is terribly affected with Corona
Virus.
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1. Highlights
There are more than 15,000 big and small firms in the state of Gujarat that supply
processed diamonds to jewelers globally. The industry employs 1.5 million people. The
Gem and Jewelery Export Promotion Council predicts that Indian Gem Industry is to lose
1 billion USD of exports due to Corona Virus.
2. How important is Gem Industry to India?

India is the largest exporter of Gems in the world. The Gems industry plays a vital role in
Indian Economy. The industry contributes 7% of GDP of the country.
70. March 10: CISF Raising Day
Every year, the Central Industrial Security Force Raising Day is celebrated on March 10.
The CISF works under Ministry of Home Affairs. It was set up in 1969 under the CISF act,
1968 passed in Parliament of India.
1. About CISF
Though established in 1969, the CISF was made an armed force in 1983. The sanctioned
strength of the force was raised to 180,000 from 145,000 in 2017.
2. Highlights
On the CISF raising day, the CISF officials celebrate the day with parade. Several service
medals are distributed to meritorious officers. Also, awareness is created among the
citizens to cooperate with the CISF officials on CISF Raising Day.
3. Duties of CISF
The CISF officials guard industrial units and infrastructure projects all over the country. It
provides protection to atomic power plants, major ports, mines, refineries, oil fields,
airports and hydroelectric and thermal power plants. There is a dedicated fire wing of
CISF to help during accidents in industries. They also provide consultancy services to
private firms and other organizations all over the world.
71. UNCTAD: FDI inflows are to drop by 15% due to Corona Virus
The United Nations Conference on Trade, Investment and Development has warned that
the Foreign Direct Investment flows all over the world will reduce by 15% due to Corona
Virus. According to the organization, the outbreak could cost 2 trillion USD to the global
economy.
1. Highlights
The United Nations earlier pointed out that the growth of the global economy will be
slow between 0.5% and 1.5% for the year 2020-21. With the spread of the virus, the
organization has predicted further decline in the economic growth.
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2. FDI in India
India has been easing protocols for foreign companies to invest in the country. The FDI
inflow was over 318 billion USD between 2014 and 2019. In 2018-19, the FDI inflow was
the highest and it stood at 62 billion USD. The FDI is used in India to track the measure
of Make in India. The initiative was launched in 2014 to promote India as an investment
destination and a global manufacturing hub.
March 12, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
72. World Bank and GoI sign Agreement on Climate Resilient Rain-Fed
Agriculture
On March 11, 2020, the World Bank, Government of India and Government of Himachal
Pradesh signed a loan agreement of 80 million USD to increase agricultural productivity
and improve water management practices in Himachal Pradesh.
1. Highlights
The loan is to be used to implement the project in around 428 Gram Panchayats. The
Panchayats are spread over 10 districts in Himachal Pradesh. More than 400,000 small
holder farmers, pastoral communities and women are to be benefitted from the project.
2. Why Himachal Pradesh?

Many of the low lands of Himachal Pradesh are lacking water to agriculture. The rainfall
of the state has been decreasing year by year. The agricultural production in the snow
areas have shifted to higher altitudes to temperature rise in foot hills. This has affected
their iconic apple production greatly.
3. Significance
The loan will help improve pastures, forests and grasslands. It will also make sure that
sufficient water is available for sustainable agriculture in the state.
73. 6th International Day of Yoga led by PM Modi to be held in Leh
The Major national event for the 6th International Day of Yoga is to be held in Leh, the
capital of Ladakh on 21st June, 2020. The event is to be led by PM Modi.
1. Highlights
Since 2015, PM Modi leads a mass demonstration of Yoga every year on the International
Day of Yoga. This year, the Yoga demonstration is to be different as it is being held at
higher altitudes. More than 15,000 to 20,000 people are expected to participate in the
event.
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2. International Day of Yoga (IDY)
The IDY is being celebrated since 2015. The idea was introduced in the United Nations in
2014. Today more than 200 countries observe IDY. It is also called the World Yoga Day.
3. Why June 21?

As June 21 is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, this day has been chosen.
This is also when the earth shifts towards Summer Solstice. The event has great
significance in Yogic Science.
74. WHO declares Corona Virus as GLOBAL PANDEMIC
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared Corona Virus as Global
Pandemic as it is rapidly spreading across the world. Today there are more than 126,369
people infected with COVID-19 virus. The virus has so far killed 4,634 people.
1. What is Pandemic?
The United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention defines pandemic as
epidemic spread over several countries affecting large number of people. On the other
hand, Epidemic is the sudden increase of number of cases of the disease above what is
normally expected among the population in that area.
2. Pandemic Diseases
Throughout the history of pandemic diseases, Black Death was the deadliest. It killed
more than 75 to 200 million people in the 14th century. The recent pandemics include
2009 Flu pandemic (H1N1) and 1918 Influenza Pandemic (also known as Spanish Flu).
3. Flu Pandemic
The H1N1 Influenza was a new strain of virus that affected 11% to 21% of global
population. It was first identified in the state of Mexico.
75. Corona Virus: Epidemic Disease Act Invoked in India
On March 11, 2020, the Group of Ministers formed by the Union Government to fight
against Covid-19 in India invoked the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897.
1. Highlights
The GoI has invoked Section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897. The act has been
invoked as the number of infected persons in the country reached 73. The GoI has also
advised international travel ban. Also, existing visas to India has been suspended till
April 15, 2020. However, representatives from international organizations, diplomats and
other project visits have been exempted.
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2. Key Features of the act
The persons disobeying regulations made under the act are punishable under Section
188 of the Indian Penal Code. The State Government is empowered to make changes to
ordinary laws if there is necessity of insufficiency of the existing laws to deal the
situation. For instance, travel inspection, segregation in hospital, etc. Similar powers are
vested with Central Government as well.
76. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (amendment) bill passed in the

Parliament
On March 12, 2020, Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Amendment) bill, 2020 has been passed
in the parliament. It was earlier passed by Lok Sabha and is now being passed by Rajya
Sabha.
1. Highlights
The amendments were earlier introduced as ordinances. Now after the Parliament
session begun the ordinance was introduced as bill. And the bill has now been passed as
an act in the parliament.
2. Ordinance
The Ordinances are laws promulgated the President of India. The President issues
ordinance on recommendation of Council of Ministers. An ordinance shall be issued only
when the Parliament is not in session.
3. Ordinance in Constitution
Article 123 gives powers to the President of India to promulgate ordinance in India. An
ordinance should be approved by the Parliament within 6 weeks of its reassemble. If not,
the ordinance ceases to operate.
77. Committee formed for the implementation of Kisan Rail Scheme
The Government of India recently formed a committee in order to make suggestions on

Kisan Rail Scheme. The scheme was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman
in the Union Budget 2020-21.
1. Highlights
The Committee has been formed with representatives from Ministry of Agriculture and
Ministry of Railways. The Committee will explore into the options of creating cold supply
chain for perishable goods. The perishable goods under the scheme are to be
transported through freight trains with refrigerated coaches.
2. Kisan Rail
The Kisan Rail is being launched by the GoI to set up national cold supply chain in the
country. The Centre is planning to transport fish, milk and meat under the scheme. The
scheme is to be implemented under Public-Private Partnership.
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3. Significance
Today there are only 9 refrigerated vans carrying 17 tonnes. Though Kisan Vision Project
has been implemented, there are no sufficient infrastructure and provisions to make it a
success. So far under Kisan Vision Project, cargo centres have been set up in Delhi and
Uttar Pradesh.
78. CSIR develops Bi-Luminescent Security ink to Curb Fake Currency

Notes
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research along with National Physical Laboratory
recently discovered a bi-luminescent security ink. The ink shall be used to counterfeit
currency notes. Also, it shows two colours when exposed to light.
1. About the Ink

The ink is white in colour when placed under normal white light. When placed under
Ultraviolet light, it turns red. Later it turns Green when the UV light is turned OFF.
2. How is the ink made?

The ink produced by mixing two different colours namely green and red in the ratio 3:1.
This mixture was hated to 400-degree Celsius. The high temperature turns the mixture
into fine white powder.
March 13, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
79. New Name for Mumbai Central Station: Nana Shankarseth
On March 12, 2020, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the proposal to rename Mumbai
Central Station to Nana Shankarseth. The approved proposal is to be sent to Ministry of
Railways. It is the Central Railways operating under Ministry of Railways that has the
final say in the name change.
1. Procedure and Authority of name change

It is the state Government that usually initiates the process of name change of Railway
Station. This is usually done to change the British name of the station to the local
pronunciations. It is also done to honour a local leader. There are no rules or procedure
by law or in constitution for the name change of the station.
2. Jagannath Shankarseth
He was a philanthropist and educationalist who lived between 1803 and 1865. He had
high credit among Afghans and Arabs that they chose to place their treasure with him
rather than the banks. He acquired great fortune from them and donated all to the
public.
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80. Animal Protection Index: India ranks second
On March 12, 2020, Global Animal Protection Index 2020 was released by World Animal
Protection, an international animal welfare charity. India was ranked second in the index.
1. Highlights
The Animal Protection Index ranks countries from A to G. India was ranked along with
Spain, Mexico, France and New Zealand. In other words, these countries were ranked
equally to India. According to the index, they were best performing countries. There are
strong laws to protect animals in these countries. However, the laws are not as strict to
protect dairy animals.
2. India
The index highlighted the works that are required to be done in India to include dairy
animals under protection. Also, the index suggested to improve cruelty considerations in
the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act, 1960. Under the act, animals used in scientific
research are exempted. Rather Government shall issue guidelines on usage of animals
for scientific research.
3. About the Index

The Index assessed the legislation of 50 countries. It highlighted lack of adequacy in the
animal welfare laws globally. The main aim of the index was to help countries to put
animal welfare practices of keeping them clean and accommodate sufficient space for
them to exhibit their natural behaviours.
4. Global Ranking
According to the index, the countries that performed weakly included Iran, Morocco,
Algeria and Belarus. These countries are missing the basic legal framework.
81. What is Sir Creek Issue between India and Pakistan?
Recently at the WION’s Global Summit held in Dubal, the Pakistan representative,
Minister Kasturi recalled Sir Creeek Pact. The summit was organized under the theme
1. What is Sir Creek issue?

The issue between India and Pakistan over Sir Creek is the interpretation of boundary
between Sindh and Kutch. The region was under the jurisdiction of Bombay Presidency
during British rule. After independence, Kutch came under India and Sindh under
Pakistan. But Pakistan claims entire creek as per the agreement signed between Rao
Maharaj of Kutch and Government of Sindh in 1914.
2. India’s claims
India does not agree to the claims of Pakistan as when the issue arose, in 1908, the
entire region of the Creek was under Bombay Presidency. India also cited an
International Maritime Law, the Thalweg Doctrine to prove its point
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3. Thalweg Doctrine
The Doctrine states that river boundaries between two states or countries shall be
divided in the middle of the water body, if the body is navigable through out the year.
4. What is Sir Creek?

Sir Creek is a 96-km long water strip in the marshlands of Rann of Kutch. It was earlier
called Ban Ganga. Later it was named after Sir Creek, a British representative to India.
The Creek opens into Arabian Sea.
82. Spanish Flu: Predecessor Pandemic to Corona Virus
In 1918, the Spanish Flu caused global pandemic. It spread indiscriminately killing more
than 50 million people. 10% of the patients infected with the virus died. It is considered
as the deadliest pandemic in the world history.
1. Highlights
Though the disease was named Spanish Flu, it did not originate in Spain. It was Spain
who actually discovered that the epidemic is because of a new strain of virus. And
therefore, it was called Spanish Flu. Spanish Flu is said to have been originated from
Northern China. The outbreak of Spanish Flu began during World War I. The virus
affected the soldiers greatly.
2. What are the Phases of Pandemics?

The WHO (World Health Organization) has provided alert system for pandemics. There
are 6 phases as provided by the organization. At the first phase, the virus affects
animals in larger scale and does not affect humans. In second phase the animal flu virus
begins its infections in humans. At the next phase the infections begin to occur in
clusters. This is when mass gatherings are avoided, schools are shut down, etc. In stage
4, pandemic increases but its increase cannot be confirmed. It then begins to occur in
more than one country. In the last stage, community level outbreaks begin.
83. Iran seeks Financial Help from IMF first time since 1962 to fight
against Corona Virus
For the first time since 1962, Iran is seeking the help of International Monetary Fund.
Since Islamic Revolution Iran stopped getting help from IMF.
1. IMF and Corona Virus

Earlier, this month, IMF allocated emergency funds to middle income countries. The
international banking institution, allocated 50 billion USD to fund middle-income and
poor countries. Also, it allocated 10 billion USD to low income countries.
2. Iran
Iran has been facing economic challenges due to US sanctions. After US had withdrawn
from JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), it had imposed sanctions on Iran.
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3. Iran-US relations
The countries had cordial relations till World War II. However, as the arms race began
between US and USSR, US began sensing USSR’s backing towards Iran. In 1953, US and
British forces ousted democratically elected Iranian PM Mohammad Mossadeq. In 1979,
during the Iranian Revolution, the US backed Mohammed Reza Pahlevi was forced to
leave the country.
84. GoI develops cost effective Solar Receiver Tube Technology
Scientists from ARCI-International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and
New Materials operating under DST (Department of Science and Technology), Ministry of
Science & Technology have developed cost effective solar receiver tube technology.
1. About the Technology

The tubes developed absorbs solar energy and converts the heat to required application.
They provide high resistance to corrosion especially to Indian weather conditions.
2. Significance
The invention of the technology is highly important as the Indian Industries are currently
importing high end Concentrating Solar Panel receivers for CST (concentrating solar
Technologies).
March 14, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
85. MEIS scheme to be replaced with RoDTEP Scheme
On March 13, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved to withdraw the MEIS (Merchandise
Export from India) Scheme in phases. It is later to be replaced with RoDTEP (Remission
of Duties or Taxes on Export Product) scheme.
1. Highlights
The MEIS is being replaced as the exports are to fall further due to Corona Virus
outbreak. The exports of India have already fallen by 2% for the year April-January 2019-
20. The RoDTEP is compliant with WTO (World Trade Organization) norms.
2. RoDTEP
The RoDTEP is a scheme for exporters to reimburse their taxes and duties. The scheme
was announced by the Finance Minister to incentivize exporters at a cost of Rs 50,000
crores.
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3. MEIS Scheme
The MEIS scheme offers export incentives between 2% and 5%. It was introduced under
the Foreign Trade Policy of India (FTP 2015-20). Two schemes were launched under the
policy namely MEIS and SEIS. The aim of MEIS scheme is to make Indian products
competitive at the Global market.
86. “BHOOMI RASHI PORTAL” provides transparent and error free Land
Acquisition
On March 13, 2020, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways claimed that “Bhoomi
Rashi Portal” provides transparent and error free land acquisition.
1. What is Bhoomi Rashi Portal?

In 2018, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had designed a single point
platform for land acquisition to accelerate infrastructure development projects. There
are several authorities like National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), State PWDs and
NHIDCL (National Highway and Infrastructure Development Company Limited). The
portal aims to provide linkages between the above implementing authorities.
2. Significance
The portal improves efficiency of land acquisition processes. It provides quicker process
completion. It also helps to open new opportunities in land acquisition processes. After
launching the portal, the processing time of land acquisition that was weeks to months
together has been reduced to 2 weeks.
87. Exposure Limits for Urban Cooperative Banks revised by RBI
On March 13, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India revised exposure limits of Urban
Cooperative Banks. Earlier the RBI permitted 15% of its capital funds to single borrowers
and 40% of its funds to group of borrowers. It has now revised the group of borrower
fund limit to 25% of its funds.
1. Highlights
Apart from Exposure limit, the central bank also increased the Priority Sector lending to
75%. These changes were introduced by the Reserve Bank of India through a
notification.
2. Exposure Limit
The Exposure Limit is the maximum credit a bank avails to its borrower. In simple terms,
higher the exposure limit, higher are the loans available to its customers.
3. Priority Sector Lending

It is an important role provided by the RBI to banks. The priority sectors include
agriculture, micro and small enterprises, low income groups, poor people for housing,
education loans, loans for weaker sections.
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88. Parliament passed Direct Tax Vivad Se Viswas Bill, 2020
On March 14, 2020, Parliament passed the Direct Tax Vivad Se Viswas Bill, 2020. The bill
aims to reduce the number of litigation that are associated with direct tax payments.
The Direct Tax Vivad Se Viswas concept was introduced by the Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitaraman during the Union Budget 2020-21.
1. Key Features of the bill

Though the bill deals with tax payments, it is in no way connected with the Income-Tax
Act, 1961. However, it aims to bring the appeals filed by the Income Tax Department
under the act. And for the taxpayers, the bill says that if the tax payment is made after
March 31, 2020, the tax payer has to pay 110% of the disputed tax. And if the tax is paid
before the date, the tax payer has to pay full amount of the disputed tax and there will
be no penalty applied.
2. Concerns
The bill raised concerns that it treats honest and dishonest people in equal way. Also, it
attracted comments for its hindi name in a country which is diversified culturally to great
extent. However, the English version of the bill is “No Dispute, But Only Trust”
89. GST Council Meet: GST of Mobile Phones increased from 12% to 18%
On March 14, 2020, the GST Council met for the 39th time in New Delhi. The Council was
headed by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman.
1. Highlights
The Council has increased the GST of mobile phones from 12% to 18%. It reduced the
tax on handmade and machine made match sticks to 12%. Also, the GST on
maintenance repair overhaul services of aircraft was reduced from 18% to 5%.
2. Role of private Sector

The Finance Minister announced that the private sector MNC Infosys is to ensure a better
GSTN system by July 2020. Also, the Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani is to attend
consecutive three meetings of the council to update the implementations of the council.
90. Corona Virus: GoI brings hand sanitizers and masks under Essential
Commodities Act
The Government of India recently brought hand sanitizers and masks under Essential
Commodities Act. Till 30th June, 2020, these products are to remain under Essential
Commodities Act. The GoI has brought these commodities under the act by amending
Schedule of Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
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1. Essential Commodities Act
According to the act, an essential commodity is a commodity that is specified under the
Schedule of the act. The act empowers GoI to add or remove new commodities as when
needed. So far items such as pulses, cereals, drugs, fertilizers, petroleum, edible oil,
certain crops and petroleum products were included under essential commodities
schedule. The act also prevents stocking of essential commodities. The State
Governments have no rights add commodities to the list. However, they are empowered
to conduct raids.
2. Significance
When the products are listed as essential products, their prices and supply shall be
intervened by the government. By doing so, profiteering of the products during their
high demand is prevented.
March 15, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
91. “Ganga Amantran Abhiyan” organized by National Mission for Clean

Ganga
On March 14, 2020, the National Mission for Clean Ganga organized “Ganga Amantran
Abhiyan” (GAA). The GAA is an open-water rafting and kayaking expedition in Ganga
river.
1. Highlights
The expedition is conducted between Devprayag and Ganga Sagar. Devprayag is the
place where two rivers Alakananda and Bhagirathi meet to form the mighty Ganges.
Ganga Sagar is a part of Sunderbans.
2. Significance
The NMCG has been organizing several environmental, economic and cultural values in
India. This is being done to increase public participation in the mission. The GAA is a
major part of these programmes.
3. National Mission for Clean Ganga

The National Mission for Clean Ganga was launched in 2011. It was initially operating
inder the National Ganga River Basin Authority that was dissolved in 2016. The authority
was replaced with National Ganga Council.
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92. Corona Virus: ICMR develops testing strategy; WHO shifts epicenter
from China to Europe
On March 15, 2020, the Indian Council of Medical Research developed COVID-19 testing
strategy for people infected with the virus. The Council has given a detailed explanation
about the methodology to test the people.
1. Centres of Testing
The three main testing centres of Corona Virus are AIIMS, National Institute of Virology
and National Centre for Disease control. Apart from these major centres, GoI has also
built 50 new exclusive centres that are to test for the virus.
2. Epicenter shifted to Europe

The World Health Organization recently shifted the epicenter of Corona Virus from China
to Europe. This is mainly because while rate of infections are being controlled in China, it
is increasing exponentially in European Nations. Also, the number of deaths due to the
virus in Europe is more than any other part of the world.
3. Update on the Virus

So far, more than 150,000 people have been infected with the virus. In India, the count
has increased to 97.
93. Corona Virus: National Emergency in the USA
The President of United States of America Donald Trump has declared national
emergency over the spread of corona virus. Also, the government has allocated 50
billion USD to fight against the disease.
1. History
This kind of emergency in the country is rare. Earlier, the same kind of emergency was
declared by President Bill Clinton over widespread of West Nile Virus.
2. National Emergencies Act

The Emergencies in the US are declared under National Emergencies Act. So far, 61
national emergencies have been declared in the country. There are 136 statutory
situations under which emergencies shall be declared in the US sub-continent.
3. Emergency in India
In India Emergency shall be proclaimed under Article 352. Also, it shall be proclaimed
only when the president is satisfied. The article allows emergency only when there is
security threat to the country or to a region.
94. Poultry Culling ordered by Kerala Government to control Bird Flu
On March 14, 2020, the Kerala Government ordered poultry culling. Parappanagadi has
been identified as the Epicenter of bird flu. The Government of Kerala is to cull poultry
within one-kilometer radius.
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1. What is poultry culling?
Poultry Culling is the process by which unwanted chicks or male embryo are disposed.
This is done in industrial egg production. Culling do not involve anaesthetics. Culling is
done using carbon dioxide, cervical dislocation and maceration.
2. Poultry in India
India exports 4,49,527 metric tonnes of poultry products. The major export destination
of Indian Poultry are Russia, Maldives, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Oman. According to
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority), eggs
and broilers are increasing at the rate of 8% to 10%.
95. Corona Virus: India closes 18 of 37 international borders
On March 14, 2020, Government of India ordered to suspend 18 of the 37 international

borders from March 15, 2020. It includes borders across Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and
Bangladesh.
1. Highlights
As Corona Virus outbreak has reached 93 in numbers, Government of India has ordered
to close international borders in the country.
2. India-Pakistan
There are only two land crossing borders between India and Pakistan. One is the Attari-
Wagah border and the other is the Kartarpur pilgrimage border. Though different
deadlines were given to other borders, these two borders across Pakistan were closed
indefinitely.
3. Border Control
The international borders across countries Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan are controlled by
State Governments and Bureau of Immigration
4. Border Security Force

The Border Security Forces guard the borders during peace time. They are armed forces
that were established in 1965 after the 1965 war. They are termed as the first line of
Defence in the military system.
96. Corona Virus: India declares COVID-19 as “notified Disaster”
With more than 80 confirmed COVID-19 cases, India has declared “notified Disaster”.
With this, the SDRF funds are to be temporarily used for supply of food, medical care and
water for patients in quarantine camps.
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1. Why the Notification?
Under Disaster Management Act, 2005, the SDRF funds shall be used only for cyclone,
earthquake, drought, landslide, hailstorm, cloudburst, avalanche, frost, pest attack and
cold waves. Critical Medical conditions or pandemic situations were not under the
notified disaster lists. Therefore, the Central Government has included COVID-19
outbreak under notified Disaster. This will now enable the state government to utilize the
funds for treating Corona Virus.
2. SDRF Funds
SDRF funds are State Disaster Response Funds. The SDRF funds were constituted by
Disaster Management Act, 2005. It was recommended by 13th Finance Commission.
3. Key Features of SDRF Funds

The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) of India audits the funds every year. The
Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal agency that oversees the utilization of the funds.
The aggregate size of SDRF for each state is recommended by Finance Commission.
97. Corona Virus: SAARC Video Conference; India proposes COVID-19

Emergency Funds
On March 15, 2020, SAARC leaders participated in a video conference to frame a

strategy in order to fight Corona Virus. PM Modi attended the video conference on behalf
on India.
1. Proposals of the members

India proposed creation of Covid-19 Emergency Fund. Also, India is to set up disease
surveillance portal in order to trace the virus carriers in better way.
2. India’s measures
India is fighting Corona Virus with the strategy, “Prepare, don’t panic”. India had started
screening people entering India in mid-January. Gradually India imposed travel
restrictions and then travel ban. This has helped India to contain the disease spread and
keep the numbers lowest to around 100.
98. Jammu Kashmir Statehood to be restored soon
On March 15, 2020, at a political delegation Home Minister Amit Shah announced that
statehood of Jammu and Kashmir is to be restored.
1. Highlights
While resuming statehood of the state, the GoI is to release people from detention, relax
curfew and restore internet. Also, an industrial policy is to be created soon for rapid
industrial development of the territory. This is the first political delegation that is being
held after the Abrogation of Article 370.
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2. How is a Union Territory different from state?
The concept of Union Territory was not under the original version of the Constitution. It
was added under the 7th amendment of the Constitution. Unlike states that have their
own governments, Union Territories are governed directly by the Central Government.
March 16, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
99. Facts Box: Methanotrophic Bacteria Culture first time in India
The Agharkar Research Institute of Pune has isolated 45 strains of methanotrophic

bacteria. These bacteria are capable of reducing methane emissions in rice plants.
1. Highlights
Apart from isolating the strains, the scientists have also created methanotrophic culture.
The isolated bacteria were from southern and western India.
2. What are Methanotrophs?

