Daily GK Updates - 29th February, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NITI Aayog partners with NASSCOM to roll out AI Modules in Indian schools: NITI Aayog and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) have collaborated with the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) for the launch of an AI-based Module rolled out for students in Indian schools. The launch was done on February 27, 2020. The AI-Base Module has been introduced with an objective for students to leverage the full potential of AIM’s Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL). The module contains activities, videos and experiments that enable students to work through and learn the various concepts of AI. The AI-Base Module will be implemented across 5,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL), empowering 2.5 million students.

Note: NITI Aayog CEO: Amitabh Kant, Vice Chairman: Rajiv Kumar.

Chairman of NASSCOM: Keshav Murugesh.

2. 11th National Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Conference 2020 Organised in New Delhi: The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the 11th National Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Conference 2020 in New Delhi on 28 February 2020. The theme of the three day national conference is ‘Empowering Youth for Technology Led Farming’. The conference has been organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) from 28th Feb to 1st March 2020. The KVK national conference will mainly highlight technology-led farming and youth entrepreneurship through agriculture which will be attended by all the KVKs across India.

3. PM Lays Foundation Stone for Bundelkhand Expressway in