Methanotrophs are environmental organisms that have a major role in cycling of
methane. They oxidize methane in the environment. The methanotrophic bacteria
oxidize methane through anaerobic metabolism. The methanotrophs are used as bio-
inoculants.
3. What are Bio-Inoculants?

Bio-Inoculant are strains of bacteria, algae or fungi. They take in nitrogen from
atmosphere and prepare nitrates required for plants. By this, use of fertilizers are
reduced. They also increase zinc and phosphorous availability for plants.
4. Benefits
After carbon-dioxide, methane is the second largest green house gas contributor. With
the use of methanotrophic bacteria in agriculture, emission of methane shall be greatly
reduced. Methane traps 84 times of heat trapped by carbon-dioxide.
100. Corona Virus: US Federal Reserve reduces interest rate to 0%
On February 16, 2020, the United States Reserve Bank announced that the key interest
rates are to be slashed to 0% to 0.25%. This is being done in response to growing impact
of Corona Virus.
1. Highlights
This is the second emergency cut by the reserve bank in less than two weeks. Similar
rate cuts were made by the bank earlier only during 2008 global financial crisis.
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2. Global Impacts of Corona Virus
The Global Economy has been badly hi due to Corona Virus. With countries imposing
travel ban and business meets and industrial summits being postponed, the global
market is hit badly. After China, Spain has shut down its communication with the
external world.
2.1. Global Economic Slow Down

The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development downgraded world GDP
growth. Earlier its was predicted that GDP growth for the year 2020 will be 3%. Now it
has been reduced to 2.5%
2.2. Manufacturing Sector

The Purchasers Managers Index that was between 45 and 55 for the global powers has
reduced to 40 and 50. Of all the China’s manufacturing powers were hit hard. This has
affected Vietnam, South Korea and Singapore.
2.3. Oil Prices

With OPEC’s unable to succeed its deal in cutting oil production, the oil prices have
lowered. This has hit oil industries greatly.
101. Supreme Court CJI rules out limited shut down of the court
On February 15, 2020, the Chief Justice of India Bobde announced that total shutdown of
Supreme Court and other courts are not possible. The SC on the other hand is to launch
virtual courts. The SC Court commences on March 16, 2020 after Holi holidays
1. Legislation
Article 145 of the Constitution empowers Supreme Court to make its own rules in order
to regulate procedure and practices of the court. The holidays, leaves and commencing
of the Supreme Court are fixed by the court itself under the article.
2. Rooster System
Under the Rooster system, the CJI is the person eligible to hear leave petitions, matters
related to social justice, public interest, elections, criminal matters. He has powers to
allocate cases to other justices as well. He also empowered to announce holidays for the
court.
102. UNCTAD: India among 15 countries economically affected due to

Corona Virus
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development recently released a report on
the effect of COVID-19 on global economy. According to the report, India was ranked
10th.
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1. World: Key Findings of the Report
The report says that the slow down in manufacturing sector of China due to the virus,
will affect 50 billion USD trade all over the world hitting global value chains greatly.
2. India: Key Findings of the Report

Though India will receive 10th largest economic blow in the world due to the virus, its
economic slow-down will be low as compared to the other economies. In India, the
chemical sector is to receive heavy blow followed by textiles, automotive sector,
electrical machinery, leather products and metal products
103. Ordinance passed by the Uttar Pradesh Government to recover

damages of protests
On March 16, 2020, the Uttar Pradesh Government passed ordinance, “Recovery of
Damages to public and private property ordinance, 2020”. The ordinance aims to deal
with violent acts and control its persistence. It will also provide recovery of public and
private property damages.
1. UP Protests
In December 2019, the Government of India passed the Citizenship Amendment Act. The
act provides citizenship only to non-Muslim refugees. The protestors are of the opinion
that the act is discriminating against Muslims in the country.
2. Article 213
The Governor of a state has powers to pass ordinance under Article 213. The Governor
under the article has powers to promulgate an ordinance without permission of the
President. The ordinance shall be promulgated only when both legislative assembly and
legislative council are not in session.
104. Gold Imports of 2019-20 dip by 8.86% narrowing Current Account

Deficit to 143 billion USD
On March 16, 2020, the Commerce Ministry reported that the gold imports for the period
April to February (2019-20) has reduced by 8.86% as compared to the previous year.
1. Highlights
India is the largest importer of gold in the world. As the gold imports of the country have
been reduced, the trade deficit has reduced to 143.12 billion USD. It was around 173
billion USD a year ago.

Indian economy has been facing increased current account deficit due to import of gold
and fuel.
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105. DefExpo-2020 Outcomes reported at the Parliament
On March 16, 2020, the Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik submitted the outcomes
of DefExpo-2020 at Rajya Sabha as a written reply. This year DefExpo-2020 was
organized in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh under the theme
1. Outcomes
This year more than 856 domestic defence companies and 172 foreign companies
participated at the DefExpo-2020. More than 200 partnerships and MoUs were signed at
the exhibition. This includes 14 MoUs that were signed at the 5th India-Russia Defence
Conference. The Uttar Pradesh Government alone signed 23 MoUS with an investment of
Rs 50,000 crores. The investments are to be made in the UP Defence Corridor.
2. Benefits of the Event

The DefExpo-2020 is aligned with Make in India scheme. Therefore, 292 Indian MSMEs
participated at subsidized rates. The event acted as a platform for the Defence start ups
to show case their innovations.
3. Measures of GoI
The Government of India has taken several measures to increase Defence Exports and
also improve growth of Defence industry. Two Defence Industrial Corridors were
established one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu.
106. Banana Exports hit due to Corona Virus
The major banana growing regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were severely hit.
This was mainly because the importing countries have gone for lockdown, especially
Iran.
1. Highlights
The price of a tonne of banana that used to be between Rs 13,000 and Rs 14,500 has
come down to Rs 8,000. With the exports being stopped, the local markets are flooded
with bananas. This has reduced the prices of the fruits greatly.
2. About Banana Cultivation in India

India is the largest producer of Banana in the world. Maharashtra ranks first in banana
production in India producing 60 tonnes per hectare. Banana contributes to 37% of total
fruit production in India. Banana Cultivation accounts to 13% of total area of production
of fruits in the country.
107. WHO: Ground Water contaminated with Uranium in India above 30

micro-gram per litre
On March 16, 2020, the Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri Rattan Lal Kataria announced
in the parliament that ground water is contaminated with Uranium at 30 micro-grams
per litre in the country.
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1. Highlights
According to the ministry, the World Health Organization has quoted that the ground
water in localized areas of certain states and union territories have been contaminated
with Uranium. The prevalence of Uranium is above 30 micro-grams per litre.
2. Permissible limits
The Bureau of Indian Standards has set the maximum permissible limit of Uranium in
drinking water as 0.03 mg per litre.
3. Uranium ill effects

Intake of large amount of Uranium causes kidney problems.
4. Uranium in Environment
Uranium is rare. It is naturally spread in the Indian environment. It derives from soil,
rocks and gets dissolved in water.
108. Chaitra Jatra Festival cancelled in Odisha due to Corona Virus
On March 16, 2020, the Odisha Government cancelled the famous Chaitra Jatra festival
due to the threat of Corona Virus.
1. About Chaitra Jatra Festival

The Chaitra Jatra festival is celebrated in the month of Chaitra during Tuesdays. The
second and third Tuesdays are more crowded. March 17 being second Tuesday, the
festival has been cancelled. The festival is celebrated at Tara Tarini hill shrine.
2. Tara Tarini hill

The shrine is located in the Tara Tarini hill on the banks of Rushikulya river. The
Rushikulya river is one of the major rivers of the Odisha state. The river originated from
Daringabadi hills that is located in Eastern Ghats.
3. Indian Navy and Tara Taini hill Shrine

The first all-women Indian Navy crew that circumnavigated the globe sailed on sailboat
Tarini. The boat was named after the shrine as it is one of the Shakti Peethas in India.
There are 51 Shakti Peethas in India.
109. What is “Herd Immunity” Strategy adopted by the UK Government

to contain Corona Virus?
The United Kingdom Government under the PM Boris Johnson has adopted “Herd
Immunity” strategy to contain Corona Virus. With India declaring COVID-19 as “notified
disaster”, Italy, Spain and France locking down completely, UK is adopting herd
immunity strategy. The United Kingdom recently gained wide criticism for adopting the
strategy.
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1. Highlights
UK has adopted the strategy hoping that 60% of its population will develop immunity
against it. The country has neither cancelled mass gatherings nor locking down public
places to contain the virus. Rather, it is focusing on building immunity against the
disease. In simple worlds, UK is trying to run a normal routine while fighting the disease.
2. What is Herd Immunity?

Herd immunity is achieved through vaccinations and also gaining immunity. When a
considerably bigger population is vaccinated, those that are not vaccinated also gain
immunity. Even in epidemics, over the period of time, when the majority of population
gain immunity against the disease, the level of its transmitting reduces. This is the
strategy being adopted as “Herd Immunity” in United Kingdom.
110. Corona Virus: NMDC reduced iron ore prices by 1.5%
On March 16, 2020, the National Mineral Development Corporation announced that the
prices of iron ore is to be reduced by 1.5%. The Corporation is taking such measures
predicting decline in iron ore demands due to the threats of Corona virus.
1. Highlights
The steel prices in India reduced in 2019 due to economic slowdown. The demand of
steel in the country reduced greatly and affected the supply chain greatly. The prices of
iron ore was the lowest in 2019.
2. National Mineral Development Corporation

The National Mineral Development Corporation was founded in 1958. The Corporation
operates under Ministry of Steel. It is involved in theexploration of graphite, irone ore,
rock phosphate, gypsum, limestone, tungsten, bentonite, dolomite, etc.
3. Iron Ore in India

India is the largest producer of iron ore in the world. Today, India exports more than 35
million tonnes of iron ore.
111. Motor Vehicles Act: 10% reduction of road accidents in 5 months
On March 16, 2020, the Minister of Transport Nithin Gadkari informed Rajya Sabha that
there has been 10% decrease in road accidents since the passage of Motors Vehicles
Act.
1. Highlights
During the Question Hour, the minister replied that India has pledged to reduce 50% of
accidents in 5 years. Also, India signed the World Safety Conference held in Sweden
recently.
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2. Status of accidents in India
In India, more than 5 lakh accidents occur annually and more than 1.5 lakh people lose
their lives.
3. Effects of the law

After the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) act, 2019 was passed in July 2019, accidents
have reduced by 10% in the country. This has saved 10,000 lives. Out of all the states,
Tamil Nadu has made significant progress in reducing road accidents. The state alone
has helped reduce 24% of accidents in the last 5 months. Gujarat helped reduce 14%,
Andhra Pradesh has reduced accidents by 7% and Uttar Pradesh has helped to reduce
13% of accidents in the country.
4. Motor Vehicles Act

The Motor Vehicles act is currently under concurrent list. This means that both the
centre and the states are empowered to implement the requirements of the act.
5. Measures of GoI
The World Bank has provided Rs 14,000 crores and Asian Development Bank has
provided grant of Rs 7,000 crores to improve road infrastructure of India. The funds are
to be used to improve road engineering and also to providing training in driving.
March 17, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
112. Corona Virus: India bans entry of people from UK, EU; WHO’s
Blanket Ban comment on India
On March 16, 2020, India has announced that it is to stop entry of people from European
Union and United Kingdom till the end of March 2020. This is being done with the
increasing threats of Corona Virus.
1. Highlights
The entry ban includes all the 27 members of European Union and also the members of
European Free Trade Association. India will also ban passengers from Oman, UAE, Qatar
and Kuwait. Because of travel ban, the tourism industries in the country is greatly
affected.
2. World Health Organization

The WHO has criticized India that the country is implementing a “blanket ban”. By the
term, the organization means that India is restricting foreign nationals and also has
suspended visas of foreign nationals.
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3. Tourism
In the last 2 weeks more than 200,000 international and domestic and international
tourists cancelled their trips to Taj Mahal. The holiday seasons in the country is between
April and July during which Indians travel inside and outside the country a lot. It is
expected that this holiday season is to take a hit by more than 80% according to
Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). This will be the biggest hit in the history of
tourism industry.
113. Ranjan Gogoi, the former Chief Justice of India nominated to Rajya
Sabha by the President
On March 16, 2020, the President of India Ramnath Kovind nominated the former Chief
Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi to Rajya Sabha. The former chief justice retired in
November, 2019.
1. Article 80-Clause (3)

Under Clause (3) of article 80, the President has powers to nominate persons with
special knowledge to the council of states. Such person shall have special knowledge in
science, art, literature and social service.
2. What is council of states?

Rajya Sabha is called the council of states. The Council of states of defined by Article 80
of the constitution. The council of states consists of 12 members that are nominated by
the President of India.
3. Other Clauses of Article 80

Apart from 12 members nominated by the president, the council of states also consists
of representative from the states. These representatives should not exceed more than
280 in numbers from the states and union territories.
4. History
During British rule, the Council of State was the upper house of the legislature of British
India. It was created under Government of India Act, 1919. The Viceroy or Governor
General was the ex officio President of the council.
5. Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
The reforms formed two houses namely Central legislative assembly and council of
states. Also, the reforms introduced dual government system or dyarchy. The number of
Indians in the Executive Council of Viceroy was increased from 3 to 8. A council of
princes were set up. The Governor General was given powers to prorogue, summon and
dissolve chambers and promulgate ordinances.
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114. First COVID-19 vaccine trial begins in the United States
On March 16, 2020, the United States of America began the first human trial evaluating
COVID-19 vaccine. The US National Institute of Health will enroll 45 healthy adult
volunteers between age 18 and 55 for a period of 6 weeks in order to test the vaccine.
1. Highlights
A healthy volunteer from Seattle, Kaiser Permante of Washington was injected with the
vaccine. The vaccine was developed by a private firm called Moderna.
2. Clinical Trials in India

Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research announced that, it will take minimum of
two years for India to develop a vaccine against Corona Virus. While India was able to
isolate the virus strains, it is challenging for the country to develop a vaccine against the
disease.
3. ICTRP of WHO
The International Clinical Trials Registry Platform of WHO is a mission aimed to make
sure a complete view of research is accessible to those who are involved in health care
trials.
115. Supreme Court rejects Curative Petitions filed over Nirbhaya Case:
What are Curative Petitions?
On March 16, 2020, the Supreme Court of India rejected the curative petitions filed over
Nirbhaya case.
1. A Brief outlook
In September 2013, a fast track court of Delhi found the defendants guilty and
pronounced death penalty to those accused of rape and murder of a 23-year old female.
Since then the accused were appealing to high court of Delhi and Supreme Court of
India. Recently, the accused had filed a curative petition seeking to put his execution on
hold. However, the Supreme Court has rejected their pleas and the accused are to be
hanged on 20th March, 2020.
2. What is Curative Petition?

A curative petition is filed after the plea conviction against final conviction is dismissed.
The Curative petitions are filed under Article 142 of the constitution. It shall be filed after
the review petition is dismissed by the apex court.
3. Article 145
The article empowers the Supreme Court to make rules for regulating practices and
procedures of the Court. The rules include proceedings in the court, to stay proceedings,
grant bail, etc. the minimum number of judges to sit for the purpose of interpretation of
the constitution is 5 according to the article.
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4. Review Petition
The Review petitions are filed under Article 137 of the Constitution that enables
Supreme Court to review its own judgement. Under Supreme Court rules, 1966, these
petitions should be filed within 30 days of judgement.
116. India to provide 107.01 million Nepali rupees for construction of

schools in Nepal
On March 16, 2020, India signed Memorandum of Understanding with Nepal for
construction of new schools in the country. Under the MoU, India is to provide 107.01
million Nepali rupees.
1. Highlights
India as an initial step of the agreement handed over a cheque of 8 lakh rupees (INR).
The India-Nepal Development Partnership Programme is to construct the schools. The
Kapilavastu District Coordination Committee will also help in the construction.
2. District Coordination Committee

The DCC is a district-level authority found in Nepal. The committee acts as a link
between provincial assembly and rural municipalities. The committee members are
elected by the district assembly for a term of five years. Every district committee has 9
members.
3. India-Nepal
India and Nepal have century old relationship that connects them culturally,
economically, socially and religiously. The India-Nepal relations began in 1950 with a
Treaty of Friendship and peace signed between the countries.
4. Recent irritants between India and Nepal

Both Nepal and India claim a region called “Kalapani” as part of their country. In
November 2019, India’s new political map including Kalapani created controversies. The
Ministry of Home Affairs published the new map after dissolving special status of
Kashmir and splitting Himalayan region into two union territories.
4.1. Kalapani
Kalapani is in the state of Uttarakhand. The state shares 80 km of porous border with
Nepal.
117. Former Rajya Sabha member and veteran journalist Patil Puttappa
passes away
On March 17, 2020, the veteran journalist and Rajya Sabha member Patil Puttappa
passed away at the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). He died due to age
related ailments.
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1. About Patil Puttappa
Puttappa represented the state of Karnataka for two terms. He was a hardcore Kannada
activist, popular writer and a journalist. He was the founder and editor of the weekly
magazine “Prapancha”. He actively participated in the freedom struggle. He was also the
president of Kannada Watchdog Committee. He was also the founder president of Border
Advisory Committee. He was fondly called “Papu”.
2. Contribution to Literature
Puttappa has authored several Kannada language books such as Kavi Lekhakaru, Neevu
Nagabeku,, Karnataka Sangeetha Kalaratnaru, etc.
3. Awards
The Legend has also received several awards. It includes Nadoja award, Wooday award
and Nrupatunga award.
4. Freedom fights and unification of Kannadigas

At the time of independence Puttappa was in the forefront demanding unification of
areas of Kannadigas. Kannadigas are the group of people who speak the language of
Kannada. There are several places that project the claim of Kannadigas over the land.
Some of them are included in UNESCO World Heritage sites as well. Some of such
UNESCO World Heritage sites are Ellora caves, Ajanta caves, elephanta caves, Konark
sun temple, etc.
118. Supreme Court seeks immediate floor test from Madhya Pradesh
State Government
On March 17, 2020, the Supreme Court of India issued notice to the Madhya Pradesh
State Government to conduct a floor test. A bench headed by Justice Chandrachud
issued the notice.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, who lost 2019 election in Madya Pradesh ended his 18 years
association with Congress party and joined BJP. Following this, 16 Members of the
Legislative Assembly who won elections with congress ticket submitted their resignation
letter to the speaker of the assembly. The assembly commenced for the budget session
recently. The speaker accepted their resignation.
2. Floor Test
The Floor test is conducted in order to prove majority of a government. The Chief
Minister or Prime Minister moves vote of confidence. If he gains majority support, he
continues to remain in power else he has to resign.
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3. Scindia
The Scindia family ruled the princely state of Gwalior. Jivajirao Scindia (grandfather of
Jyotiraditya Scindiya) was the last Maharaja of princely state of Gwalior. His son
Madhavrao Scindia was a titular ruler. The 26th amendment of constitution abolished the
official symbols of princely states in the country. This put an end to titles, privy purses
and privileges enjoyed.
4. 26th Constitutional Amendment

The 26th Constitutional amendment put an end to the privy purse in India. Privy purse
was the payment made by the royal families of princely states to stay integrated with
India after independence. At the time of independence there were 555 princely states
covering 48% of the area and 28% of the population. The rulers were free to make
choice in joining India or stay independent. It was Sardar Vallbhbhai Patel, who initiated
unification of the princely states.
119. What is Modified New Pricing Scheme-III?
The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi recently gave its nod to remove ambiguities in
Modified New Pricing Scheme-III. This was done to determine the costs of urea units.
1. Modified New Pricing Scheme

The Modified NPS scheme-III was launched in 2014. So far, there have been four NPS
schemes. The latest NPS-3 scheme was modified in April 2014 and has been extended
for a year. The scheme was modified to give boost to PM’s Make in India Campaign
2. Import of Urea
The import of Urea was restricted for a certain period in 2018-19. However, in 2019, the
ban was lifted with Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers, a GoI undertaking operating
under Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers completely undertaking the import of urea.
The PSU was established in 1978. It manufactures fertilizers, urea and chemicals. It is
the fourth largest manufacturer of chemicals in India.
120. What is Forex Swap and LTRO suggested by RBI governor to

support Liquidity in India?
The RBI Governor recently stated that the apex bank has several armoury of weapons
and it will not hesitate to deploy them. Two of the measures suggested by the governor
are Forex Swap and LTRO (Long Term Repo Operation). This is being suggested as the
global economic growth is affected due to impact of COVID-19 and this in turn is
affecting India as well.
1. Highlights
In order to pump currency into the country, or increase liquidity, the Reserve Bank of
India has opened six-month dollar buy-sell dollar swap window. The swaps are to be
conducted in auction route
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2. What is Buy-Sell Dollar Swap Window?
The Reserve Bank will lend US dollars to companies. In turn it will receive equivalent
rupees from them. The companies will return the borrowed amount after a certain period
of time. With this, the liquidity or flow of currency in the country increases. This is
because with the amount received in rupees, the RBI for instance will start distributing
loans. This will increase currency flow in the country and stabilize depreciating rupee
value.
3. Why Liquidity best route for current situation?

Currently, the situation in such a way that demand in India and all over the world is the
same, while there is decrease in supply. This is because there are several mismatches in
the businesses all over the world due to the threat of COVID-19. Mismatches are cases
where a company or business is closed and its dependent is running or vice versa. This
will eventually force the dependent to close as well.
4. LTRO
The LTRO is Long Term Repo Operations. The LTRO were deployed during 2008 financial
crisis and were huge success. LTRO is a tool with which the apex bank offers loans to
banks in the country for a period of one to three years at the prevailing repo rate.
121. Bangladesh celebrates 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
On March 17, 2020, Bangladesh celebrated 100th birth anniversary of “Jatir Pita”
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. PM Modi participated in the celebrations through
video conferencing.
1. Bangabandhu: Political Career

Sheikh Mujbur Rahman was a Bangladeshi politician. He is called the father of
Bangladesh. He was the first president of Bangladesh and later he served as the Prime
Minister of Bangladesh between 1971 and 1975. He was assassinated in 1975.
2. 1970 Election
At the 1970 election held in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), Awami League party under
the leadership of Bangabandhu won the elections. The Central Government under the
leadership of Pakistan People’s Party headed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto hesitated to provide
greater autonomy and other demands of Bangabandhu. This was the base for the 1971
war where India joined hands with Bangladesh.
3. Literature
Bangabandhu wrote two volumes of his autobiography. The books were published by his
daughter, the now Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina after his death.
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122. Draft National Policy for Rare Diseases placed in website of
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
On March 17, 2020, the draft National Policy for rare diseases has been shared in the
website of ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The draft has been opened for
comments from the states and Union territories and also from General public.
1. National Policy for Rare Diseases

The draft National Policy for rare diseases was published by the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare in January 2020. IT was prepared in 2017 and was recommended to a
committee for review.
2. Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi

The Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi also called National Illness Assistance Fund is a scheme
completely sponsored by the central government. Under the scheme, financial
assistance is provided to patients suffering from life threatening diseases as a one-time
grant.
March 18, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
123. Starch-Based “Hemostat” developed at Institute of Nano Science to

stop blood loss
Scientists at the INST (Institute of Nano Science and Technology), that operates under
the Department of Science & Technology, have developed starch based ‘Hemostat’.
1. Starch Based Hemostat

The starch-based ‘hemostat’ are developed to stop rapid blood loss during accidents, as
it physically absorbs excess fluid and concentrates the natural clotting factors in blood.
The product possesses increased absorption capacity, improved absorption, inexpensive
and is biodegradable.
2. Hemostat
Hemostats are surgical tools that are used to control bleeding.
3. Blood Coagulation
Rapid Blood coagulation is important to stop blood loss. When bold oozes out of cuts, the
circulating substance in the blood called the coagulants changes the blood into an
insoluble gel. This process requires coagulation factors, phospholipids and calcium.
There are 12 coagulation factors in human body.
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4. Institute of Nano Science
The Institute of Nano Science operates under Department of Science and Technology. It
was established under the National Mission of Nano Science and Technology or NANO
mission. The mission aims to promote growth of nanoscience and technology.
124. NAVIC Messaging System for Fisheries Department
On March 17, 2020, the Department of Space reported at the Parliament that ISRO has
designed NAVIC messaging system and receiver. The system is currently used by the
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information system (INCOIS)
1. Highlights
The system is used to broadcast emergency warning messages in cases such as
tsunami, cyclone, high waves. The technology has been transferred by ISRO to 5
industries in India. One of them is the fisheries industry. ISRO has so far distributed 250
units of these systems to the coastal fishermen in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
2. NAVIC
The NAVIC is Navigation in Indian Constellation. It is an Indian Regional Navigation
Satellite System (IRNSS). Developed by ISRO. There are 8 satellites in the constellation.
The main objective of NAVIC is to provide continuous surveillance of the Indian sub-
continent.
3. IRNSS
The IRNSS provides two services namely Standard Positioning Services and Restricted
Services. The Standard Positioning Services are provided to all users. On the other hand,
restricted services are provided only to authorized users. The main applications of IRNSS
include integration with mobiles, terrestrial aerial and marine navigation, precise timing,
mapping, etc.
4. Fishermen
The systems will be carried by the fishermen. The device offers potential fishing zone
advisories. This will help fishermen to stay within international boundaries. The system
also gives warning about Oceanic wave forecasts and high wave alerts.
125. Corona Virus: GoI halts three crucial policies as revenues shrink
As the outbreak of corona virus has hit revenue collection, the Government of India has
dropped three crucial policies.
1. Highlights
The revenue collection for the fiscal year 2019-20 has contracted by 3.5% in the first 11
months. With the increasing threat of Corona Virus, it is expected that the revenue
collection is to get reduced further. Therefore, the GOI has halted three crucial policies.
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2. Policies Halted
The food ministry had earlier proposed taxes on imported crude and refined vegetable
oil from Malayasia. This includes palm oil as well. The proposal was the reduce the taxes
by 3%-7% in order to keep the domestic prices under control. This was shelved by the
Food Ministry
126. Swachh Bharat Mission: Gram Panchayats get more funds under
15th finance commission
The GoI approved the implementation of second phase of Swachh Bharat Mission in
February 2020. The Mission is to focus two crore projects during its second phase. It
includes Open Defecation Free Plus and solid and liquid waste management. During this
phase, the primary focus is to be provided on gram panchayats
1. Fund Allocation
Every Gram Panchayat under Swachh Bharat Mission receives Rs 7 to 20 lakhs. Now
these funds are to be increased by 5 lakhs for managing solid and liquid waste. These
additional funds are to be allocated through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Scheme. This way, the MGNREGA work force are to be diverted towards
Swachh Bharat Mission.
2. Swachh Bharat Mission

The second phase of Swachh Bharat Mission is to be implemented between 2020-21 and
2024-25. More than 10 crore toilets were constructed in the first phase. The Government
also declared India Open Defecation Free. The second phase is being launched to sustain
the status and also to remove minutest glitches left behind by the first phase. In other
words, there are very few regions in India that have not become completely free of open
defecation.
127. European Project linking Black sea, North Sea and Baltic Sea
criticized by Environmental Organization
The Danube-Oder-Elbe canal intends to connect the three rivers Danube, Oder and Elbe.
This is to provide an alternate route of navigation from Black sea to Baltic and North
seas. However, several concerns are being raised by the environmental organizations
against the construction of the canal.
1. Highlights
According to the activists, the project violates European Union Environmental
conservative directives. the major project is to cost at least 23 billion Euros. The activists
want the project to be excluded from EU funding. They also do not want the project to be
included in the Trans-European Transport Network.
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2. What are the concerns?
In order to complete the project, several hundred artificial waterways have to be built.
As the canal is being construct for ship navigation, more than 70 locks have to be built
that will accelerate flood waves. The riverbeds need to be deepened for the ships to
navigate. This will increase risks of flooding. The canal will also destruct habitat of
several plants and animals. It will make endangered animal and plant species to go
extinct.
128. Government of India allows private sector to diagnose Corona Virus
The Government of India has opened testing of Corona Virus to private sector. The price
of testing is to range between Rs 9,000 and Rs 12,000.
1. Highlights
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is to establish 51 testing centres apart
from the private sector operated ones. These centres are to be authorized by National
Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Already, there are
72 ICMR labs doing the tests.
2. National Institute of Virology

In order to perform the tests, the labs have to acquire probes, reagents and primers all
by themselves. The test kits will then be validated by National Institute of Virology. Only
then the labs are authorized to perform the tests on the public.
3. Tests
The Antibody-Assay tests are much faster and yield results in an hour. At first stage the
person is to show increased level of immunoglobulin. These tests are termed as rapid
tests and have slightly higher possibilities of false detection.
129. CSIR develops new Hand Sanitizer without using chemicals
The Scientists at the CSIR-IHBT (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of

Himalayan Bioresource Technology) has developed a new sanitizer without using
chemicals.
1. Highlights
The scientists have used active tea constituents, alcohol and have developed the
sanitizer according to the guidelines of World Health Organization. Usually chemicals
such as triclosan, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrance are used in the
production of sanitizers. None of these chemicals have been used in producing the CSIR
formulated sanitizer.
2. Why Hand Sanitizers in preventing Corona Virus?

The Corona Virus spreads from droplets of nose or mouth of an infected person. It
transmits when the person coughs or sneezes. The sanitizers kill virus that gets stuck to
hands accidentally. WHO recommends sanitizers that contain 60% to 70% alcohol.
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130. Saudi Arabia to hold virtual G20 Summit as that of India’s SAARC
On March 17, 2020, PM Modi interacted with the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed
Bin Salman. Prime Minister shared about India’s preparedness to fight against Corona
Virus. He also mooted the idea of SAARC like virtual conference among G20 nations.
1. SAARC Conference
Recently, with India’s initiation, a virtual conference of SAARC leaders were recently
held. PM Modi attended the conference. The leaders of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives
and other members shared their preparedness. They also agreed to cooperate among
themselves to control the spread of the virus.
2. SAARC after long time

SAARC has been silent for three years now. The 19th SAARC summit was to be held in
Pakistan in 2016. However, it got cancelled due to the attack (Uri attack) on Indian army
in Kashmir. Following the attack, India boycotted the summit and was followed by Sri
Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Maldives.
3. G20
The Group of 20 is an international platform formed by 19 countries and European
Union. It discusses promotion of international financial stability. The 2020 G20 summit is
to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is scheduled on November 21-22, 2020.
131. Agricultural & Processed food products Export Development

Authority signs MoU with SFAC
On March 18, 2020, the Agricultural and Processed food product Export Development
Authority (APEDA) signed Memorandum of Understanding with Small Farmers
Agriculture-Business Consortium. The agreement aims to link the Farmer Producer
Organization and farmer cooperatives with the export value chain.
1. Highlights
The SFAC will share the clusters of farmers and grouping distributed in various states
with APEDA. They will then work together to link up these farmers with the export chain.
APEDA will also facilitate certified organic produce identified by SFAC. They will also
establish an Agri-Business Promotion unit in the North-East.
2. APEDA and SFAC

The APEDA was established under an act of Parliament in 1985. It aims to develop
industries to promote export of specific products. It carries out registration of exporters,
fixing standards, improving packages of scheduled products and promotion of export-
oriented production.
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132. GoI: Left Wing Extremism has declined by 38% in last five years
On March 18, 2020, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs replied in Rajya Sabha
about the decline in Left Wing Extremism in the last five years. This has been possible
mainly due to the implementation of “National Policy and Action Plan-2015”.
1. Highlights
In 2019, number of Left Wing Extremism has reduced by 38% as compared to 2014. This
has been possible with the deployment of large number of mini and micro unmanned
serial vehicles to support anti-Left Wing Extremist Operation.
2. National Policy and Action Plan

The Government primarily erected 2,329 mobile towers in these regions. With the
increase in connectivity and construction of road, GoI aims to develop the region. This
will decrease the number of youths joining the organizations.
3. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) act of India

The Naxalite and Maoists organizations in the regions were declared as terrorists group
under the act.
4. Red Corridor
The Red Corridor includes the southern, central and eastern parts of India. These are
also areas that suffer from poverty and illiteracy. These regions are backward in
development as compared to the other regions of India. They are considered to be the
poorest in the country.
5. LWE affected areas

The states of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand are LWE affected states. Parts of
Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are also affected by LWE.
133. March 18: Ordnance Factory Day
On March 18, 2020, 219th Ordnance Factories Foundation Day was observed. Every year
India observes March 18 as Ordnance Factory Day. The first Ordnance Factory was
established in Kolkata in 1801. There are 41 ordnance factories in the country.
1. History
The history of ordnance factory is directly linked to the British reign of India. The Board
of Ordnance Factories that still govern the ordnance factories in the country was
established in 1775 at Fort Williams, Kolkata.
2. Ordnance Factory Board

The Ordnance Factory Board operates under Ministry of Defence. It is the largest and
oldest Government operated defence organization. The Board is always called the fourth
arm of defence. It is the 37th largest arms manufacturer in the world.
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134. GM Crop: White Flies Resistant Cotton Field Trials begins
The National Botanical Research Institute developed pest resistant cotton variety. The
cotton variety is to be field tested at the Center of Punjab Agriculture University,
Ludhiana.
1. Need
In 2015, the whiteflies devastated more than two-third cotton crops in Punjab. Of all the
crops, cotton is the worst hit by whiteflies. Whiteflies are considered as the top 10
devastating pests in the world. They damage more than 2000 plant species.
2. Why not Bt Cotton?

When Bt cotton, a genetically modified crop already exists, why should scientists go for a
new GM cotton crop? This is because, Bt cotton is resistant only to two pests and not to
whiteflies.
3. The technology
In order to develop the pest resistant variety scientists have explored 250 plants. From
these plants they have identified novel protein molecules that are harmful to whiteflies.
Out of the 250 plants, the protein was found in Tectaria marcrodonta. This fern that
causes toxicity in whiteflies is used as salad in Nepal.

When the fern enters the bloodstream of the whiteflies, it interferes with their life cycle.
The insects start laying abnormal eggs resulting in extraordinary poor emergence of
flies.
5. Whiteflies
Whiteflies feed on the underside of plant leaves. They are common in warm tropical
climates. They are more prevalent in greenhouses. The world economic losses due to
whiteflies are estimated to be more than 100s of millions of dollars annually.
135. Ayushman Bharat to help fight against COVID-19
On March 18, 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has included Ayushman
Bharat or the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to fight against Corona Virus. So far
India has recorded 168 confirmed cases of Corona Virus. OF these, India has cured 14
and three have so far died because of the virus.
1. Highlights
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has involved National Health Authority as well
to fight against Corona Virus. The National Health Authority is the implementing agency
of Ayushman Bharat. The scheme will help in identifying capacities of 19,840 empaneled
hospitals to admit patients. Apart from this the ministry will also include non-profit
hospitals to ramp up the facilities.
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2. Other Measures
The Ministry has also included NITI Aayog and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
to study hospital level preparedness. Also, database of ventilators and beds are to be
collected.
136. GOI: Draft New Industrial Policy and National E-Commerce Policy to
be released soon
On March 18, 2020 the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced in the parliament
that New Industrial Policy and National E-Commerce Policy are to be released soon. The
policies are to be framed by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
(DPIIT).
1. New Industrial Policy

Previously NIP was launched in 1991. Since then the policy has not been updated. The
1991 NIP aimed at Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization. It also aimed to
increase economic growth rate and also to build sufficient foreign exchange reserves.
The policy also focused in international flow of goods and services in the country with
several restrictions. The current government has been liberalizing these restrictions and
has increased the ease of doing business with India. Hence India has reached to 63rd
rank in World Bank’s recent Ease of Doing Business ranking.
2. National E-Commerce Policy

The Draft National E-Commerce Policy will focus on six broad areas namely
infrastructure, data, e-commerce market places, export promotion, regulatory issues and
stimulating domestic digital economy.
137. Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 saved Rs 12,447 crores per
annum since implementation
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers recently reported at the Parliament that the
DPCO, 2013 (Drugs Prices Control Order, 2013) has helped to save Rs 12, 447 crores per
annum.
1. What is DPCO 2013?

The DPCO is an order that was issued by the GoI under Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The order provides details to fix the prices of the drugs, procedures to increase or
decrease prices, penalties for defying the order, etc. The Order empowered the National
Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) to fix the threshold prices of drugs. The NPPA is
allowed to fix prices only on those drugs that are listed under National List of Essential
Medicines.
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2. National List of Essential Medicines
The list was prepared by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2011. The list was
prepared with the World Heath Organization list as the base. It is mandatory that these
medicines are to be made available in the country in adequate amounts. The last change
was made to the list in 2018. Today there are 851 medicines under the list.
138. Defence Acquisition Council approves procurement of 83 Tejas

Fighter Jets
On March 18, 2020, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of
indigenously built 83 Tejas fighter aircrafts for Indian Air Force. The proposal is to be
placed under Cabinet Committee on Security. The proposal is considered as a major
boost to Make in India.
1. About the Aircraft

The Light Combat Aircraft LCA-Tejas was designed by the Aircraft Development Agency
(ADA). The ADA operates under DRDO (Defence Research Development Organization). It
was manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
2. Defence Acquisition Council

The Defence Acquisition Council operates under Ministry of Defence and is the highest
decision making body. The decisions include on policies, acquisition and capital for the
three services. The Minister Defence (currently Shri Rajnath Singh) is the chairman of
the council. It was formed in 2001 after Kargil war in 1999.
March 19, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
139. Lok Sabha passes Aircraft (Amendment) bill, 2020
The Lok Sabha recently passed Aircraft (Amendment) bill, 2020. The bill was passed
through voice vote in the lower house. The amendments are being made to fulfil the
requirements of International Civil Aviation Organization.
1. Highlights
The amendment aims to regulate three regulatory bodies namely Bureau of Civil
Aviation (BCA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident
Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The amendment will make these bodies effective and
enhance safety and security of aircraft operations.
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2. Penalties
The bill allows central government to cancel licenses, approvals and certificates. It also
includes issuing licenses to repair, operate and maintain aircrafts. The bill also proposes
that a court that is equivalent or superior to metropolitan magistrate can hear cases
under the act.
3. About the regulatory bodies

The DGCA carries out safety and regulatory functions. The BCAS discharges oversees
civil aviation security functions. The AAIB is the body that is responsible for carrying out
investigations of air accidents.
4. What are the current penalties?

The Aircraft Act, 1934 includes penalties such as carrying arms, explosives and other
dangerous goods, contravening rules notified under the act and building structures
withing aerodrome perimeters.
5. Why the amendment?

The Civil Aviation Organization conducted an audit in 2015. According to the audit, there
was a need to amend the act to recognize and regulate the bodies and empower officers
to impose penalties for violating the legal provisions.
140. “Innovate for Accessible India” Campaign launched by NASSCOM

along with Microsoft
The NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies) recently

launched the “Innovate for Accessible India” campaign along with Microsoft India. The
other partners of the initiative include Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities.
1. About the Initiative

The Initiative aims to sort out issues of Divyangs (physically challenged) with the help of
Artificial Intelligence and Microsoft Cloud and other technologies. The initiative will cover
21 disabilities. These 21 disabilities are according to the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Act, 2016.
2. Significance
According to 2011 Census, 2% of the India population are disabled. The National Policy
for disabled people looks at them as valuable human resources and therefore seeks their
protection and full participation in the society.
3. NASSCOM
NASCOM is a non-profit organization that was set up in 1988. In 2013, NASSCOM
initiated “10,000 startups” in the country. The main aim of the initiative is to launch
10,000 startups in the country by 2023.
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4. Data Security Council of India
It was established in 2008. It aims at making cyberspace safe and secure. It also frames
standards and initiatives for maintaining privacy and other cyber security standards. It
also arranges conferences and creates common platforms for the industries, think tanks
and other leaders of data protection industry to come together.
141. First Time: Supreme Court removed a state minister over

Disqualification petition
On March 18, 2020, for the first time in its history, the Supreme Court removed the
Manipur Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar Singh from the state cabinet. The apex court
has also been restrained him from entering the Legislative assembly.

Mr Shyamkumar won the 2017 assembly elections on Congress Ticket and switched over
to BJP to become the minister of Town Planning, forest and Environment. Disqualification
petitions were filed against him to the speaker by the other MLAs. The Disqualification
petitions against the minister was pending before the speaker of the Manipur Assembly
since 2017. However, no action has still been taken. When the issue was appealed to SC,
the apex court has invoked Article 142 and has removed the minister from the cabinet.
2. Article 212
According to the Article 212, the courts in India including Supreme Court cannot
interfere in the proceedings of the Legislature of state. No members, officers of the state
are subjected to jurisdiction while exercising his duties or regulating procedures,
maintaining order.
3. Article 142
The Supreme Court under the article 142 can pass an order doing “complete justice” to
matter pending before it.
142. Resolution to be moved in Rajya Sabha to remove the word

“Socialism” in the Constitution
The ruling party (BJP) member of Rajya Sabha Shri Rakesh Sinha has issued a notice to
the Chairman to permit to move a resolution. The resolution aims to drop the word
“Socialist” in the Constitution.
1. Highlights
The resolution claims that the world socialism is redundant in the current scenario. It has
to be dropped to create space for economic thinking. The Preamble of Constitution
declares India to be sovereign, secular, socialist and democratic republic.
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2. 42nd amendment of the Constitution
The words “Socialist” and “Secular” were included in the 42nd amendment of the
Constitution. The amendment was passed during the emergency period. The
amendment attempted to reduce the powers of Supreme Court. It laid down
fundamental duties of Indian Citizens. The amendment brought in several changes for it
was addressed as “Mini-constitution”.
3. Can Preamble be amended?

Yes.
143. India in Phase 2 of Corona Virus Pandemic; No Community

Transmissions in India
On March 18, 2020, the Indian Council of Medical Research announced that India is in
Phase 2 of spread of COVID-19 and that community transmissions have not begun in
India
1. What are the phases of COVID-19 Transmission?

There are four stages of COVID-19 transmission according to the World Health
Organization. They are as follows
1.1. Phase 1: Travelers

It is first reported among the travelers entering the country. At this stage, the virus is to
be controlled by thermal screening and quarantine. In order to contain this, India has
suspended visas, imposed travel bans, suspended facilities such as visa free travel to
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card-holders.
1.2. Phase 2: Local

At this stage the virus spreads from the travelers to the local people through direct
contact
1.3. Phase 3: Community Transmission

At this stage, the virus spreads among the people with no history of travel or with no
direct contact with infected persons.
1.4. Phase 4: Epidemic

Epidemic is a condition where the spread of the disease if more than the expected
spread of disease.
2. ICMR to test for Community Transmission

Though, India is in Phase 2 of the COVID-19 transmission, the ICMR (Indian Council for
Medical Research) is to test for community transmission. This is to be done by randomly
testing volunteers.
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144. Budget Allocation to fight Corona: Odisha, Tamil Nadu allocated
funds
The US Government recently allocated 100 billion USD to fight Corona Virus. Following
the US, UK had announced 400 billion USD to be allocated for Corona Virus.
1. Justification
The Government of India has still not allocated funds as the fiscal deficits are already
high. The Union Budget 2019-20 estimated the fiscal deficit to be Rs 7 lakh crore. Also,
this year (2019-20) it is expected that the tax collection is to fall short by Rs 2.5 lakh
crore (1.2% of the GDP).
2. State Disaster Response Fund

The fund was constituted under Disaster Management Act, 2005. The fund was
constituted based on the recommendation of 13th Finance Commission. Every year, the
GoI releases these funds based on the recommendation of the Finance Commission. 75%
of the funds are shared by the Centre for the states under General Category. For the
states under Special Category, 90% of the funds are contributed by the State.
3. Funds Allocated
Odisha became the first state in the country to allocated funds to fight against Corona
Virus. The Odisha State government has allocated Rs 200 crores to fight against the
deadly disease. The Tamil Nadu Government allocated Rs 60 crores.
145. What is Greenco Rating System followed in India?
On March 19, 2020, the Ministry of Railways presented the details of Greenco System in
the country in Lok Sabha. As on 2018, 42 Railway Production units have implemented
Greenco Rating.
1. What is GreenCo?
The assessment of major workshops and production units in various industries based on
their ecological sustainability. The assessment helps the comapnies in resource
conservation and reduction. It also helps to track the environmental impact caused by
the infrastructural projects undertaken
2. Greenco Certification
The Greenco Certification or rating is provided by the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII). The factors considered while providing the certification is greenhouse gas
mitigation; zero waste; recycling and material conservation; world class energy
efficiency and toxicity reduction.
3. INDC of UNFCCC
The Greenco rating was acknowledged in the INDC (Intended Nationally Determined
Contributions) submitted by India to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) in 2015.
3.1. India’s major INDCs

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 To reduce emissions by 33% to 35% by 2030 as compared to 2005
 To create carbon sink of 3 billion tonnes of Carbon Dioxide. A carbon sink is a natural
reservoir that absorbs carbon and lowers concentration of carbon dioxide. It mainly includes
vegetation and ocean.
146. Former Chief Justice of India takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP
On March 19, 2020, the former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi took oath as the
Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha.
1. Highlights
The President Shri Ram Nath Kovind nominated Shri Ranjan Gogoi the former Chief
Justice of India to fill in the vacancy of the retiring member KTS Tulsi under Article 80.
2. Ranjan Gogoi
The Former CJI has pronounced famous judgements of the supreme court during his
tenure. It includes entry of women in Kerala Sabarimala temple case, Rafale Jets,
Assam’s NRC (National Register of Citizens), etc.
3. KTS Tulsi
KTS Tulsi is a senior advocate in the Supreme Court of India. He is also a politician from
the state of Chhattisgarh. He was nominated to the upper house as a member of Indian
National Congress. He was nominated to the Upper House by the President in 2014. He
had also served as Additional Solicitor General of India in 1990.
4. Additional Solicitor General of India

The Additional Solicitor General of India gives advice to GoI on legal matters. They
appear in the Supreme Court or in other high courts on behalf of the Government.
147. International Energy Agency: India the third largest producer of

Electricity
On March 19, 2020, the Ministry of Power quoted International Energy Agency ranking in
the Parliament. According to the ranking, India is the third largest producer of electricity
in the world. Also, it is ranked 106th in terms of per capital consumption.
1. Highlights
India has now become power surplus from power deficit. Therefore, it is currently
focusing on supply of quality power to consumers. As of December 2019, the National
Electric Grid had an installed capacity of 368.79 GW.
2. Issues
Though India has surplus power, the country lacks adequate infrastructure. Still around
136 million Indians use traditional fuels such as agricultural waste, firewood, dry animal
dung fuel for cooking and heating needs. This affects their health badly. According to
WHO, more than 300,000 to 400,000 people in India die due to indoor air pollution.
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3. Coal based electricity
Today, India’s power production is dominated by coal. As of May 2019, 72% of India’s
electricity was generated from coal-based power plants. However, several energy
institutes predict that dependence of India on coal is to reduce. For instance, the BP
Energy Outlook, 2019 says that India’s primary energy consumption is to decline from
56% (2017) to 48% in 2040.
148. Corona Virus: UGC reschedules exams; International airlines

banned temporarily
On March 19, 2020, the University Grants Commission directed all the affiliated colleges
and universities to postpone the ongoing examinations. The evaluation works have also
been directed to be rescheduled.
1. Highlights
With the number of persons infected with the COVID-19 virus, has increased to 173, the
UGC has also instructed the school education boards such as CBSE to postpone the
exams.
2. International Airlines
The Government of India has also banned the operation international commercial airlines
in the country. The rule is to be implemented from March 22, 2020. This will ban
foreigners from entering the country. The notification of the order was issued by the
Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
3. Global concerns
The International Air Transport recently warned that if Corona Virus is not contained at
the earliest, the outbreak is to cost 113 billion USD of revenue loss globally. Out of all
the other industries, tourism takes an unprecedented hit.
149. India and Israel sign Rs 880 crore Defence Deal
On March 19, 2020, the Indian Armed Forces operating under Ministry of Defence signed
an agreement with the Israel Weapons Industry. According to the agreement, India is to
procure 16, 479 LMG (Light Machine Guns) for Rs 880 crores.
1. Light Machine Gun

The Light Machine Guns are used as squad automatic weapons. The LMG were first used
in Second World War. The name of the LMGs India is buying from Israel is called Negev.
Negev is gas operated LMG.
2. India-Israel Defence Relations

India sees Israel’s Defence Industry as a useful source of weapons. In 2016, India signed
a 600 million USD deal with Israel making Israel the second largest Defence partner of
India in 2016. The Heron Drones of India used in Indian Air Force were bought from
Israel. Later in 2017, the countries signed another deal of 2 billion USD.
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150. GoI allocates Rs 1,480 crores to National Technical Textiles Mission
On March 19, 2020, the Minister of Textiles Smt Smriti Irani presented the details of
National Technical Textiles Mission at Rajya Sabha. The GoI has allocated Rs 1,480
crores for the mission
1. National Technical Textiles Mission

The Mission aims to improve technical textiles in India. The mission is to be implemented
for a period of 4 years between 2020-21 and 2023-24. It is to be implemented by the
Ministry of Textiles.
2. What are Technical Textiles?

The technical textiles are a non-aesthetic product where function is its primary purpose.
Basically, they are used in 12 applications namely Geotech, Indutech, Military textiles,
packing, agro, buildings, Geotech, medtech, autotech, smartech, sportech and
clothtech. They are functional fabrics that are used in civil engineering, automobiles,
agriculture, construction, healthcare, personal protection, etc. For instance, a technical
textile can be used in gloves for high temperature environment, in astronauts and fire
fighters’ suits, etc.
151. PM Modi addresses the Nation: Introduces “People’s Curfew”,

Economic Response Task Force to fight Corona Virus
On March 19, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on combating
Corona Virus. The PM introduced People’s Curfew during his speech. He also said that
Economic Task Force is to be implemented under the Finance Minister.
1. Highlights
PM Modi introduces “Hum Swasth, toh Jag Swasth” mantra to fight COVID-19. This
means “The World is Healthy when we stay Healthy”. He also suggests “Social
Distancing” to prevent the infection. While several developed countries have taken swift
actions to contain the virus, India with a population of 130 crore shall fight the virus only
through social distancing and self-quarantine.
2. People’s Curfew
The Prime Minister has requested the citizens not to leave their homes between 7 AM
and 9 PM. This has been named as People’s Curfew. The Curfew is a way of expressing
gratitude to all the medical professionals who are selflessly serving others. At 5 PM on
the very same day, India is to give a standing ovation to those selfless medical
professionals.
3. Economic Response Task Force

The GoI is to set up an Economic Response Task Force under the leadership of Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitaraman. This is because the pandemic is severely affecting the lower
class, middle class and the below poverty line people. The task force is to focus on such
segments of the society.
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152. National Aquifer Mapping Programme: Plans developed for 11.8

lakh sq km
On March 19, 2020, the Ministry Jal Shakti replied in Lok Sabha that out of 25 lakh
square kilo metre of mappable area, plans for 11.8 lakh square km area have been
developed.
1. Highlights
The Ministry also informed that the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) implementing
the mapping programme has assessed 3,600 units out of 6,881 assessment units. Also,
the CGWB has began to update the data collected about ground water levels through a
website.
2. National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme

Though water is a state subject, Centre has launched the programme to learn about the
available ground water in the country. Also, the centre aims to learn about ground water
availability in the country to initiate artificial recharge of under ground water.
3. Central Ground Water Board

The CGEB was established in 1970. The main aim of the board is to provide scientific
inputs in exploration, management, assessment, augmentation and regulation of ground
water in the country.
153. GoI: Benefits to COVID-19 affected workers under Atal Beema

Vyakti Kalyan Yojana
On March 19, 2020, the Government of India announced that it will provide
unemployment benefits to the section of unorganized workers. These workers include,
persons who have lost their jobs due to the impact of the Corona Virus Pandemic.
1. Highlights
Along the lines of countries like USA in combating the deadly Corona Virus, GoI is to
provide cash to workers. These workers are those that become unemployed due to the
impact of corona virus. They are to receive cash for 3 months.
2. Atal Beema Vyakti Kalyan Yojana

The scheme provides unemployment insurance to those workers enrolled in EST scheme.
ESI is Employee State Insurance Scheme. Under the scheme, the workers receive cash of
25% of their salary that they were receiving in the last 2 months. The scheme is
operation since 2018. It provides compensation to those who become unemployed for
three months.
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March 20, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
154. Nirbhaya Case Convicts Hanged to Death in Tihar Jail
On March 20, 2020, four convicts of the Nirbhaya Gang Rape were hanged to death in
Tihar Jail.
1. Highlights
In September 2013, a fast track court convicted them with death sentence. Several
curative and mercy petitions were filed by them at the Delhi High Court and Supreme
Court. In 2017, the Supreme Court upheld death penalty. Recently, in 2020, the
Supreme Court refused to take in the petitions.
2. Article 145
Article 145 of the constitution allows the Supreme Court to frame its own rules. Under
the Article, the SC rules its own proceedings, cases handled by the it, transferred to high
courts, etc. It has powers to stay proceedings, grant bail, allocate number of judges to sit
in a bench, etc.
3. Criminal Law (Amendment) act, 2013

The act was also called Nirbhaya Act. The act made several changes to the punishments
of rape and sexual harassment accused. Also, the other laws such as Indian Penal code,
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, Indian Evidence Act were all amended.
4. J S Verma Committee
Six days after the Nirbhaya incident GoI constituted a judicial Committee under J S
Verma. The judicial changes were made according to the recommendations of the
committee.
155. 1 million USD dispersed to SAARC nations under Emergency COVID-

19 Funds
On March 19, 2020, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that 1 million USD has
been dispersed towards the Emergency COVID-19 funds. The fund was set up PM Modi
during a video conference recently. Walking on the foot steps of India, Saudi Arabia had
recently initiated similar conference among G20 countries to fight COVID-19.
1. Highlights
India had set up 10 million USD funds to fight against Corona Virus at the SAARC video
Conference. India has also dispatched supplies such as testing equipment, sanitizers and
other medical requests of Maldives and Bhutan.
2. Significance
It is important for India to take lead role and strengthen its ties with the SAARC nations.
This is because India currently holds a trade surplus of 15 billion USD with SAARC
countries. Given the geographical location of the SAARC members, for all the members
being neighbours, India can derive lot of benefits through SAARC.
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156. 15th Finance Commission to monitor COVID-19 before second

report
On March 19, 2020, the Finance Commission announced that it will monitor situation of
COVID-19 before releasing its second report.
1. Highlights
The Commission is to set up a committee to review fiscal consolidation of the
government. The commission has recommended grants for health sector under its
report. It has recommended setting up of State Disaster Risk Management Fund and
National Disaster Risk Management Fund. This will replace the existing Disaster Relief
Funds both at centre and state level. This is being done to give larger priority to disaster
management, mitigation, relief and response.
2. Finance Commission
The Finance Commission was set by President of India in 1951 under Article 280. The
commission makes recommendation to distribute taxes between centre and state. It is
an autonomous body. The main aim of the finance commission is to address the vertical
and horizontal imbalances between the centre and the states.
157. IMD: El Nino to be neutral; Normal Monsoon rains for India
On March 19, 2020, the Indian Meteorological Department announced that the El Nino
Weather Phenomenon is to remain neutral this year between May and July. This will
bring in normal rains to India during South West Monsoon.
1. ENSO Neutral: The Usual Weather System in the Pacific

The trade winds that flows from the east to west (from South America to Australia)
pushes warm water from the off coast of South America towards Eastern Australia and
Asia. The waters are warmed up as they are in the tropical zone of the earth receiving
direct sun rays. The warm water rises the air and gives plentiful rainfall in the region of
Australia and Asia.
2. Monsoon and ENSO

The ENSO phenomenon strengthens the trade winds that give good rains to India during
Monsoon. It is the trade winds that get deflected due to Corolis force and blow as south
west monsoon.
3. What is El Nino?
During El Nino, the ocean waters in the western Pacific (near Australia) warms up. This
breaks the warm waters from reaching the Australian coast. This is because, the oceanic
temperature in the middle of the Pacific is greater than its coastal. Hence, water starts
moving from Australian coast and South American Coast towards the centre of the
ocean. Rainfall now occurs in this part of the ocean, making both the coasts dry. Hence,
the trade winds reaching near Indian waters are dry as well. This weakens Indian
Monsoon.
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158. GoI notifies rules for Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme
On March 19, 2020, Govenrment of India has notified rules to avail full benefit of direct
tax dispute resolution under the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme.
1. Highlights
Currently, there are more than 400,000 cases that are eligible to avail the scheme. This
involves Rs 9.3 lakh crores. The scheme aims to settle disputes and aid in revenue
collection of the Government. However, experts believe that under COVID-19 crisis, it is
essential to extend the date of deposit date beyond March 31.
2. Vivad Se Vishwas
The scheme was introduced by the Finance Minister during the Union Budget 2020-21.
The scheme aims to settle pending cases on direct taxes. It provides waiver of interest
to those taxpayers that pay their taxes before March 31.
159. SIDBI launches “Swavalamban Express” to promote business

aspirants
On March 19, 2020, the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) announced
Swavalamban Express.
1. Highlights
The Train is to visit 11 entrepreneurial cities. This includes Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai.
Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolakata, Bhubaneswar and Varanasi. During the
period, various workshops and programmes are to be organized. The train has been
launched to fulfil India’s goal of 5 trillion USD by 2024-25.
2. Objective
The train is to cover more than 7,000 km in 15 days. It will connect small enterprises.
There is no educational restriction for the journey. Any person between the age of 20
and 35 years can participate.
3. SIDBI
The SIDBI was established in 1990. It is one of the four All India Financial Institutions that
are supervised and regulated by Reserve Bank of India. The other three include NABARD
(National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), EXIM (Export Import Bank) and
NHB (National Housing Bank).
160. Finanance Commission: N K Singh Committee for a new Fiscal

Consolidation Road Map
On March 19, 2020, the Finance Commission Constituted a committee under Shri N K
Singh in order to build a fiscal consolidation road map for the centre and the states.
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1. Highlights
The Finance Commission had submitted its first report to the GoI in February 2020. The
Commission will submit its final report covering the financial years 2021-22 to 2025-26
by October 30. The N K Singh committee will recommend definition of deficit and debt. It
will also define contingent liabilities of the public sector undertakings.
2. Fiscal Consolidation
Fiscal Consolidation is the policy adopted by the Government to reduce the deficits. It
mainly aims to reduce administrative costs of the Government. In simple words, the
policies undertaken by the Government to reduce debt stocks and deficits.
3. FRBMA act
The act aimed to reduce fiscal deficit by 3% of GDP. It aimed to eliminate the deficit by
2006 by avoiding borrowings from RBI. However, it couldn’t be achieved due to
International Financial Crisis. Later, a review committee was set up in 2016 to suggest
changes of the act under N k Singh then as well.
161. Update on National Policy on Skill Development
On March 20, 2020, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship presented the
update on National Policy on Skill Development in Rajya Sabha
1. Highlights
The following initiatives have been taken under the policy by the Ministry since 2015
2. National Policy on Skill Development

The Policy was launched in 2009 and was upgraded in 2015. The Policy aims at providing
umbrella framework that will link skills and demand.
162. National Centre for Cell Science: The Cellular Mechanism of

Huntington Disease discovered
On March 20, 2020, the National Centre for Cell Science have found that the pathogenic
protein called the Huntingtin Protein causes decrease in overall protein production.
1. What is Huntington Disease?

The disease is a genetic disorder that declines cognitive abilities, impairs coordination of
balance and movement, memory lapses, mood swings and personality changes.
2. The Discovery
The Scientists have found that in a diseased person the Huntingtin protein interfered
with the protein production of the cells. This is how wrong instructions are sent, mainly
due to faulty protein level. They also reduced the level of protein production of a normal
cell.
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163. “Tech for Tribal”-Launched by TRIFED to develop Tribal
Entrepreneurship
On March 19, 2020, TRIFED, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation
of India launched “Tech for Tribal” initiative. The initiative aims at providing
entrepreneurship skills to the tribal people.
1. Highlights
The initiative is to benefit 3 lakh people. The TRIFED has launched the initiative along
with Institutes of National Importance. It includes IIT-Kanpur, IIM Indore, Institute of
Social Science, Bhubaneshwar.
2. Significance
The programme in later stages is to be linked with Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK). Every
VDVK consists of 20 tribal gatherers and 15 Self Help Groups. VDVKs aims at providing
capacity building and skill upgradation.
3. Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana

It is an initiative that was launched in 2018. The Scheme aims to strengthen tribal
producer companies. It was launched in 27 states. TRIFED is the nodal agency
implementing the scheme.
164. Defence Minister launches draft of Defence Procurement

Procedure, 2020
On March 20, 2020, the Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh launched the draft of new
Defence Procurement Procedure. The new procedure aims to increase the indigenous
manufacturing.
1. Highlights
The new procedure aims to increase Indigenous Content ratio. The ratio is the
percentage of content of the defence equipment built in India. For instance, the
Indigenous Content Ratio of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is 75.5%.
2. Buy Global
The procedure has introduced “Buy Global” category. Under this category, only
minimum necessary is to be bought from abroad.
3. Key Features of DPP, 2020

The new procedure has introduced Leasing as a new category. This is to replace huge
initial payments with periodical rental payments. A new system has been introduced for
software procurement. This is because, software gets updated at faster rates out of all
other technologies.
4. What is Defence Procurement Procedure?

The Defence Procurement Procedure is the process that is followed to simplify
procurement of defence equipment.
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March 21, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
165. United Nations launches World Happiness Report, 2020: India ranks
144
On March 20, 2020 United Nations released the World Happiness Report on the
International Day of Happiness, 2020. Finland ranked first in the report and India ranked
144. Around 156 countries were assessed under the ranking. This is the eighth World
Happiness Report prepared by the organization.
1. Highlights
Following Finland, Denmark and Switzerland ranked second and third positions
respectively. Finland ranked topmost for the third consecutive time. Afghanistan ranked
the least. The United States moves by one place and was at 18th position. The United
Kingdom was at 13th position.
2. India
According to the index, the urban-rural difference in India was high. Also, the report
noticed that in India, the peri-urban population was happier than urban population.
166. March 20: International Day of Happiness
Every year March 20 is celebrated as International Day of Happiness. The day is

observed by the United Nations. This year the day was celebrated under the theme
1. Highlights
The United Nations on the International Day of Happiness called all 206 nations to adopt
“Ten Steps to Global Happiness”. The United Nations released the World Happiness
Index with Finland topping the ranking.
2. History
The day was first proposed in 2006 when Jayme Illien proposed “happytalism”. She
presented the theory as a new economic theory as that of communism, capitalism,
socialism, colonialism, feudalism, etc. Jayme Illien was the CEO of the United Nations
New World Order project, 2006. The project aimed at pushing happiness as a
fundamental right of mankind.
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167. Fossil links human hands to fins for the first time in Human
Evolution
The Paleontologists of Canada have linked human hands to the fins of fish. The
researchers examined a fossil of “Elpistostege”.
1. About the findings

The Elpistostege represents the pivotal stage of transition of fish into land vertebrates.
The transition was supported by the front fins of the fish called the pectoral fins. These
fins had radial bones that were arranged in a row like that of fingers. These bones should
have given the flexibility to bear weight on land.
2. Elpistostege
The Elpistostege was completely aquatic. It had a crocodile-like body, flat triangular
head, numerous teeth around jaws. The paleontologists believe that during its era,
Elpistostege was the top predator in brackish estuary ecosystem. The Elpistostege lived
during Devonian period. The four-limbed animals that evolved from these Elpistostege
were called tetrapods.
3. Devonian Period
The Devonian Period spans for 60 million years and is around 419 million years ago. It is
named after the place Devon, England where the rocks of the era were first found.
168. March 21: International Day of Forests
Every year, the United Nations celebrate International Day of Forest on March 21. The
Day is being celebrated since 2012. It aims to increase awareness and importance of
forests. The day also focuses on the significance of trees outside the forests. Also, the
day is celebrated to save forests.
1. Highlights
The idea of International Day of Forests was introduced at the 23rd General Assembly of
the European Confederation of Agriculture.
2. Why March 21?

March 21 has been chosen to mark the international day of forests as it is the vernal
Equinox in the northern hemisphere and autumnal equinox in the southern hemisphere.
The Vernal Equinox occurs when the earth enters the first spring.
3. Significance
Every year more than 13 million hectares of forests are lost. The mass deforestation
results in 12% to 18% of world carbon emission.
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169. UN Report: “Peatland” protection will help attain climate goals
The Food and Agriculture Organization operating under United Nations released a report
recently on Peatlands. The report says that though Peatlands cover only 3% of the
earth’s surface, they trigger the carbon that were locked in a few decades.
1. Key Findings of the report

The report says that peatlands consists of 30% of world soil carbon. When they are
released, they emit greenhouse gases. They have the potential to release up to one giga
tonne of carbon.
2. What are Peatlands?

Peatlands are formed due to accumulation of decomposed plant remains. These remains
stay accumulated over thousands of years due to water-logging. In tropical climate
peatlands occur in mangrove forests. They are dominated by mosses in arctic regions.
3. Restoration Measures
Indonesia has 40% of tropical peatlands. The Indonesian Government created Peat
Ecosystem Restoration Information System (PRIMS) that provides information about
Peatlands and their restoration.
4. Peatlands in India
In India, peatlands occupy 320 square kilo metres to 1,000 square kilo metres area.
170. Parliamentary Standing Committee: No Sufficient Checks on

genuineness of Fertilizer Subsidy
On March 20, 2020, the Parliamentary Standing Committee that was set up under the
leadership of the Lok Sabha Member Kanimozhi Karunanidhi submitted its report. The
Committee was set up to check whether genuine farmers are getting fertilizer subsidy.
1. Highlights
The Report says that until December 2019, 1182.04 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizers have
been sold under Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme. Currently, the identity of the buyer or
farmer is authenticated through Aadhar-based identification, Kisan Credit Card,
biometric or voter ID.

Currently, the subsidies are paid to the fertilizer companies based on the receipts of
their sales made by the retailers to the beneficiaries. This has created a black market
and is hurting farmers badly.
3. Solution
The GoI in order to curb black marketing of fertilizer introduced Point of Sale machines
selling of fertilizers. These machines were directly connected to the central server that
captures details of every buyer. Hence, the data collected will help identify the
impersonator.
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4. Types of Fertilizers
The three major types of fertilizers used are Urea, Muriate of Potash and Diammonium
Phosphate. O all these fertilizers, urea accounts to 86%. Currently, GoI is taking several
steps to control the use of urea and replace it with NPK fertilizers.
171. US tests Hypersonic Nuclear capable missile
On March 20, 2020, the United States successfully tested nuclear capable hypersonic
missiles. The test challenges Russia’s missile testing capabilities. Recently, Russia tested
a hypersonic weapon in December 2019 and China has already showcased its DF-17
hypersonic glide vehicle.
1. Anti-Ballistic Missiles Treaty

The United States has withdrawn from anti-ballistic missiles treaty. This has paved way
for the country to conduct tests in Europe and Asia off the Russian coast.
2. Difference between Hypersonic and Ballistic Missiles

The trajectory of Hypersonic Missiles are not traceable. On the other hand, the trajectory
of the Ballistic missiles are traceable.
3. Difference Between Hypersonic Cruise Missile and Hypersonic Glider

Missiles
The trajectory of a Hypersonic Cruise Missile is placed at 20 to 30 km from the earth’s
surface and that of the the Hypersonic Glider trajectory is placed at 40 to 100 km.
172. Ministry of Health: Complaints to ICMR on misuse of Stem Cell

therapy
On March 20, 2020, the Ministry of Heath informed Lok Sabha that ICMR (Indian Council
of Medical Research) has received several complaints on misuse of stem cell therapy.
1. Highlights
The National Apex Committee operating under the ministry is evaluating the complaints.
The committee is to recommend actions against these complaints. The National Apex
Committee for Stem Cell Research and Therapy examines technical, scientific, legal and
social issues related to Stem Cell Research and therapy in Inia

According to the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, there are no approved stem
cell therapy other than Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). However,
evidences have been submitted to ICMR that there are other advanced Stem Cell
therapies being conducted in India though GoI is yet to bring upon approval for such
technologies and therapies.
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3. ICMR
The ICMR is the apex body for the formulation, promotion and coordination of biomedical
research in the country. Currently, ICMR is the nodal agency that is looking after the
control of Corona Virus and the guidelines to test the virus
173. ICMR issues new guidelines to test Corona Virus in India
On March 20, 2020, the Indian Council of Medical Research issued new guidelines to test
COVID-19.
1. Highlights
The ICMR has so far been conducting tests only on symptomatic patients (persons with
symptoms of Corona Virus). However, the Council has now intensified random sampling.
This includes people exhibiting flu like symptoms. Such a step has been adopted mainly
to check if community transmission is happening.
2. Inclusions in the new testing

The Symptomatic patients in the new guidelines include all the hospitalized patients. It
also includes symptomatic health care workers. High risk contacts of the infected
persons are to be tested once in 5 days.
3. Quarantine Camp by Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has set up a quarantine camp in Vishakhapatnam. The camp has the
potential to accommodate 200 patients.
174. Bridge Constructed across Teesta River in North Sikkim by BRO

opened
On March 21, 2020, the Borders Road Organization opened a 360 feet long bridge across
Teesta river. The bridge was constructed by BRO under Project Swastik.
1. Highlights
Till date, the connectivity was routed through restricted army land. With the bridge
being opened, the army land access is to be closed for the public. The bridge will help in
increasing tourism and also help in movement of logistics of Armed Forces.
2. Teesta River
Teesta river flows through the states of West Bengal and Sikkim. It flows into Bay of
Bengal after traversing through Bangladesh. It is a tributary of the Jamuna river
(Brahmaputra).
3. Teesta River Agreement

In 1983, Teesta river sharing agreement was signed between India and Bangladesh.
According to the agreement, 39% of waters is to be shared by India and 36% water by
Bangladesh. Later in 1984, India’s share was increased to 42.5% and Bangladesh’s to
37.5%.
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4. What is the Teesta River Dispute?
In 1998, Bangladesh began the Teesta Barrage Irrigation project. With this, the farmers
of Bangladesh began enjoying 3 cropping seasons including dry seasons as well.
Currently, India is not able to provide enough Teesta waters to Bangladesh during
summer. This is because, several glaciers of the Teesta river are drying up in summers.
This is reducing flow of the river in summer. Hence, India is unable to fulfil Bangladesh
demand of more share of Teesta Water.
5. Indian Constitution
As water is state subject Central Government has no say. However, article 253 provides
powers to the Union Government to interfere in any transboundary water issue.
175. Modified Electronics Manufacturing Scheme 2.0 approved by the

Union Cabinet
On March 21, 2020, the union cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved the Modified
Electronics Manufacturing Clusters Scheme 2.0 (EMC 2.0). The scheme aims at
improving the growth of Electronics System Design and Manufacturing sector.
1. Highlights
The scheme aims at developing entrepreneurial ecosystem, increase employment
opportunities, attract investment. It will support setting up of Electronics Manufacturing
Clusters.
2. Benefits
The scheme will help in availability of ready infrastructure to attract investment in
electronics sector. It will also attract new investments in the electronics industry and
help in increasing employment opportunities.
3. Financial Assistance
The scheme is to run for 8 years. The amount allocated to the scheme is Rs 3,762.25
crores.
4. Electronic Manufacturing Cluster Scheme

Under the EMC scheme, the GoI has approved 20 Greenfield EMCs. An amount of Rs
1,557 crores have been allocated for the scheme so far. It is essential to deepen such
schemes in the country to increase electronics value chain in the country.
176. Incentive Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing

approved by Cabinet
On March 21, 2020, the Union Cabinet under PM Modi approved the Production Incentive
Scheme for large scale manufacturing of Electronics. The main aim of the incentivisation
is to increase investments in mobile manufacturing.
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1. Benefits
The scheme aims to create more than 2 lakh jobs. The indirect employment
opportunities are expected to be three times as that of direct employment opportunities.
2. Background
It is to be noted that the finance minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman in her previous GST
Council meet had increased the tax rate of mobiles to 18%. Also, the union budget 2020-
21 mainly aimed at “Wealth Creation”. Along with these measures, through this
incentivising scheme GoI is attracting investments.
3. Current Scenario of Electronics Market

The Electronics market in India has increased from 11 billion USD in 2015-1 to 20.8
billion USD in 2018-19. The domestic production of electronic components is around 10
billion USD. Out of this 7.7 billion USD is consumed domestically.
177. “Satyarup Siddhanta”, an Indian Mountaineer enters ‘Limca Book

of Records’ conquering highest volcanoes
The Indian Mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta has entered ‘Limca Book of Records’. He has
set the record of becoming the first Indian to climb the highest volcanoes in the world of
all the 7 continents.
1. Highlights
The mountaineer achieved the record of climbing all the highest summits in the world in
7 continents in January 2019. He already holds Guinness Book of World Records, India
Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, British Book of records and Champion Book of
Records.
2. Summits Conquered
Satyarup Siddhanta has conquered the following highest volcanoes of 7 continents
3. Limca Book of Records

The Limca Book of Records is considered second to the World Guinness Book of Records.
It consists of achievements made by Indians inside India and also in other countries.
178. March 22: World Water Day
Every year since 1993, World Water Day is being celebrated on March 22. It is being
celebrated to spread the importance of fresh water. The day is celebrated by United
Nations as well along with various other organizations all over the world. The theme of
World Water Day is
1. Significance
The main purpose of World Water Day is to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6.
This includes Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.
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2. Need
By 2050, more than 5.7 billion people are to live in areas where is to go scarce. The
water demand all over the world is to increase by 50% by 2040. Therefore, it is
important to mark more such events that aims at conserving water.
3. History
The day began in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development. At the conference, the UN passed a resolution to observe World Water
Day. Since then several events have been added. It includes the International Year of
Cooperation in the Water Sphere, 2013. Apart from this, currently International Decade
for Action on Water for Sustainable Development (2018-28) is also being marked.
179. Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices approved by Cabinet
On March 21, 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved the Medical Device
Park Scheme. The scheme is to be implemented for the next five years. The GoI has
approved Rs 13,760 crores for the scheme. The amount is mainly to be used in medical
devices and drugs production.
1. Highlights
The scheme aims to boost the domestic manufacturing of medical devices in the
country. It includes setting up of medical device parks in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana
and Andhra Pradesh. Every park is to receive Rs 100 crores. The grants are to be
provided to the state and the projects are to be implemented by respective state
governments.
2. Benefits
The parks will help to reduce imports and also increase standard of medical testing. Also,
the scheme will help to reduce cost of production.
3. Background
India is the fourth largest market for medical devices in Asia. However, the domestic
medical devices industry in India is very small. India’s domestic medical devices stand at
2% of the global industry.
180. RAISE 2020: First Artificial Intelligence Summit of India postponed

due to Corona Virus
The GoI has postponed the first artificial intelligence summit of the country called RAISE
to October 2020.
1. Highlights
RAISE 2020 is Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020. The summit has been
postponed to contain the spread of Corona Virus in the country. It was to be conducted
between April 11, 2020 and April 12, 2020.
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2. Objective of the summit
The Summit aims to outline goals and vision of India in using Artificial Intelligence. It will
enable exchange of ideas in order to create mass awareness about the current needs of
Artificial Intelligence.
3. GoI measures
In 2019, NITI Aayog established computing platform called AIRAWAT (Artificial
Intelligence Research, Analytics and Knowledge Assimilation Platform). It is a cloud
computing platform that aims to make India a pioneer amongst emerging economies in
sectors such as agriculture, education, health, urbanization and mobility.
March 22, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
181. Union Cabinet approves AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres
On March 21, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved Ayush Health and Wellness Centre
under Ayushman Bharat Mission
1. Highlights
Under the approval, an expenditure of Rs 3,395 crores have been allocated. The centres
are to be constructed within a time span of five years. On the whole, GoI has planned to
operationalise 12,500 centres.
2. Benefits
The centres will help achieve Universal Health Coverage. It will reduce the burden on
secondary and tertiary health care facilities. The centres will also help in reducing out of
pocket expenditure as it will operate on “self-care” model. It also aims to integrate with
SDG 3 as that advised by NITI Aayog.
3. Background
In 2018, the GoI announced that around 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres are to be
created under Ayushman Bharat scheme. It aims to create a holistic wellness model
based on AYUSH principles.
4. Ayushman Bharat
The scheme is being implemented by the National Health Authority operating under
Ministry of Health and Farmer Welfare.
182. UK confirmed as first co-chair to India led Coalition for Disaster

Resilient Infrastructure
The United Kingdom is to co-chair India led CDRI (Global Coalition for Disaster Resilient
Infrastructure). The CDRI was established by PM Modi at the G20 meet held in 2017
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1. What is CDRI?
Currently, there is no focus being provided to building disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Currently, the focus is being provided only to natural disasters. Under this issue as base,
the CDRI will aid in reshaping construction. It will aim in building strong climate resilient
infrastructures that will reshape construction in core sectors such as energy,
transportation, telecommunication and water.
2. Significance
According to Sendai Framework, 1 USD spent in disaster risk reduction is 7 USD gained.
However, the developing countries are facing problems to balance economic investment
and disaster resilient infrastructure. CDRI will help countries in solving these problems.
3. India as world leader

India is doing so well in preventing human deaths due to disasters. India’s measures to
control Corona Virus says it all. For a country with second highest population in the
world, the spread is 0.3% which is miniscule as compared to developed countries like
USA, UK, France.
183. Facts Box: Global Recycling Day
Every year, March 18 is celebrated as Global Recycling Day. The Recyclables are called
the “Seventh Resource”. They help to save 700 million tonnes of Carbon-Dioxide every
year according to the United Nations. The Global Recycling Day is being organized by
Global Recycling Foundation. This year, it operates under the theme
1. Highlights
The Global Recycling Day is supported by the United Nations Industrial Development
Organization as well. The main aim of celebrating the day is to keep the amount of
residual waste as minimal as possible.
2. Bureau of International Recycling

The Bureau of International Recycling is a non-profit association. It aims to bring
together the recycling expertise from all over the world. It aims to lower energy
consumption, preserve planet’s natural resources.
3. Current Scenario
Today, more than 1.6 million people are employed in recycling industry. Around 20
million USD is invested in the industry.
4. What are the 6-primary resource?

With the recyclables are called the seventh resource, the other six primary resources
include water, oil, air, coal, natural gas and minerals.
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184. Facts Box: World Cities Summit
The World Cities Summit was recently postponed due to the threat of Corona Virus. The
summit that is to be held in Singapore has been postponed to June 20, 2021. The
Summit is an international conference that brings together policy makers to identify
innovative solutions to cities that are facing challenges.
1. About World Cities Summit

The World Cities Summit is biennial. It acts as a common platform for industry experts
and government leaders to address sustainable city challenges.
2. Singapore
The first summit was held in 2008. The city is just 721.5 square kilo metre in area.
However, the Gross National Income of the city is e 53,530 USD. The city has grown
rapidly since its independence. The summit helps other cities to learn live examples from
Singapore.
March 23, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
185. March 23: World Meteorological Day
Every year on March 23, World Meteorological Day is celebrated. It was established in
1950. The Day is being observed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and
also by the United Nations.
1. Highlights
Every year the WMO fixes the theme of the day. This year, the theme is aligned with the
World Water Day that is being celebrated on March 22. The theme of 2020 World
Meteorological Day is
2. Significance of the theme

According to the United Nations, today around 844 million people lack basic drinking
water. Every day 800 children are dying due to diarrhoea that is caused mainly due to
poor water sanitation.
186. International Olympics Organization to postpone Tokyo Olympics

2020
Recently, Greece handed over the Olympic Flame to Japan. However, due to the
increasing threats of Corona Virus, the International Olympics Committee is considering
postponement of 2020 Olympics. The organization might postpone Olympics to 2021.
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1. Highlights
The International Olympics Committee has set a time frame of 4 weeks to make a
decision about the postponement of Olympics. The Canada Government recently
announced its withdrawal from the game considering athletes safety and public health
over the COVID-19 threats. Apart from Canada, North Korea and Indonesia have
withdrawn from the game. The countries are withdrawing as the Corona cases are
touching 335,000 world-wide and countries locking up to contain the disease.
2. Olympic Flame
The Olympics Flame Symbol represents the continuity between ancient and modern
games. Every year the flame is lit at Olympia, Greece. It is then relayed to the site where
the games are to be held. This ceremony is called “Olympics Torch Relay”.
187. India-Turkey Kashmir Irritant: India proceeds with FSV Indian Navy
Agreement with Turkey
In October 2019, India had put the Fleet Vessel Ship (FVS) Agreement on hold. The
agreement was signed with Turkey to manufacture 45,000 tonne FSV at
Vishakhapatnam.
1. Highlights
India and Turkey signed the FSV agreement in 2016. FSVs are important for the Indian
Navy to transport fuel and other supplies for warships at sea.
2. Agreement
According to the 2.3 billion USD agreement, a Turkey company is to build five 45,000
tonnes Fleet Vessel Ship at HSL (Hindustan Shipyard Limited), Vishakhapatnam.
3. Controversies with Pakistan

Turkish shipyards are the major suppliers of Naval Ships to the Pakistan Navy. So far
agreements have been signed between the countries with Turkey delivering 30 T-129
helicopters, submarine fleets, etc to Pakistan.
4. Kashmir Controversy
The Turkey President in February 2020 made a comparison of Kashmiri people with that
of World War I after India abrogated Article 370. India had also voiced its opinion against
military actions of Turkey towards Syria.
188. In-Person G7 Summit Cancelled; To be held through Video-

Conferencing
The US President Donald Trump has cancelled an in-person G7 Summit and is to conduct
the summit through video conferencing. This is being done due to the increasing threat
of Corona Virus.
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1. What is G7?
The G7 organization is made up of the largest economies of the world namely France,
Canada, US, UK, Italy, Japan and Germany. They contribute to 45% of world’s GDP.
Hence, decisions taken at G7 is highly essential and has great impacts over the global
trade.
2. Why is China not a member?

The G7 Groupings believe that though China is the second largest economy in the world,
it relatively has low level of wealth per head population. This means that China is not an
advanced economy according to the G7 members.
3. Criticisms faced by G7
Recently, G7 has faced several disagreements after President Trump initiated clashes
with the other members over actions on climate change and imports at 2019 summit in
Canada.
189. Website launched by SAARC Disaster Management Centre for

COVID-19 information
The Disaster Management Centre of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
has launched a website related to COVID-19. The website shows number of Corona virus
Cases in member states.
1. Highlights
According to the website, currently there are 960 cases of Corona Virus in the SAARC
region. Recently the SAARC leaders held a video conference to contain the spread of
Corona Virus. During the Conference, PM Modi had launched SAARC COVID-19
Emergency Funds
2. SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Funds

India had extended 1 million USD towards SAARC COVID-19 emergency funds. Also,
Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives have contributed to the funds as well.
3. SAARC Disaster Management Centre

The SAARC Disaster Management Centre was established in the premise of Gujarat
Institute of Disaster Management in 2016. The centre provides training and capacity
building services. IT also facilitates information exchanges between the SAARC members
for their effective disaster risk management. The SAARC Members include Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Nepal, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
190. IITM hosts India’s first Hyperloop Pod Competition-What is

Hyperloop Pod?
For the first time in India IIT Madras is to host Hyperloop pod competition in July 2020.
India has taken a few steps in bringing the environment friendly Hyperloop pod transport
in the country.
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1. Highlights
The Hyperloop Pod Transportation Project was approved by the Maharashtra
Government to build the first Hyperloop line between Pune and Mumbai. Similarly,
another project of Hyperloop pod transport has been undertaken between the cities of
Vijayawada and Amaravati.
2. International Competition
The International Competition of Hyperloop Pod Contest was initiated in 2015. The
Competition is funded by SpaceX, a leading Space organization of USA.
3. What is Hyperloop Pod?

The Hyperloop is a sealed loop through which a pod travels. The travel time of the pod is
greatly reduced as the pod travels in the tube without air resistance. It is a proposed
freight and passenger transport system.
4. The Technology
Hyperloop pod works on the same concept of maglev trains where the trains levitate
over the tracks with the help of electro-magentic energy. The only difference here is that
unlike maglev trains, the pods will run in a partial vacuum environment increasing the
speeds and efficiency.
191. March 23: Shaheed Diwas
Every year, March 23rd is celebrated as Shaheed Diwas or Martyr’s Day. The Day is
observed to commemorate the courage and heroism of three great young leaders
Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru.
1. Highlights
The Day is also celebrated as Martyr’s Day in the country. Several Schools and Colleges
pay tribute and express their gratitude on this day.
2. Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh was born in 1907. He popularised the phase “Inquilab Zindabad”. This
means Long Live Revolution.
3. Other Martyr’s Day Observed in India

On January 30, India observes Martyrs Day to mark the assassination of Mohandas
Karamchand Gandhi. On May 19, Language Martyr’s Day is marked in the memory of 15
Bengalis who sacrificed their lives in Bengali Language Movement
192. ICMR recommends Hydroxychloroquine to treat Corona Virus
The Indian Council of Medical Research had constituted a National Task Force to fight
against COVID-19. The task force has recommended the use of Hydroxychloroquine to
treat Corona Virus.
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1. Highlights
According to the task force, the Hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat asymptomatic
health care workers. It shall be used to treat health care workers and household contacts
of the patients who are asymptomatic.
2. Hydroxychloroquine
The drug shall be provided to patients only through prescriptions. GoI recommends the
use of Pharmacovigilance Programme of India app or helpline. The app allows self-
reporting of the drug reactions. Also, while taking the drug, the asymptomatic contacts
should maintain a self-quarantine.
3. Why Hydroxychloroquine?
The drug is usually prescribed to malaria patients. However, it is currently being used as
an experimental treatment of COVID-19. Both South Korea and Italy have been using the
drug to contain the spread of COVID-19. The US has also confirmed the efficiency of the
in curing the disease in its early stages.
193. Finance Bill, 2020 passed in Lok Sabha
On March 23, 2020, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman introduced the Finance Bill,
2020. The bill was introduced and passed in Lok Sabha without any discussion.
1. Key Features of the Bill

The bill provides the financial proposals of the fiscal year 2020-21. With the bill being
passes, the proposals made under the Union Budget 2020-21 has come into effect. The
GOI proposed to spend Rs 30,42,230 crores of rupees in the financial year 2020-21. This
is 12.7% more than the revised estimate of 2019-20.
2. NRI
Several amendments have been made to the bill. The passed bill withdrew certain
features that affected non-resident Indians. It includes NRIs with income more than 15
lakhs from business owned by them in India will fall under tax net. However, their global
income is not to be taxed.
194. United Nations Warns: 4.4 billion people to live with limited water
by 2050
On World Water Day, the United Nations warned that 3.5 to 4.4 billion people are to live
with limited access to water by 2050. Of these more than 1 billion are to live in major
cities.
1. Highlights
The United Nations also said that today there are 2.2 billion people in the world lacking
safe drinking water. Around 4.2 billion of global population are living without adequate
sanitation. The data was provided by the UN Secretary General Antonio Gueterres at a
press meet.
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2. Recommendations
The United Nations Suggests that the member countries should pay attention to climate
risks at all the levels of water management. Also, they should increase their investments
towards climate resilient water storage infrastructure.
195. March 24: World Tuberculosis Day
Every year, March 24 is marked as the World Tuberculosis Day. The idea was proposed
by International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD). The day is also
marked by the World Health Organization (WHO).
1. Highlights
The Day is being marked to raise public awareness about the devastating social and
economic impacts caused by the disease. The Theme of 2020 World Tuberculosis Day is
2. Significance
According to the United Nations, every day around 4,000 people lose their lives due to
Tuberculosis. Also, around 30,000 people fall ill due to the disease.
3. Why March 24?

Every year, March 24 is being marked as World Tuberculosis Day Dr Robert Koch
announced the discovery of the bacterium causing Tuberculosis on the very same day.
When Koch made the announcement, the disease was deadly and was killing one out of
seven people in Europe and America.
196. Land Acquired from Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh Defence
Corridors to increase Defence Production
On March 23, 2020, the Defence Ministry announced in the Parliament that it has
acquired land from the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. As Land is
state subject, it is important for the centre to acquire land from the state government for
development projects.
1. Highlights
The GoI is planning to increase Defence Exports to 5 billion USD in next five years. In
order to achieve this, the Government is expanding its investment opportunities. Thus, it
has acquired land from the state governments in their respective defence corridors. The
land acquired from Tamil Nadu so far is 1,182 hectares and from Uttar Pradesh is 1,537
hectares.
2. Policy initiatives in Defence Manufacturing

The GoI has taken several initiatives to increase manufacturing in Defence Sector. They
are as follows
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197. National Super Computing Mission: Three More Super Computers to
be installed
The National Super Computer Mission was launched by the GoI in 2015. Today India has
5 Super Computers that are ranked within top 500 list of Super Computers in the World
1. Top 5 Super Computers in India

The Super Computer (Pratyush) at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology India is
ranked 39th, National Centre for Medium Weather Forecasting has been ranked 66th,
etc. The first rank Super Computer is located in Ridge National Laboratory, US called
Summit.
2. Highlights
The mission is jointly operated by Ministry of Electronics and IT, C-DAC, Ministry of
Science and Technology and IISc, Bengaluru. So far under the mission, “Param Shivay”
was installed in IIT Bhuvaneshwar, Param Brahma and Param Shakti installed in IISER,
Pune and IIT-Kharagpur.
3. 2020-21 Targets
This year is highly important for the mission. This is because, 11 new systems are to be
installed in NITs, IITs and IISERs by December 2020. Three more Super Computers are to
be installed at IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Hyderabad and JN Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
by April 2020.
March 24, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
198. Public Safety Act: Former CM of J&K Omar Abdullah released
On March 24, 2020, Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah was
released from detention after 7 months. He was booked under Public Safety Act and was
kept under detention since August, 2020.
1. Highlights
When the GoI abrogated Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Government had kept
several local leaders of the state under detention.
2. Public Safety Act, 1978

The act is a preventive detention law. Under the act, any person can be taken into
custody in order to prevent them from acting harmful against the security of the state.
The act applies only to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was introduced by the then
Chief Minister Sheikh Abdullah.
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199. Finance Minister on COVID-19: Tax Filings extended, ATM, bank
charges waived off, Business Rules Eased and much more
On March 24, 2020, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman announced several key
measures in the view of Corona Virus Pandemic. The minister also announced that the
Economic Task Force is to announce Economic Relief Package to contain the spread of
the disease.
1. Financial Measures
No charges on withdrawal of cash in bank ATMs. Also, the digital charges on trade
transactions have been reduced. This is being done to ease burden on customers in
need of urgent cash and also to avoid overcrowding in bank branches.
2. Tax Measures
The PAN card and Aadhaar card linking were extended to June 30. The Vivaad Se
Vishwas Scheme that was launched by the Finance Minister during the Budget Session
has been extended to June 30. The Compliances under Wealth Tax act, Income Tax Act,
Black Money Act, Benami Transaction Act and Vivaad Se Vishwas have also been
extended to June 30.
3. Other Measures
The GST returns, Sabka Vishwas scheme filing dates have also been extended to March
31.
200. What is the difference between lockdown, Curfew and Section 144?
With COVID-19 spreading in India, GoI has ruled curfew in some areas, Section-144 in
some other areas and lock down in many other areas. These measures are being done to
contain the spread of the virus.
1. Lock Down
The action is called Lock Down when there are restrictions on assembly. However,
essential services are available in these situations. The Lock Down shall be enforced by a
collector or the chief medical officer. The chief Medical Officer shall enforce Lock Down
according to Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. With Lock Down being imposed five or more
people are not allowed to assemble.
2. Section 144
The action is called Section 144, when the assembly of people are prohibited abiding to
Indian Penal Code. Under Section 144, more than 5 people are not allowed to assemble.
3. Curfew
The action is called Curfew when Section 144 is imposed along with the shutdown of
essential services. The Curfew powers lies with Collector and Police Commissioner.
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201. Labour Ministry transfers Cess Funds for the Construction Workers
to fight against COVID-19
On March 24, 2020, the Ministry of Labour and Employment transferred funds to the
account of construction workers in the backdrop of outbreak of COVID-19.
1. Highlights
The Labour Ministry has directed the state governments and Union Territories to transfer
Rs 52,000 crores to the accounts of construction workers. Around 3.5 crore workers who
were registered with the Construction Welfare Boards were benefitted under this.
2. Legislation
The step has been taken by the Ministry according to the ruling under Section 60 of
Building and Other construction Workers Act, 1996 (BOCW Cess Act). Also, the Cess
funds are allowed to be collected under BOCW Cess Act.
3. BOCW Cess Act

Under the act, the cess is collected from every employer working in construction work of
Government or other Public Sector undertaking. It is collected by the state Government.
4. What is Cess?
In Colonial India, Cess was a taxation prefix. For instance, it was collected as irrigation-
cess, education-cess, etc. In modern India, it refers to tax collected for a specific
purpose.
202. GoI: Invest India Business Immunity Platform launched
On March 24, 2020, the India’s National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency
called the Invest India launched “The Invest India Business Immunity Platform”. The
platform is to operate on the website of Invest India.
1. Highlights
The platform is to give real time updates about India’s response and actions against
Corona Virus. It will provide latest initiatives of the central and state governments to
combat the virus. It is to operate 24/7 under dedicated expertise.
2. Significance
The spread of the virus has disrupted normal life of the people in the country. The GoI is
providing several guidelines in order to minimize its impacts and crisis, especially on the
business sector. The platform will act as a source of information to learn about such
steps and keep businesses running under normalcy.
203. New Hanta Virus Emerges in China after COVID-19
A man in Yunnan Province of China has tested positive for Hanta Virus. He died shortly
after he was tested positive for the virus on March 23, 2020.
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1. About Hanta Virus
The Hanta Virus, also called the Orthohanta virus spreads through rats. It causes
hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome according to Centre for Disease Control and
Prevention. It transits through urine, droppings, saliva of rodents. The virus enters
humans through their nose, mouth or eyes.
2. Spread of the virus

The virus does not spread from person-to-person. Rather, it spreads when a person
comes in direct contact with the bodily fluids of the rodents carrying the virus. It also
spreads through bites of the rats.
3. Current Challenges
The virus is not something newly discovered. It exists since a long period of time.
However, the virus is challenging for the current situation as its symptoms are very
similar to that of Corona Virus, Pneumonia, Flu.
204. Four Mega Trials of COVID-19 Treatment launched by WHO
The World Health Organization recently launched a mega trial of four most promising
corona virus treatments. The organization focuses on repurpose drugs that have already
been approved to be safe rather than finding new compounds from the scratch.
1. What are the four trials?

The WHO is testing four most promising treatments to combat the virus. It includes
2. Remdesivir
The drug was found to treat E-Bola viral infections. The E-bola outbreak broke out in
Congo. The drug has been proved that it inhibits other Corona Virus Stains called SARS
and MERS.
3. Chloroquine and HydroxyCholoroquine

This combination that is used to treat Malaria is another method that is being put under
trial to treat Corona Virus. These drugs are being prescribed in India currently for the
asymptomatic persons that come in direct contact with the persons infected with the
virus.
4. Lopinavir and Ritonavir

The drugs were invented in the US in 2000. They have shown great efficacy in persons
infected with MERS virus.
205. IMF: Recession due to COVID-19 to be worse than 2009
On March 24, 2020, the International Monetary Fund announced that the recession to be
caused due to Corona Virus is to be worse than the 2009. IMF has specifically warned the
G20 nations that the current economic outlook is towards negative. The G20 nations are
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to hold a virtual summit in a week to come out with a global solution to combat Corona
Virus.
1. Highlights
The IMF says that currently the shutdown has now brought the world to 1.5% downturn.
Marking this, the investors have already removed their investments from emerging
markets. And this has accounted to 83 billion USD.
2. IMF Relief Measures

In order to fight Corona Virus, IMF is to deploy 1 trillion USD. More than 80 countries
have requested emergency funds from IMF.
3. 2008 Crisis
During the 2008 Financial Crisis, the Global Economy had contracted to 0.6% in 2009
according to IMF. However, the emerging markets like India and China were growing
rapidly.
206. India goes on Complete LOCKDOWN to fight COVID-19; allocates Rs

15,000 crores
On March 24, 2020, PM Modi announced that Government of India has allocated Rs
15,000 crores to fight against Corona Virus. The Fund is to be used to increase health
infrastructure in the country. This includes testing kits, beds and training professionals to
combat the disease.
1. Highlights
The allocated funds are also to be used in procurement of personal protective equipment
for health care workers. The Prime Minister has also announced complete lock down of
the country for 21 days.
2. What are excluded in the Lock Down?

The Union Home Ministry has listed the commercial establishments that will continue to
operate during the lock down. It includes power generation units, petrol pumps, cold
storage units, private security agencies, food, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.
3. Recent GoI Measures

The GoI has taken several measures to contain the spread of the virus. It had invoked
the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The COVID-19 was listed as “notified Disaster”.
Also, the Epidemics Diseases Act, 1897 was invoked. Ban on exports of sanitizers, face
masks were imposed.
March 25, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
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207. India’s first COVID-19 dedicated hospital set up by Reliance India in
Mumbai with Negative Room Pressure
On March 23, 2020, Reliance had set up the first hospital of India that will operate
exclusively to treat Corona Virus patients.
1. Highlights
The Reliance Group of Companies in collaboration with Brihanmumbai Municipal
corporation has set up a COVID-19 Centre at the Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai. The
centre is completely supported by Reliance Foundation. It has all required infrastructure
including a negative pressure room. The Negative Room Pressure technology is used to
isolate patients.
2. Negative Pressure Room

The Negative Pressure Room is a technique in medical centres that prevent cross-
contamination. This allows air to flow into the room and prevents air from escaping out
of the room.
3. How is the pressure determined in the technology?

Smoke test is used to determine negative pressure. A tube with smoke is held at the
bottom of the negative pressure room door. The direction of travel of the smoke helps to
determine the working of the system. If the smoke travels outwards, the room is not in
negative pressure.
208. What are the Bio-Safety Levels of Containment in India?
The National Centre for Disease Control provides four levels of Bio-Safety to be followed
in India.
1. What is Bio-Safety?
Bio-Safety is the principle used to contain the spread of pathogens and toxins. This is not
for the safety of the institutions working with the pathogens. However, the safety levels
are implemented to safeguard the public from being infected.
2. What are the Bio-Safety Levels?

There are four Bio-Safety levels. It includes
209. Abel Prize, 2020 to Hillel Frustenberg and Gregory Margulis
The Norwegian Academy of Science is to award the Abel Prize for the year 2020 to the
two great mathematicians Hillel Frustenberg and Gregory Margulis. They are being
honoured for their work towards probability and dynamics in number theory,
combinatorics and Group Theory.
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1. Hillel Frustenberg
He is an American-Israeli mathematician at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He was born
in Germany. His family escaped to the US before the outbreak of Second World War. An
additive number theory has been named after him as Frustenberg-Sarkozy theorem. He
has also won the Wolf Prize in Mathematics
2. Gregory Margulis
He is a Russian-American mathematician. He is known for his works on lattices. He has
received the Fields medal, wolf prize and the Able prize becoming the fifth person to
receive all the three prizes.
3. Abel Prize
The Abel Prize is a Norwegian prize that is being presented annually by the King of
Norway. Every Abel Prize recipient is awarded with 7.5 million Norwegian Kroner.
210. First “Made in India” COVID-19 Test Kit gets commercial approval
from CDSCO
A Pune based testing services MyLab has become the first Indian company to get an
commercial approval from CDSCO for the sales of COVID-19 testing kits sale.
1. About the Kit

The kit was developed by MyLab testing services. The testing time of COVID-19 in
current lab testing services is 4 hours. However, MyLAb’s testing time is 2 ½ hours. The
laboratory is to sell the kits at Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 per test. Currently, the Government
of India has fixed the cap price of COVID-19 as Rs 4,500. No laboratory in India can
charge more than this fixed amount to test the COVID-19. The move was made after the
Indian Government allowed the private organizations to test for the virus.
2. Significance
Currently, India ranks lowest in testing of COVID-19 virus. Currently India is testing only
15 people in 1 million.
211. What is Thermal Screening used at airports for COVID-19?
Thermal Screening are being used at airports to check COVID-19 virus. The numbers
infected in India has reached 500 and India has entered into complete lock down for 21
days to contain the disease.
1. What is Thermal Screening?

Thermal screening is a process that detects radiation emitted by an object with
increased temperature. When a person has fever, his temperature levels shoot up and
thermal screening helps to detect them. When the temperature of an object increases,
the radiations emitted by them also increases.
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2. Current Issues
The Thermal scanners that are used at airports and sea ports to screen passengers
entering India should be held at 1 to 3 cm distance. If not positioned accurately, the air
temperature would have impacts on the recorded temperature. The devices are
currently being operated by security personnel at many places and not a trained
professional. This creates possibilities of errors.
2.1. Usage of Infrared Thermometers

The usage of Infrared thermometers for humans is banned in India. They are however
used in coal mines. As these thermometers use Laser technology, they are harmful and
hence are banned in the country. Today, such thermometers have entered for human
usages as the demand for thermal screening has increased. The thermal screening
medical devices that are usually imported by India are stuck at ports due to lock down.
212. 7.5 magnitude Earth Quake hits Russia; 0.3m high Tsunami Waves
expected
On March 25, 2020, 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit northern Pacific. The quake was 37
miles deep and stuck the eastern Kuril Islands of Russia.
1. Highlights
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has warned hazardous Tsunami waves n the coasts
of the Kuril Islands. However, the waves are to be less than 30 centimetres in high.
2. Kuril Islands
The Kuril Islands are a volcanic Archipelago that separates Sea of Okhotsk from the
Pacific Ocean. The islands are currently under Russian Administration. However, claims
of Japan over 4 southern most islands of the Archipelago have led to the ongoing Kuril
Islands Dispute.
3. Ring of Fire
The Ring of Fire is the areas of Pacific Ocean where several volcanic eruptions and
earthquakes occur. There are more than 452 volcanos in the region. This accounts to
75% of world’s volcanos. Also, 91% of world earthquakes occur in the region.
213. G20 Video Summit on Corona Virus
The Saudi Arabian King Salman is to chair the G20 summit on Corona Virus through a
video conference. The Summit is to be held on March 26, 2020. The summit becomes
significant as several international organizations are to participate in the summit.
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1. International Organizations
Several worldwide international organizations are to participate in the summit. It
includes WHO (World Health Organization), FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization),
WTO (World Trade Organization), IMF (International Monetary Fund), ASEAN (Association
of South East Asian Nations), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development,
Gulf Cooperation Council and NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development).
2. Significance
From India, PM Modi is to attend the summit. The leaders will strategize methodology to
combat virus. The global growth for the year is negative according to IMF. The recession
is to bring about the biggest financial crisis in history. G20 suggests “A Moment for
Solidarity” in this situation. The finance ministers of G20 had already held a meeting
under this theme virtually.
214. E-Commerce Giants: Flipkart suspends services, Amazon stops

taking new orders
The E-Commerce Giants Flipkart and Amazon has temporarily stopped their services in
India following lock down in the country.
1. Highlights
While Flipkart has suspended its services completely, Amazon is to follow on pending
orders alone. It will temporarily stop taking new orders. All the grocery deliveries are
also to be suspended.
2. Impacts
Today around 40% of the Indian Population uses E-Commerce sites to make their
purchases. India has the second largest user base in the world after China. The E-
Commerce market in India has grown from 3.9 billion USD in 2009 to 38.5 billion USD in
2018.
215. Islamic State claims responsible for Gunmen attack in Sikh

Gurudwara, Kabul
On March 25, 2020, 11 people were killed in a terror attack that targeted a
“Dharmashala” in Kabul. The Dharamshala is reported to have sizeable number of Hindu
and Sikh minorities. The Islamic State Organization has claimed to take responsibility to
the attack.
1. Highlights
Around 150 were praying in the Gurudwara when it was attacked. The Shor Bazar area of
Kabul, where the attack took place was once home to several Gurudwaras. However,
many were destroyed during fighting in 1980s.
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The Conflict between Afghan Muslims and Sikhs has routes to 18th century. The conflict
began with series of wars between Islamic Durrani Empire in Afghanistan and Sikh
Empire in Punjab. The conflicts existed since the days of Dal Khalsa. Dal Khalsa is a Sikh
Army that operated in 18th century.
216. GoI develops new biofortified high protein wheat variety
The scientists of Agharkar Research Institute (Pune), operating under Department of

Science and Technology (DST) have developed biofortified high quality wheat. The new
variety is MACS 4028
1. Highlights
The new wheat variety has 14.7% better nutritional quality, 40.3 ppm of iron content
and high milling quality. The new variety is semi-dwarf and matures in 102 days. Also, it
has high yielding ability of 19.3 quintals per hectare.
2. Role of UNICEF
The MACS 4028 was supported by UNICEF funds to alleviate malnutrition in India. Now
the new wheat variety will help boost Vision 2022 of India which is, “Kuposhan Mukt
Bharat” (National Nutrition Strategy).
3. Significance
The Indian Council of Medical Research has been constantly making efforts to develop
high-yielding, early mature, drought-tolerant, disease resistant varieties. MAC 4028 is an
outcome of those initiatives. The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley research operating
under ICMR has launched All India coordinated Wheat and Barley improvement
programme to develop more such varieties.
217. MoU between India and Germany approved by Union Cabinet
On March 25, 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved MoU signed
between India and Germany. The MoU was signed between Ministry of Railways and DB
Engineering and Consulting GMBH of Germany. The Memorandum was signed in
February 2020 and will facilitate technological cooperation in Railway sector.
1. Key Highlights of the MoU

The technological cooperation under the MoU will facilitate freight operations including
automotive transport, cross-border transport and logistics. It will also help in
infrastructure building. This includes new dedicated freight corridors and building of new
passenger trains.
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2. Background
The Ministry of Railways is in the mode of modernization of Railway sector. In order to
achieve this, the Ministry has signed several agreements, memorandum of cooperation,
technical cooperation, with foreign governments. Through these measures, the ministry
aims to achieve high speed rails, increasing speed of existing routes, modernization of
rail infrastructure and development of world class stations.
218. Sikkim Glaciers are being lost at faster rate than other parts of
Himalayan parts
The Scientists of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun conducted a study

and have found that glaciers in Sikkim region are melting at faster rates as compared to
other Himalayan regions.
1. Key Findings
The study has assessed around 23 glaciers and their spread since 1991 to 2015. The
larger glaciers are thinning in size and smaller glaciers are retreating. During these
years, major shift in behavior was noted since 2000. Since 2000, the western and central
Himalayan glaciers have sowed reduced melting. Whereas in case of Sikkim Glaciers, the
melting rate has increased. Summer temperature increase is the main reason for glacier
changes.
2. Study-First of its Kind

This study is the first in India to study about multiple parameters of glaciers namely
length, Debris cover, area, glacial lakes, snow line altitude.
3. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Technology

The Institute operates under Department of Science and Technology. It was established
in 1968. The institute provides advisory and consultancy services to various
organizations. It also gives advises on geotechnical feasibility of hydel projects, their
foundation and site selection.
219. Union Cabinet approves extra supply of subsidized Food Grains to

Ration Shops
On March 25, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved extra supply of food grains via rations
shops. The monthly quota of subsidized food grains is to be increased from 2 kg to 7 kg.
The step has been taken to help people during the lock down.
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1. Highlights
The GoI has decided to provide 7 kg of food grains per person during the lock down. This
will benefit more than 80 crore people in the country. Also, the food grains are to be
provided at subsidized rates. The cost of wheat was Rs 27 per kg and is now to be sold
at Rs 2 per kg. The cost of rice is about Rs 32 per kg and is to be sold at Rs 3 per kg.
Currently, GoI is providing food grains at subsidized rates under National Food Security
Act.
2. National Food Security Act

The act aims to provide nutritional security. It provides coverage up to 75% of rural
population and 50% of urban population.
March 26, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
220. Recapitalization of Regional Rural Banks approved by Union Cabinet
The Union Cabinet under the chairmanship of PM Modi on March 25, 2020, approved the
recapitalization of regional rural banks (RRB) to improve the capital to risk weighted
assets ratio.
1. Highlights
The Committee approved the continuation of recapitalization of RRBs. In order to
achieve this the GoI has provided a minimum regulatory capital for another, 2020-21.
The recapitalization funds are being allocated to those banks that are unable to maintain
minimum CRAR (Capital to Risk weighted Assets Ratio) of 9%. The CRAR for a bank is
fixed by RBI.
2. Benefits
An improved CRAR will help the rural banks to meet their credit requirements in rural
areas. The RRBs should allocate 75% of their credit to priority sector lending. The RRBs
focus on small and marginal farmers, micro and small enterprises, weaker sections of
the society and rural artisans
3. Scheme of Recapitalization
The Scheme of Recapitalization of RRBs was launched in 2011. It was launched on the
recommendation of Dr K C Chakrabarty Committee.
221. Census 2021 and NPR updation postponed due to COVID-19

pandemic
The GoI had planned to conduct Census 2021 in two phases. The first phase was
scheduled between April-September 2020 and the second phase was scheduled in
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February 2021. Also, the updation of NPR has also been postponed due to the spread of
Corona Virus.
1. National Population Register

The NPR updation was scheduled to be conducted along with Census 2021. It is to be
conducted by the office of Registrar General of India operating under Ministry of Home
Affairs. Assam was the only state that was to be kept out of the NPR process as updation
of the register for the state of Assam was done under National Register of Citizens.
2. Background
The data for NPR was first collected in 2010 along with Census 2011. The data was
further updated in 2015 under a door-to-door survey. The NPR collects biometric and
demographic data. The Biometric data is to be updated through Aadhar details. This is
the first time NPR is collecting biometric data. Earlier in 2010, only demographic details
were collected. Later in 2015, the data was updated with Aadhaar, ration card numbers
and mobile numbers.
222. “Stay Home India with Books” initiative launched by GoI
On March 25, 2020, the National Book Trust functioning under Ministry of Human
Resources and Development launched Stay Home India with Books initiative. Under the
initiative more than 100 books can be downloaded from the NBT website.
1. Highlights
With Lock Down ruled by GoI to contain the spread of Corona Virus, the Ministry of HRD
has uploaded more than 100 books in the NBT website to help people spend quality time
during holidays. According to the ministry, majority of the books uploaded are children
books. Apart from these, the other books include activity-based learning science, women
scientists in India, Gandhi: Warrior of Non-Violence and many more.
2. National Book Trust

The National Book Trust was founded in 1957. The trust activities include publishing,
promotion of Indian books, children literature, etc.
223. GoI: Technology developed to improve Fuel Efficiency of Internal

Combustion Engines
The International Advanced Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI)
operating under Department of Science and Technology, Government of India has
developed a technology to improve fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines.
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1. Highlights
The technology improves the fuel efficiency by reducing friction in the engines. This has
been achieved through Laser surface micro-texturing. In this technology, the friction is
controlled by controlling the size, density and shape of the micro-surface texture
features. Such a texture is created by using a pulsating laser beam. The beam creates
micro-dimples, grooves on the surface of the materials. These Grooves trap debris that
usually increase friction and thereby wear and tear.
2. About the model

The texture has been created on internal combustion engine components such as
cylinder liners and piston rings. The model was tested at the ARCI lab under difference
speeds and also at different temperatures of lubrication oil and coolant.
224. Sunil Chhetri, Indian Football team Captain named for FIFA’s
COVID-19 Campaign
The World Governing body FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association or

International Federation of Association Football) has selected Indian Football Captain
Sunil Chhetri among 28 other stars for its campaign. The campaign is to combat COVID-
19.
1. Highlights
The FIFA has joined hands with the World Health Organization to launch an awareness
campaign to combat Corona Virus. The campaign is to call people all over the world to
stop the spread of the disease.
2. Campaign
The campaign is called “Pass the message to kick out Corona Virus”. The campaign is to
spread five key steps that are in line with WHO guidance. It includes hand washing, not
touching the face, coughing etiquette, physical distance and staying home.
225. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana launched to fight COVID-
19
On March 26, 2020, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman launched Pradhan Mantri
Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana. The scheme is an economic help package for people in the
country to fight against COVID-19 and its effects. Around 1.7 lakh crore has been
allocated under the package.
1. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana

Under the scheme, around 80 crore people are to get 5 kg of free rice and wheat for the
next three months. This is additional to the already allotted 5 kg of subsidized rice and
wheat. Along with this, they will also get 1 kg of free pulses per household. The scheme
will provide insurance cover for doctors, sanitation workers, nurses, paramedics and
other staffs working on the front line in the fight against the virus.
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2. Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana
The scheme is to offer free cylinders under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Scheme. This
will benefit around 8.3 crore Below Poverty Line Families.
3. MNREGA
The economic package has increased daily wages of MNREGA from Rs 182 to Rs 202.
This is to benefit 5 crore workers.
4. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

Under the scheme, women account holders will receive Rs 500 per month for the next
three months. Under this step, around 20 crore account holders are to be benefitted.
226. UN launches Global Humanitarian Response Plan to fight against

COVID-19
On March 25, 2020, the United Nations launched Global Humanitarian Response Plan to
fight against COVID-19. The organization has allocated 2 billion USD to implement the
plan. The plan has been launched in 51 countries of Africa, South America, Middle East
and also Asia.
1. Highlights
The plan is to be implemented by the United Nations in direct collaboration with
international NGOs. Under the plan, the organization is to deliver essential medical
supplies and laboratory equipment to test the virus. It is to install hand washing stations
in different settlements.
2. Significance
The plan is to target poor countries that lack widely spread health initiatives. The virus
has so far killed 16,000 and has infected more than 400,000. It has spread across the
entire world and is now spreading to countries that are already facing humanitarian
concerns.
227. COVID-19: International Monetary Fund launches Government

Policy Tracker
The International Monetary Fund recently launched the “IMF Policy Tracker”. The
platform will provide all the key economic responses launched by Governments all over
the world to fight against Corona Virus.
1. Highlights
Currently, the virus has spread to almost all parts of the world and the measures taken
by the Governments to tackle the situation might become inadequate. The platform thus
will help fill in gaps and learn from each other’s experience. It will also help governments
adopt successful innovate approaches implemented on other parts of the world.
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2. Significance
The tracker is to be updated based on the press release of the IMF Communication
Department.
3. Key Features of the Tracker

The tracker will summarize key economic measures taken by the governments in
different parts of the world. The tracker claims that it cannot be used for comparisons of
measures in different countries. Rather, the tracker is to be used to learn the
adaptations. This is because, policy responses vary based on the nature of the crisis.
228. CII sets up COVID-19 Rehabilitation and Relief Fund
The Confederation of Indian Industries has set up funds to assist rehabilitation of micro,
small and medium enterprises. The fund is to be raised from the members of the
confederation.
1. Highlights
The MSMEs are the most affected sectors due to the outbreak of Corona Virus. This is
mainly because of the steps taken to contain the virus like Lock Down, travel bans,
closure of theatres, malls and educational institutions.
2. GoI Measures
The GoI has allowed late repayment of loans by the MSMEs. The Government will
suspend Section 7, Section 9 and Section 10 of the IBC code for six months if the
situation is to continue till April 30, 2020.
2.1. Section 7
Under Section 7 of the Insolvency Bankruptcy Code, the creditor or the Government may
file an application to initiate insolvency procedure.
2.2. Section 9
Corporate Insolvencies are initiated under this section
2.3. Section 10
The section gives powers to defaulting company to approach an adjudicating authority to
declare it insolvent.
229. Election Ink allowed to stamp Corona Patients
The Election Commission recently allowed the use of Election ink for stamping “home
quarantined” on infected or symptomatic patients. The Corona Virus infected patients
are to be stamped on hands. The ink is also called indelible ink, election ink, phosphoric
ink, electoral ink.
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1. Election Ink
The ink is semi-permanent. It is used during elections to prevent the fraud of double
voting. Election ink uses silver nitrate and hence excessive exposure to the ink causes
argyria. The ink was first used in 1962 elections.
2. What is Home Quarantine?

Quarantine is a latin word. It means 40 days. During old times, ships that were
suspected to have germs or disease causing pathogens spread all over were put in the
sea away from the port for 40 days. This was first brought up in Britain. Britain adopted
the method especially when there was plague spread all over.
March 27, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
230. G20 Summit: 5 trillion USD to be injected to fight against COVID-19
On March 27, 2020, the G20 video summit was chaired by the Saudi king Salman. As a
member of G20, India was represented by PM Modi. At the summit, the leaders pledged
to infuse 5 trillion USD into the global economy.
1. Highlights
The summit was first of its kind with the leaders attending through video conferencing.
At the summit, the leaders committed themselves to restore global health. With the
global economic rate slowing down, the 5 trillion USD is to be used to counteract social
and economic impacts.
2. Solutions
The members are to work on a transparent, coordinated and science based global
response. The manufacturing capacity of medical supplies are to be increased to make
sure they are available at affordable prices.
3. G20 Summit
The G20 Summit was to be held under the leadership of Saudi Arabia in November 21-
22, 2020. Saudi has chosen the theme
231. United Nations: 25 million jobs to be lost due to COVID-19 impact
The United Nations has estimated that around 25 million jobs are to be lost due to the
COVID-19 impacts.
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1. Highlights
The organization reported that the economic and human lockdown is bringing in on a
global economic break down. Around 3.3 million Americans have applied for
unemployment benefits. Italy, one of the most affected countries has shut down most of
its industries.
2. Italy
Italy is the third largest economy in the continent of Europe. It is the major exporter of
textiles, machinery and has now become the first developed country to become idle.
3. Other Developments
Saudi Arabia has gone into a complete lock down including the holy cities Mecca and
Medina. The Brazilian Governors defied President Jair Bolsonaro’s order to reopen
schools and businesses. Brazil has so far accounted 2,500 deaths due to the disease.
4. Current Scenario
In India, the count has touched 694 and, in the world, it has become 486,702. With the
world entering towards complete lock down, China is reopening its industries and
normalizing lives.
232. Global Coal Production falls for the 4th Consecutive Year
According to a survey, in 2019, the global coal power plant development declined for the
fourth consecutive year. A total of 13 GW of capacity construction delayed due to Corona
Virus.
1. Highlights
The survey was conducted by the Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, Greenpeace
international and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.
2. Key Findings of the survey

The annual survey says that 15 major plants have been delayed so far due to supply
chain and labour force issues. The new coal plant developers are facing increased
difficulties all over the world as restrictions come from banks and insurers.
3. China
Between March 1 and March 18, 2020, China has approved more coal power (6.6 GW). In
2019, China had approved 6.3 GW of coal-based production. The number of coal based
power plants entering into operation has increased in China since 2018 according to the
survey. On the other hand, the global coal fleet is shrinking.
233. RBI: Cuts repo rate to 4.4%; CRR to 3%; 3-month moratorium
allowed on all loans
On March 27, 2020, the Reserve Bank of India announced series of measures to counter
economic slowdown caused due to COVID-19. The Central bank advanced its Monetary
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Policy Committee meet due to COVID-19 pandemic. This was the 7th Bi-Monthly
Monetary Policy Statement of the RBI for the financial year 2019-20.
1. Highlights
While India has locked down its economic activity, the main objective of RBI is to keep
finance flowing.
2. Other Key Decisions

The Cash Reserve Ratio was cut by 100 bps to 3% of NTDL (Net Time and Demand
Liabilities). The Cash Reserve Ratio is the minimum fraction of the customer deposit that
a bank can hold.
234. HydroxyChloroquine now made a H1 Drug in India; Exports banned
On March 27, 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare declared the
Hydroxycholoroquine as a Schedule H1 drug. With this GOI has brough upon restrictions
on sales and distribution of the drug.
1. Highlights
The Hydroxychloroquine drug was declared as an essential drug to treat COVID-19
patients. Out of the 4 treatments suggested by the World Health Organization to contain
the virus, India adopted the use of Hydroxychloroquine. And hence, exports of the drugs
were banned in the country. Currently the drug is being prescribed for symptomatic
patients and also for asymptomatic patients that are in contact with the Corona infected
patients.
2. What is Schedule H1?

The drugs listed under Schedule H1 are required to be sold under following conditions
235. US launches Extremely High Frequency Satellite for military

communication
On March 26, 2020, the United Nations Space Force launched a hyper-secure satellite for
its military communications. With the launch of the satellite the United States has begun
its first National Security Mission.
1. Highlights
The Lock Heed Martin AEHF (Advanced Extremely High Frequency) satellite was
launched from Florida. The satellite is to provide global protected communications. This
will enhance tactical operating warfare skills of the US on ground, aerial and maritime
platform.
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2. US Space Force
The US Space force is the sixth service of the country. The first five major services of
Defence includes Army, Air Force, Navy, Naval Corps and Coast Guard. The Space Force
was recently set up by President Trump to identify and develop new space defence
technologies.
236. Odisha sets up COVID-19 dedicated hospitals with 1,000 beds
On March 27, 2020, the Odisha Government announced that it is to set up two COVID-19
dedicated hospitals under PPP (Public Private Partnership) model.
1. Highlights
Around 84,000 people have returned from abroad in the state. There are so far three
positive cases in the state. The Government forecasting the spread of the virus has
prepared isolated dedicated hospitals under PPP model where only COVID-19 patients
are to be treated.
2. Operation
The funds for the hospitals were brought in from CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)
funds. The Orissa Mining Corporation and Mahanadi Coal Limited (a Coal India
Subsidiary) brought in Rs 500 crores.
3. Lessons from Italy

Today, the COVID-19 spread at its fastest pace in Italy. This was because, Italy had close
business tie ups with China. Also, Italy treated COVID-19 patients in general hospitals.
This increased the spread of the virus. By studying this and to avoid such situation,
Odisha has set up separate hospitals.
4. Other Measures
The Panchayats have kept 7,200 beds ready for quarantine and isolation purposes.
237. Facts Box: Mo Jeeban Programme
The “Mo Jeeban Programme” was launched by the Odisha Government to contain the
spread of COVID-19. The programme was launched by the Odisha Chief Minister Naveen
Patnaik.
1. Highlights
‘Mo Jeeban’ means ‘My Life’. The State Government through the programme appeals to
the people to stay indoors. The programme urges the working population to take an oath
in name of their children and parents to cooperate and support by not stepping outside.
It also raises awareness of washing hands at least for 20 seconds.
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2. Other Measures
The Odisha Government has allocated Rs 200 crores to fight against the virus. Currently
there are more than 80,000 people who have returned from abroad in Odisha. These
people have been instructed to stay under home quarantine for 14 days.
238. India begins antibody tests for Corona Virus
India is all set to begin antibody tests to confirm if a person was previously infected with
the virus. This will help understand the epidemiology of Covid-19.
1. Highlights
It is a serological test that looks for antibodies in the blood. The test is different from the
current methodologies that use nasal or throat swabs to determine active infection. The
test can be used in contact tracing and learn about the source of infection of the person.
2. About the test

The test determines if the person had viral infections based on the presence of
antibodies in their blood. The antibody test is not a confirmatory test. However, it is a
test for the purpose of surveillance. It helps to generate data about number of people
that got exposed to the virus.
3. Role of ICMR
So far, ICMR has conducted tests on random samples and no community transmission
has begun in India. However, experts believe that there are possibilities for India to enter
into community transmission stage.
March 28, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
239. Indian Army launches “Operation Namaste” to combat COVID-19
On March 27, 2020, the Indian Army launched “Operation Namaste” to contain the
spread of Corona Virus in the country. Under the operation, the army will help the
Government of India fight against the deadly disease.
1. Highlights
Under the operation, Indian Army has established 8 quarantine so far. Also, Command
wise help line numbers have been established. Facilities for the families of the army men
have been arranged to visit nearest camps in case of emergency while they are away
serving the country.
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2. Contingency Plan
The Indian Army has also prepared a Contingency plan at a six-hour notice. This includes
45 isolated bed facilities, 10 ICU beds and mobilization of medical teams on call. The
plan has been prepared after analyzing the spread and containment of the virus in other
countries.
240. What are DMF Funds that are to be used by the states to combat
COVID-19?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman recently instructed the state governments to use
DMF (District Mineral Foundation) funds to fight against COVID-19. This is being done to
supplement medical facilities that will help fight against Corona Virus.
1. What are DMF Funds?

The District Mineral Foundation is a non-profit body. It was set up in those districts that
were affected by mining works. The Foundation works towards the benefit and interest
of the persons affected due to the mining activity. The Funds are allocated according to
the rules of MMDR act.
2. Legislation
The DMF funds were set up under Section 9B of Mines and Minerals (Development and
Regulation) MMDR amendment act. The act says that every mine holder has to
contribute 10% of their loyalty towards the funds.
3. Pradhan Mantri Khanij Khsetra Kalyana Yojana

The DMF funds are used to implement the scheme. The scheme focuses on safeguarding
environment, health and economic conditions of the tribal people. This is because, most
of the productive mines in the country are located in the tribal areas.
4. DMF Funds
The DMF funds so far were used for drinking water supply, health care, environment
preservation, women welfare, education, sanitation and skill development.
241. Mutation and Pangolins main source of COVID-19
According to a research published in the journal “Pathogen”, virus jumped to humans

from Pangolins. Also, mutation was the main reason for the virus to target human cells
so easily and hence leads to fast spread of the virus.
1. Highlights
The study has found that the virus has jumped to humans from Pangolins. Pangolins are
the most trafficked animals in China. They are traded for their medicinal values. The
initial cases of the virus were reported to have originated from the Hunan market of
Wuhan city where illegal trade of Pangolins is common. Wuhan was the epicenter of the
COVID-19 outbreak.
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2. How does the Virus enter Human Cells?
The COVID-19 virus has a spike protein. These proteins contain Receptor Binding Domain
(RBD) that facilitates the entry of the virus. The RBD binds with the angiotensin-
converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) found in lungs, heart, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
3. Mutation
The researchers say that COVID-19 is a mutated version of SARS virus that created an
epidemic in 2002-03. Also, the mutation increased their ability to get bonded to ACE-2
enzymes.
242. India-Japan sign Rs 15,295 crores rail project
On March 27, 2020, the JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency), a funding
agency of the Japanese Government signed an agreement with GoI for 3 mega rail
infrastructure projects. The project cost has been estimated as Rs 15,295 crores
1. Highlights
According to the agreements, Rs 8,553 crores have been granted by the JICA for phase I
of the Dedicated Freight Corridors to be constructed in India. Also, JICA has granted Rs
4,262 crores for the Mumbai-Trans Harbour link project. Around Rs 2,480 crores have
been granted for the Mumbai Metro Line Project.
2. Significance
The dedicated freight corridor aims at fulfilling the increased freight transport demand in
the country. It will act as a backbone for the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor
development plan.
243. DRDO develops N99 masks, ventilators and hand sanitizers to help
fight against COVID-19
The DRDO (Defence Research Development Organization) has been tracking the spread
of the COVID-19 virus since it began to spread in China. Now, the organization has
developed four items to help India in its “War against Corona”.
1. Highlights
The DRDO has developed hand sanitizer, ventilators, five-layer masks and body suits.
2. Hand Sanitizer
Around 4,000 litres of hand sanitizers have been developed for the Indian Armed Forces,
Security Corps and Medical corps. The organization has developed 1,500 litres for the
Ministry of Defence and 300 litres for the Parliament.
3. N99 masks
DRDO has developed 5-layer N99 masks. Among the five layers, 2 layers are made of
nano mesh. The organization is to manufacture 10,000 such masks a day. The cost of
the mask is Rs 70 per piece
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4. Ventilators
The Society for Biomedical Technology programme, operating under DRDO has been
modified to fulfil the current needs. The programme will now be deployed to
manufacture ventilators. Around 5,000 ventilators are to be produced in the first month.
It is then to gradually be increased to 10,000 in the subsequent month.
5. Body Suits
The body suits developed by DRDO earlier for medical and paramedical staffs for
radiological emergencies has now been converted into a full body suit that will help to
stop contamination.
244. Project Arunank running in full swing in China border despite of

COVID-19
The Border Road Organization (BRO) is working in full swing to completely replace the
Daporijo bridge. The bridge os the only line of communication to 451 villages located in
the China border. Also, the BRO is engaged in snow clearance of Manali-Leh axis to
provide relief to Ladakh and Lahaul valley.
1. Project Arunank
The Project Arunank is being implemented by BRO in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
The project aims at linking remote regions of the borders with well developed strategic
roads.
2. Daporijo Bridge
The Daporijo bridge is being constructed across the Subansiri river. The bridge was
completely rusted and was a serious threat to the commuters.
3. Subansiri River
The Subansiri river runs in the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It is the largest
tributary of Brahmaputra river.
245. What is Defence Production Act, 1950 invoked in the US?
US President Donald Trump invoked the Defence Production Act recently. The act has
been invoked in order to direct General Motors, a Multinational Corporation to
manufacture ventilators needed to fight COVID-19.
1. Highlights
The act was enacted in 1950 in response to Korean War. Under the act, President
Truman established defence mobilization and also imposed price controls and regulated
heavy industries.
2. Three Major Sections of the act

 The act authorizes the president of the United States to make or even force a business to
accept and prioritize contracts that are essential for defence of the country.
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 It authorizes the President to frame regulations, order to allocate services, materials and
facilities that will promote defence of the country.
 It also authorizes the President to force industries to expand production, impose price
controls and control consumers to allocate raw materials to fulfill the needs of the country.
246. Home Ministry changes rules: State Disaster Relief Funds to be

used for migrant workers
On March 28, 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs introduced new rules under the State
Disaster Response Fund. Under the rules, the funds are to be used to facilitate
availability of temporary accommodation and food for the migrant workers.
1. Kolar Mines
Over 1,3000 migrants that attempted to return to Andhra Pradesh from Kola mines have
been stopped and quarantined in Kolar district. The Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh state
governments are working to facilitate precautionary measures to make sure none of
them are infected with COVID-19.
2. Odisha
The Odisha Government has set up 36 temporary camps to provide shelter and food to
the workers migrating from states. They are migrating from West Bengal, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana and
Andhra Pradesh.
247. Lock Down: Agriculture and allied activities exempted
On March 28, 2020, the Union Agriculture Minister announced that agriculture and
farming related activities have been exempted from Lock Down. This was introduced in
the second addendum introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
1. Highlights
Under the second addendum issued by the Home Ministry towards the lock down, the
following categories have been exempted
2. Significance
The move has been brought in to facilitate unhindered activities related to farming and
agriculture. Also, this will also ensure supply of essential commodities to common people
during the lock down.
248. Major Relief Measures by Power Ministry during Lock Down
On March 28, 2020, the Ministry of Power approved major relief measures to provide
power supply 24/7 to all the consumers. In order to achieve this the generation,
transmission and distribution operations are to run continuously round the clock
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In India, 70% of power generation is coal based. Therefore, it is important to maintain
the continuity of coal supply. Also, due to lock down the consumers have not paid their
dues. This has affected the liquidity positions of the distribution companies.
2. Steps taken
The Ministry of Power has issued directions to the Central Electricity Regulatory
commission. According to the guidelines, the commission is to provide moratorium of
three months to the Discoms in order to make payments to the generating companies.
3. What are Discoms?

A Discom is Distribution Company (in India). These are companies that are not
generating power by themselves. Rather they buy power from some one else and
distribute it to the consumers.
249. Access to “SWAYAM”, National Online Education Platform has

tripled
On March 28, 2020, the Ministry of HRD (Human Resources Department) announced that
the access to the National Online Education Platform called the SWAYAM has tripled
since Lock Down.
1. Highlights
The Ministry of HRD has been trying to make sure the students can continue their
education from home during the lockdown. The response has been overwhelming
according to the ministry.
2. SWAYAM
SWAYAM is Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds. It was launched in
2014. The main aim of the online platform is to provide best quality education to around
3 crore students in the country. The SWAYAM MOOCs aims to address the needs of
school level students studying 9th to 12th and to the post graduate students.
250. GoI sets up PM-CARES Funds to fight against COVID-19
On March 28, 2020, Prime Minister Modi announced PM-CARES Fund. The fund is being
raised to deal with the distress or emergency as that of COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Highlights
PM-CARES is Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations fund.
It is a dedicated fund with the primary objective to deal with threats like COVID-19. A
trust has been created to collect these funds. Prime Minister of India is the Chairman of
the trust. The other members of the trust include Finance Minister, Home Minister and
Defence Minister.
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2. Features of the Funds
Funds being donated to the PM-CARES trust is to be exempted from tax under Section
80(G) of the Income Tax Act. The account of the fund is held by the State Bank of India.
3. PM National Relief Funds

The other funds that are in the hands of the Prime Minster include PM National Relief
Funds. He is the chairman of the fund. It was raised by the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru.
March 29, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
251. India to participate in WHO trials of COVID-19
On March 28, 2020, ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) announced that India is to
participate in trials of WHO (World Health Organization). The trials are to identify
potential cures for the outbreak of COVID-19.
1. Highlights
So far, the COVID-19 infected cases were few in numbers that India could not participate
in the trials. Now with the number of cases increasing to 940, India becomes eligible to
participate in the WHO solidarity trials. The WHO has launched 4 mega trials. The trials
include the use of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, currently used by India and also
HIV drugs such as Lopinavir and Ritonavir.
2. Current Steps
India is to import 3.4 million probes for rapid testing of the virus. India will participate in
all the trials of WHO. There are around 50 different trials being conducted by the
organization.
252. Corona Virus: GoI launched CoNTeC to connect Doctors in India with
AIIMS
On March 28, 2020, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched CoNTec. CoNTeC
is COVID-19 Telecommunication Centre. The platform aims to connect the doctors in the
country with AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences).
1. Highlights
The platform is to be active 24/7. Doctors will be available in the platform throughout to
answer queries and help in real time treatment of COVID-19 patients.
2. About CoNTeC
CoNTeC is a telecommunication hub. The hub will act 24/7 where experts from different
clinical domains will answer questions from specialists spread across the country. The
initiation is to be extended widely all over the world in the future.
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253. Supreme Court Extends Deadline of Transition from BS IV to BS VI
With the Nation-wide Lock Down to contain the spread of Corona Virus, the Supreme
Court extended transition from BS IV to BS VI by 10 more days. Initially the deadline was
March 31, 2020. However, the order does not apply to the National Capital Region.
1. Highlights
The order comes after the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association moved to the
Supreme court to relax the deadline to sell their stocks of BS IV vehicles. According to
the petition filed by the association, currently there are 7 lakhs unsold two wheelers,
12,000 commercial vehicles and 15,000 cars of BS IV standard.
2. BS VI Standard
The BS VI standard emits five times lesser than that of BS IV standard. The major
upgrade that is being brought in BS VI standard is in terms of fuel. A BS VI vehicle should
use BS VI fuel. The BS VI fuel has five times lesser Sulphur. Also, the nitrogen oxide
levels for BS VI petrol and diesel engines are to be brought down by 70% and 25%.
254. Ministry of Defence: One Day Salary to PM-CARES Fund; Rs 500

crore contribution
On March 29, 2020, Ministry of Defence approved the proposal to contribute one day
salary of the employees to the PM-CARES fund. This will amount to Rs 500 crores.
1. Highlights
The salary will collectively include funds from Army, Air Force, Navy and other Defence
PSUs. The contribution is voluntary and employees willing to opt out are to be exempted.
2. Legislation
The Army Act, 1950 allows to make such deductions from the salary of the army
personnel. However, only authorized deductions are allowed. This is ruled under Section
25 of Army Act, 1950.
3. Pay Commission
The Pay Commission is set up by the GoI. It recommends changes to the salary structure
of Government Employees including Defence personnel. So far, 7 pay commissions have
been set up in the Indian history since independence.
4. First Pay commission

The first pay commission was set up in 1947 under the leadership of Srinivasa
Varadachariar. It was called the Post war pay committee. In 1947-48, the Indo-Pakistani
war or the first Kashmir war was fought. The committee did not mention about pension
benefits of the defence personnel. The pension of the defence forces were fixed by a
separate committee called the “Armed Forces Pension Revision Committee” set up in
1949-50.
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255. FDA approves Convalescent Plasma Treatment for seriously ill

COVID-19 patients
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States has approved the use of
Convalescent plasma collected from patients recovered from COVID-19 to treat seriously
ill COVID-19 patients. The idea of the method is to inject plasma with antibodies into
critically ill patients for them to gain immunity against the virus.
1. Highlights
The Convalescent plasma treatment had earlier been studied during the outbreaks of
2003 SARS-CoV-1 epidemic, 2009-10 H1N1 influenza virus and 2012 MERS-CoV
epidemic.
2. What is Plasma?
Plasma is the major part of the blood. Apart from RBC, WBC and platelets in the blood,
all the other fluid content is referred as Plasma. It makes up more than 55% of blood in
human body. When separated from blood, it becomes light yellow liquid. This is because,
blood is red in color due to the RBCs.
256. RBI approves Mega Bank Consolidation Plan
The Reserve Bank of India is to implement a merger plan of 10 state-run banks into 4
larger banks from April 1, 2020. The Amalgamation of the banks had been notified by
the GoI earlier of March 2020.
1. Amalgamation Plan
According to the plan, the United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce are to be
merged with Punjab National Bank. The Syndicate Bank is to be amalgamated with
Canara Bank. The Allahabad Bank is to be amalgamated with Indian Bank. Also, Andhra
Bank and Corporation Bank are to be amalgamated with Union Bank of India.
2. RBI’s approval
The amalgamation plan has been initiated by the GoI. However, the plan is to be
implemented by RBI. This is because the Reserve Bank plays the role of the apex in
banking sector.
3. Section 7 of RBI act

The Section 7 of the RBI act empowers the GoI to make rulings on the functioning of RBI
in matters of public interest. With this power, the Finance Minister has initiated the
amalgamation plan and the plan has been approved by RBI.
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257. India to get uninterrupted LPG supply from Saudi Arabia
On March 29, 2020, the Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that Saudi
Arabia has assured India on uninterrupted LPG supply amidst growing threat of COVID-
19.
1. LPG in India
India is the second largest importer of LPG in the world. It fulfils half of its requirements
from the middle east countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait.
2. LPG Imports of India

With Government of India promoting cleaner fuel, the usage of LPG in India has
increased. In the year 2018-19, the usage of LPG in the country increased by 6.9% as
compared to the previous year. In 2020, it increased by 6.7%. The imports increased by
15.9% as compared to the earlier year.
3. LPG and Kerosene

With increased usage of LPG, the usage of Kerosene began to decrease. The sales of
Kerosene decreased by 10% in 2018-19. GoI is slowly trying to stop selling Kerosene as
domestic fuel. Kerosene is currently sold at subsidized rates in pubic distribution shops
operated by GoI.
258. 500 officials of TRIFED Van Dhan India unleash power of Webinars
to Work from Home
On March 29, 2020, around 500 officials of TRIFED (The Tribal cooperative Marketing
Development federation of India) operating under Ministry of Tribal Affairs unleashed the
power of Webinars.
1. Highlights
The Trifed Social Media team has reached 2.5 million people in three days. TRIFED Van
Dhan GIS based website gathered more than 50 lakh tribal gatherers spread across 27
different states. Through “Tech for Tribals” scheme that was recently launched in March
2020, around 3.5 lakh tribal entrepreneurs were gathered.
2. Significance
This shows that the Government of India activities to develop the Tribals are in full swing
despite the Lock Down in the country due to the threat of COVID-19.
3. TRIFED
The TRIFED has so far set up 1,205 Van Dhan Centres. Around 3 lakh and 70 thousand
tribals are employed through these centres. They will be greatly affected if not
addressed during Lock Down. There are plans to link these products to the E Commerce
portals in the country to keep their sales on. A separate portal has been suggested by
TRIFED to help Artisans and other tribal gatherers.
137
March 30, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
259. Panel set up by PMO to mitigate COVID-19 and restore normalcy

after 21 Days Lock Down
On March 29, 2020 the Prime Minister Office constituted a high-level panel to restore
normalcy after 21 days of normalcy. The high-level committee is to suggest measures to
improve health-care, reduce miseries and put the economy back on track.
1. Highlights
The committee is to work under the chairmanship of P K Mishra, principal secretary of
the Prime Minister. The committee will have separate task forces. Each group is to have
6 members. In all 20 secretaries and 40 other officials have been employed.
2. Economic Affairs
The “Economy and Welfare” panel will work under the Economic Affairs Secretary. The
panel has been tasked to bring out solutions to the issues caused in formal and informal
sectors that are hit hard due to COVID-19. It will also suggest special welfare schemes
targeting the poor that has suffered a lot due to the virus
3. Health
Another working group has been constituted under the leadership of Niti Aayog member
V K Paul. The team is to suggest measures to keep the supply of medical equipment,
medicines continuous and also ensure hospital availability. It will also work towards
increasing the number o trained medical professionals.
260. APMC provides Guidelines to prevent crowding in Mumbai
The Agricultural Produce Market committee has issued guidelines to prevent crowding in
markets in Mumbai. The committee has come up with the move as the vegetable traders
have stopped working to protect themselves from the virus. This has increased the rush
in markets. Similar issues has been faced by markets in other parts of the country as
well.

On March 28, 2020, the vegetable markets across the country saw huge rush of
customers as the traders have stopped working. However, the supply chain has to be
kept running for the essentials to reach citizens on time.
2. Guidelines
According to the new guidelines 30% of the traders will function. These traders will get
separate approval from the board on the quantity to be sold and can order stock only
after approval comes in. Loading of goods are to be done on Monday, Wednesday and
Friday. Unloading of goods are to be done on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
138
3. APMC
The APMC are established by the State governments. They help to safeguard farmers
from large retailers. The committee also makes sure that the farm to retail price does
not spread at high levels. It operates on two major principles namely
261. Air Vice Marshal Chandan Singh Rathore passed away
On March 29, 2020, the Mahavir Chakra recipient Air Vice Marshall Chandan Singh
Rathore died at his Jodhpur residence. His services during the 1962 war and 1971 war
were impeccable.
1. 1971 war
During the 1971 war with Pakistan, for the liberation of Bangladesh, he planned and
executed the helicopter operations. Under his directions the Indian Air Force airlifted two
companies of troops in Sylhet area. He also flew 8 missions into the enemy territory to
supervise the progress of the uplift.
2. Maha Vir Chakra

Maha Vir Chakra is the second highest military award after Param Vir Chakra. The award
shall be provided posthumously. It is presented for the acts of bravery in the presence of
enemy.
3. 1962 War
In 1962 war, he was given the duty of supply dropping in Ladakh. When he reached the
zone, he found that the areas were under heavy fire with attacks from Chinese forces.
He still dropped the vital supplies successfully though his aircraft was hit 19 times by the
enemy firings. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for his bravery.
262. Earth Hour: A Symbolic Movement of “Lights OFF” to save

environment
Since 2007, every year million participate in the campaign called “Earth Hour” on March
28. The event is organized by the World wide Fund
1. Highlights
The event was first started in Sydney, Australia. The main aim of the marking Earth Hour
is to call attention towards global warming, loss of biodiversity and climate change.
During the one-hour campaign, businesses and people all over the world switch off
unnecessary lights and electronic items between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
2. Significance
Every year, the support for the Earth Hour is increasing. This year many have taken the
event to social media. This says that the awareness among people towards sustainability
is increasing. The event also brings people together. It also pushes to bring about
legislative changes including sustainable agriculture and renewable energy growth.
139
263. NSTIs of Skill Development to be used as Quarantine Centres for

COVID-19
On March 29, 2020, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has decided
to convert National skill Training Institutes (NSTI) into quarantine isolation facilities.
1. Highlights
Along with Quarantine Centres, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
is to provide 1 lakh personnel trained in healthcare skills to the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare. These personnel were trained under Skill India Mission. Also, the ministry
is to share 2,00 health care trainers and 500 health care assessors with the Health
Ministry.
2. NSTI
National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI) are run by the Directorate General of Training. It
operates under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. They train personnel
according to the current need of Government of India. This is based on the welfare
schemes or the sectors the government intends to develop in the recent times.
3. Skill India Mission

Skill India Mission was launched in 2015 by PM Modi. It aims to train more than 40 crore
people in different skills by 2022. The United Kingdom has entered into partnership with
India under the mission.
264. Insurance Scheme for Health Care Workers fighting COVID-19
On March 29, 2020, the Government of India approved insurance scheme for health
workers that are fighting against Corona Virus. The Scheme was announced under the
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package that was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitaraman on March 26, 2020.
1. Key Features of the Scheme

Under the scheme, the health workers are to receive Rs 50 lakhs for 90 days of their
service. On the whole a total of 22.12 lakh public health care providers have been
selected under the scheme. This includes workers that have direct contact with patients
infected with COVID-19. Also, it includes doctors, sanitation staff, paramedics, Asha
workers and nurses.
2. ASHA Workers
ASHA workers are Accredited Social Health Activist. He or she is a community health
worker working under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. ASHA workers are a part of
the National Rural Health Mission that was launched in 2005.
3. IRDAI
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is also on the verge of
developing an insurance policy to cover COVID-19 infected patients at large.
140
265. GoI: No plans to extend 21-days of Lock Down; Science behind 21-
day Lock Down
On March 30, 2020, the Government of India clarified that it had no plans to extend the
21 day lock down that was begun on March 25, 2020. The announcement comes to
clarify rumours and fake news about extension of 21 day lock down
1. Why the 21-days Lock Down?

There are rich scientific data behind the 21-days of lock down. The 21-day quarantine
has already been verified in Ebola cases. The value, ‘21’ was derived from outbreak data
from the past and present public health experiences.
2. The Incubation Period

The Incubation period is the time between exposure of chemical or radiation to a
pathogenic organism and the time it shows signs of disappearance. According to
“Science Daily”, the incubation period of COVID-19 is just five days. It also says that it
will develop symptoms with in 11.5 days of infection.
266. RBI and Finance Ministry to meet to decide on First Half Borrowing
Plan
The Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India is to hold a meeting on March 31,
2020 to discuss about the first half borrowing plan for the year 2020-21. For the first
time in Indian history, the meeting is to be held through video conferencing.
1. The Plan
According to the Union Budget 2020-21, the GoI plans to borrow Rs 5.36 lakh crore
rupees. This is higher than last year borrowing which was Rs 4.99 lakh crore. With this,
the gross borrowing is to become Rs 7.8 trillion. GoI has planned repayment of loans at
Rs 2.35 trillion.
2. India’s Debts
There are several components of debts of India. The borrowings are mainly accounted as
external debt of the country. The external debt of India as of December 2018 is 521
billion USD. This includes money borrowed from international financial institutions,
commercial banks, IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, foreign governments, etc.
267. Odisha Mining Activity greatly affected due to COVID-19; 21 mines

interrupted
With the COVID-19 spreading at faster rate in the country, GoI had extended the
statutory permits of mines for smooth transition. In spite of this, several mines in Odisha
are facing delays of resumption.
141
1. Highlights
The operations of 21 mines have been disrupted completely. The delay in resumption of
merchant mines in the state is to affect demand-supply mismatch greatly. Most of the
small-scale steel plants, pellet makers and sponge iron units are dependent on the
merchant ore market for raw materials. These mines mainly include manganese, iron ore
and chromite.
2. Odisha Resources
The state is rich in Limestone, Manganese ore, iron ore, chromite, bauxite, Dolomite,
graphite, etc. According to Economic Survey, Odisha is the major supplier of raw
materials in the country. Mining contributes 10% of income of the state. It holds 96% of
Chromite and 25% of coal reserves of India. After Mines and Minerals Development and
regulation act, 2015, Odisha was at the forefront in auctioning new mineral blocks.
268. Asian Development Bank to invest 100 million USD in NIIF
On March 30, 2020, the Asian Development Bank announced that it is to invest 100
million USD in National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). The investment during
an economic slow down is a great boost for the Indian Economy.
1. NIIF
The National Investment and Infrastructure Funds were set up in 2015. The main
purpose of the fund is to aid Greenfield and brownfield projects in the country. When an
entity is to use the benefits of the funds, the Indian Government invests 49% and the
rest has to be raised from third party investors.
2. Major funds of NIIF

There are three major funds under NIIF. IT includes Master Fund, Fund of Funds and
Strategic Investment Fund
3. Master Fund
This is an infrastructure fund. These funds shall be used in core infrastructure sectors
such as ports, road, power, etc.
4. Fund of funds
The fund of funds shall be used on affordable housing, green infrastructure and
infrastructure services. These funds are availed only to fund managers who have good
track on infrastructure projects
5. Strategic Investment Fund

This fund is registered under SEBI. These funds focus on green field and brown field
investments.
142
269. Baltic Sea: Seal Pups face tough winter due to reduced ice levels
The Seals need ice to keep themselves safe from predators such as wolves and foxes.
However, the declining ice in the Baltic sea has disrupted their survivals
1. Highlights
With depleting ice levels, the seals are forced to inhabit the islets (small islands) that
they normally hesitate to inhabit. This has caused overcrowding and is disrupting the
survival rates of their pups. Around 3,000 Seal pups are born on the Baltic Sea Coats
every year.
2. Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea is a Mediterranean Sea. It is enclosed by Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania,
Sweden, Poland, Germany, Russia. The group of countries that are currently referred to
Baltic states are Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
3. Helsinki Convention
The Helsinki Convention that was signed in 1992 is on the protection of the marine
environment of Baltic Sea. It was signed by Russia, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Estonia,
Poland, USSR, Germany, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark and Finland.
270. Tamil Nadu Governor allocates 1 Crore to PM-CARES Fund
On March 30, 2020, the Governor of Tamil Nadu Banwarilal Purohit allocated 1 crore
rupees to PM Cares Fund and another 1 crore towards the Tamil Nadu CM Public Relief
Fund (CMPRF). The funds were released from the Governor’s Discretionary Grant.
1. Highlights
In Tamil Nadu, the number of COVID-19 infected cases suddenly increased by 17 in a
single day. This was the highest increase in the state since the inception of spread of the
virus in the state.
2. Constitutional Provisions
There are two types of Grants provisioned in the Constitution of India. They are Statutory
Grants and Discretionary Grants. The Statutory Grants are those grants that are defined
by Article 275. They are charged on Consolidated Funds of India. They are mainly used
on the welfare of scheduled tribes of the country.
271. International Table Tennis Federation suspends events, freezes

World Rankings
On March 30, 2020 the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) announced that it is
suspending all the planned events till June 30, 2020. The decision was taken during the
ITTF meeting that was held to discuss the effects of Novel Corona Virus.
143
1. Highlights
The ITTF is suspending all the events that were planned due to the postponement of
Tokyo Olympics, 2020 and Paralympic Games. The Committee has also decided to freeze
the rankings.
2. ITTF
The ITTF is the governing body of all the national table tennis associations spread all
over the world. The Headquarters of the Federation is located in Switzerland. It was
founded in 1926. There are six continental federations operating under ITTF. They are
Table Tennis Federation of India located in India, Asian Table Tennis Union of Asia,
European Table Tennis Union of Europe, Latin American Table Tennis Union, Oceania
Table Tennis Federation and North American Table Tennis Union.
272. Rajasthan celebrates Statehood Day
Every year, Rajasthan celebrates its Statehood Day on March 30. Popularly known as
“Land of the Kings”, it is the largest Indian state in area. The day is also called
“Rajasthan Day”.
1. Highlights
This year, the state is silent due to the lock down in the country. Usually there are
radiant and invigorating events held all over the state. The state was earlier called
‘Rajputana’. It got its recognition and its name as Rajasthan when it was formed on
March 30, 1949.
2. How was Rajasthan formed?

Rajasthan was formed with the unification of states namely Kota, Tonk, Shahpura,
Pratagarh, Kishangarh, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Bundi and Banswara. The Maharana of
Udaipur joined Rajasthan after three days of its formation.
March 31, 2020
_____________________________________________________________________________
273. WHO criticizes India over issues faced by Migrants during Lock
Down
On March 30, 2020, the World Health Organization condemned countries including India
for not taking actions to address the concerns of daily workers and migrant workers.
1. Highlights
The organization had also condemned certain states in India like Bihar and Rajasthan for
suspending their routine immunization programmes. Also, the closure of outpatient
departments in government hospitals especially in AIIMS was of great concern to the
organization.
144
2. WHO on Anti-Malarial Drug
Only India and USA are currently using the Anti-Malarial Drug called Hydroxychloroquine
on a larger scale. The drugs are prescribed for asymptomatic persons that are in close
contact with the COVID-19 patients. India has also banned the export of the drug
adopting wider usage.
3. Suggestions
The WHO recommends balanced approach in dealing with the virus. The organization
recommends the approach of United Kingdom of using 20,000 retired health workers.
Also, it calls upon the companies to talk to the companies to increase their production.
274. COVID-19: New Technology to Disinfect Maharashtra Hospitals

under “NIDHI PRAYAS” Programme
A new technology has been adopted by the Maharashtra hospitals in the fight of COVID-
19 fight. The technology was developed by a Pune based Start Up.
1. What is the product?

The product developed is a Negative Ion Generator. It has been named “Scitech Airon”.
It helps to control bacteria, virus and fungal infections. The product disinfects areas that
were exposed to infections thereby it ensures well being of doctors, nurses and staffs in
the hospital. The product is highly useful in quarantine facilities. The Department of
Science and Technology has released Rs 1 crore to manufacture the product in a larger
scale. Around 1,000 of them are to be produced soon.
2. Working
The Scitech Airon machine creates negatively charged ions. These ions form clusters
around viruses, bacteria and other airborne molds. They then render them inactive
through chemical reactions by creating Hydroxyl radicals (OH) groups. Apart from
pathogens, the machine also decomposes harmful pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide,
Nitrogen dioxide, etc.
3. NIDHI PRAYAS
There is lack of support in the early stages of prototyping in the country/ This causes
many innovators to lose interest in the early stages. PRAYAS is Promoting and
Accelerating Young and Aspiring technology entrepreneurs. It is one of the 9
programmes launched to turn the ideas of young innovators into proof of concepts.
275. Peak Hour Pollution flattened due to COVID-19
In Indian big cities, the peak hour pollution in the morning and evening flattened due to
the lock down. The lock down imposed in the country to contain the spread of COVID-19
has brought down particulate matter of sizes less than 2.5 microns greatly.
145
1. Highlights
The big metropolitans like Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad had
evidential reduction of pollution level according to Centre for Science and Environment.
The Centre says that the pollution levels in the peak hour has gone down by 60% in
several cities.
2. Delhi
The Delhi Air Quality Index turned to Good from Hazardous. In Delhi, the PM 2.5
concentration levels dropped down by 57%, Nitrogen Dioxide levels dropped down by
64%. According to SAFAR, vehicles contribute to 40% of total particulate pollution in
Delhi.
3. Data from CPCB

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, around 92 cities in the country have
recorded pollution level of “Good” from “Satisfactory”.
4. Air Quality Index

The pollution levels are said to moderate when the AQI is between 100 and 200. It is
satisfactory when the AQI is between 50 and 100. The pollution levels is categorized as
Good when the AQI is between 0 and 50. The other categories are poor (201-300), very
poor (301-400) and severe (401-500).
276. Study of Community Forest Resources by Ministry of Tribal Affairs
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently commissioned a study about Community Forest
resource Rights. According to the study, broad guidelines are needed to implement
Community Forest Rights.
1. Legislation
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
Rights) act, 2006, also called the FRA act defines the Community Forest resource Rights.
The FRA also says that a village shall get its traditionally held forest land. It provides the
Gram Sabhas the right to protect, conserve and regenerate.
2. Suggestions provided by the Study

Apart from FRA act, 2006, the 73rd amendment of the constitution also empowers the
Gram Sabhas to govern community forests. However, there are no guidelines to
implement Community Forest Rights. The State Governments should create guidelines
according the locals and their traditions. It should also focus on capacity building of
Gram Sabha members. Micro-plans should be prepared so that the Gram Sabhas shall
facilitate sustainable forest management.
146
277. United Nations: India and China likely to stay away from Global
Recessions
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) made a new
analysis under the title “The COVID-19 Shock to Developing Countries”.
1. Highlights
The analysis says that leading exporting countries are to face drop in investments
between 2 trillion USD and 3 trillion USD in the next two years. The world economy is to
go into recession in 2020-21 in spite of the G20 countries infusing 5 trillion USD. The
predicted loss of global economy this year is expected to be in trillion USD. In just two
months since the spread of the virus, developing countries have taken a huge hit in
terms of currency depreciation, capital outflows, falling commodity prices, losing export
earnings, declining tourist revenues.
2. India and China

The report also says that India and china are to stay out of these global recessions.
However, the report did not give proper explanation for the countries being out of the
recession. Recently, the ICRA, Moody’s and other leading market observers have
predicted that the growth rate of India is to decline. However, they did not bring out
factors that might put India in recession mode. This says that though India is to get
affected economically by the virus, the impacts are to be minimal as compared to other
developing countries.
278. Global Sugar Supply Chains hit globally
The international sugar prices have fell from 15 USD to 12 USD per pound. Also, the
Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has reduced its off-take from mills in the last 15
days. The sugar stock in the wholesale market and retail markets have been sold
completely according to ISMA.
1. Highlights
The fresh sugar procurement in India has come to a halt. However, new markets are
being opened for India. This includes Thailand, Indonesia and Australia. These markets
are opening towards India for the following reasons
2. Current Scenario in India

Indian mills have so far dispatched 3 million tonnes of sugar for export. The maximum
admissible export quantity (MAEQ) of sugar is 6 million tonnes. The MAEQ is determined
by the Government of India.
279. China recommends Bear Bile as a cure for COVID-19
The Chinese Government has put on a list of medicines that shall be used to treat
COVID-19. It includes both Chinese traditional medicines and western medicines as well.
147
Among these, “Tan Re Qing” has been identified as best cure. This traditional medicine
carries bear bile
1. Bear Bile
The use of Bear bile in Chinese medicine is being done for more than 1,300 years now.
Liver secretes bile juice and the gall bladder stores it.

The extraction of bile from gall bladder of bear is painful process. Therefore, it becomes
important to protect the wildlife through strict hunting laws. With the COVID-19
spreading at faster rate, it is important to save these animals that possess cure.
3. China’s Actions
The Chinese Government in the end of February 2020 imposed permanent ban on
trading, hunting and transportation of wild animals shocking the conservationists in the
country. China reports that in the last 15 years, over dozens of novel Corona Virus have
been found. This primarily got transmitted to humans from bats.
280. US-Iran: Four Nuclear Restrictions renewed by US
On March 30, 2020, the US renewed four nuclear restrictions imposed on Iran. The
restrictions were imposed to prevent Iran from building its nuclear programme.
1. Highlights
The nuclear restrictions on Iran imposed by the US has been renewed for another 60
days. The decision makes it harder for Iran to work on its Nuclear programme amidst the
threat of COVID-19.
2. US-Iran
US and Iran signed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that aimed at curbing nuclear
programme of Iran in 2015. Under the deal, most of Iran’s Uranium were shipped out of
the country. Several operational nuclear operations of Iran were brought under
international inspection. Also, a heavy water facility was made inoperable.
3. How is India affected?

Sanctions and hinderances to trade in Iran will affect India’s oil imports greatly. When US
pressurized in similar way to cut oil imports from Venezuela. This had then affected
India’s oil trade greatly.
281. Extraordinary G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meet
On March 31, 2020, the “Extraordinary G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Virtual
Meet” was held through video conferencing. The Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
represented India at the meet.
148
1. Highlights
India had called for easy movement of health professionals and enhanced access to
affordable medicines across national borders. Amidst the threat of COVID-19, India is
supplying affordable medical products to nearly 190 countries in the world.
2. G-20
A week back a G20 video conference was hosted by Saudi Arabia. As a member of the
grouping, India was represented by PM Modi. During the meet, the leaders pledged to
infuse 5 trillion USD into the global economy. The idea was to reduce the impact of the
global recession in the world due to the increasing threats of COVID-19.
282. “Stranded in India” Portal launched to help Foreign Tourists
On March 31, 2020, the Ministry of Tourism had launched “Stranded in India”, a portal
aimed to support foreign tourists.
1. Highlights
The portal aims to disseminate information to the foreign tourists stuck far away from
their homeland amidst COVID-19 threats and Lock Down. The tourists can use the portal
to learn information about steps or measures being made by the Indian Government and
the foreign government to take them home safely. The portal also holds contact details
through which the stranded tourists can contact Ministry of Tourism. The Tourism
ministry will help them contact concerned authorities and will also ensure their well
being.
2. Other Features
The website also holds contact details of list of officers that are appointed to assist the
stranded tourists. Every officer has been given charge of a country. Currently the service
has been extended to tourists from US, Spain, Italy, Japan, Russia, China and Latin
America. Slowly the service is to be extended to other countries as well.
3. Significance
This will help curb fake news that is being spread on social media. Recently the Indian
High Commission in the UK took it to Twitter to clarify that no evacuation flights are
being arranged for Indians in the UK. The fake news was spread through Whatsapp
couple of days ago.
283. Indian Railways offer 3.2 lakh isolation beds
The Indian Railways until 31 March, 2020 has modified 20,000 coaches to accommodate
3.2 lakh people. It is still working with 5,000 more coaches to add 80,000 more beds.
149
1. Highlights
The Indian Railway coaches have been converted into isolation wards to fulfil the
isolated quarantine requirements to treat COVID-19 patients. One single coach is
expected to support 16 beds of isolation. The coaches will also have nurses cabins. Only
non-AC coaches are being converted into quarantine coaches.
2. Other Measures
The Indian Railways has launched several measures to help fight against COVID-19. It
offered special parcel services to prevent the uninterrupted flow of essential supplies in
the country. The IRCTC provided free food to the migrant workers stranded on roads.
The Central Government Employees were allowed to use Railway hospitals.
284. SEZs manufacturing essentials like pharmaceuticals, hospital

equipment are operational
Around 280 SEZ (Special Economic Zones) that are involved in manufacturing essential
goods such as pharmaceuticals, drugs and hospital equipment are operational amidst
Lock Down. These economic zones contribute 18% of the exports of the country.
1. Highlights
While addressing the ministers video conference of G20, the Union Minister Piyush Goyal
said that India has not reduced its pharmaceutical exports and other essentials of 190
countries. This was possible mainly because the SEZs are operational in the country.
2. Special Economic Zones

There are 7 SEZs operating under the Central Government and 12 operating under the
state government or private sector as of July 2019. These SEZs operate under Ministry of
Commerce and Industry. The states were permitted to operate SEZs under SEZ act,
2005. The act defines key role of the state governments in export promotion.
285. COVID-19: Maharashtra and Telangana Government announce

major salary cuts
On March 31, 2020, the Maharashtra and Telangana State Governments announced
major salary cuts.
1. Highlights
The Maharashtra Government had cut 60% of salary from the Chief Minister and other
members of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council and other representatives of
the local governing bodies. The Class A and Class B employees of the government are to
take 50% of cut. There will be no salary cuts for Class D employees that includes office
assistants and peons. So far Maharashtra has reported 225 COVID-19 infected cases and
10 deaths.
150
2. Telangana
The state of Telangana had also announced such salary cuts. The Telangana
Government is to cut 75% of salary from the Chief Minister, members of legislative
assembly and state ministers.
3. 7th Pay Commission

The Seventh Pay commission revised the salaries of State Government employees. It
increased the pay of contractual employees by 10%. It is not necessary that all the state
government employees will receive equal hikes under the revision being made by pay
commission.
286. NASA announces SUNRISE Mission
On March 30, 2020, NASA announced Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment
(SUNRISE) mission. The mission is to study about how sun creates Giant Solar Particle
Storms.
1. Highlights
Studying the solar storms, the mission aims to understand the working of the solar
system. The study will also aid future astronauts travelling to Mars and protect them
from solar storms.
2. About the Mission

The mission is to deploy six CubeSats in Geosynchronous-orbit. The mission has come
true because of the success of DARPA High-Frequency Research and Mars Cube One
(MARCO).
3. Tasks assigned to SUNRISE

The Cubesats will use radio telescope to capture radio images of low-frequency emission
that are emitted from the sun. These will be sent to the earth through Deep Space
Network. Also, the Cubesats will create a 3D mapping to learn about location of giant
particle that are originated from the sun.
151

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1. Corona Virus: WHO increases Global threat; US postpones ASEAN;

3. Geneva International Motor Show

2. Red Panda Species are two separate species

3. Threats and Conservation

3. RalDer-X: New Explosive Detection Device developed by DRDO and

On March 1, 2020, at the National Workshop on Explosive Detection, a new Explosive

4. Asian Development Bank Sanctions 4 million USD to members to

5. IMD: Above Normal Heat Wave during Summer in India

1. Heat Wave Zone

2. What is a Heat Wave?

3. How are Heat Waves formed?

6. Zero Discrimination Day observed all over the world

8. Farmer Welfare: Krishi Vigyan Mela, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference

1. Krishi Vigyan Kendra Conference

3. Krishi Vigyan Mela

9. March 3: World Wildlife Day

2. Significance of the theme

10. National Chambal Sanctuary declared as Eco-Sensitive Zone

On March 2, 2020, the Government of India declared National Chambal Sanctuary as

2. National Chambal Sanctuary

11. EKAM Fest: Event to Promote craftsmanship and products of Divyang

3. Vishesh Microfinance Yojana

2. Minimum Export Price

3. Current Concerns of MEP

1. Land Port Authority of India

15. The Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2019 introduced

1. Key Features of the Bill

2. Powers and Functions

3. Authorities of the Universities

16. GoI Allows Airlines to provide In-Flight WiFi

2. How does an In-Flight WiFi work?

17. GoI nominates 2 sites to be included in World Heritage Sites List

1.1. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

18. Lok Sabha Speaker launches “Suposhit Maa Abhiyan”: To create

1. About the Scheme

19. Financial Assistance to Kaziranga National Park under CAMPA

2. What were the steps taken withe funds?

20. UNHRC files in Supreme Court on Citizenship Amendment Act

1. India on the Move of UNHRC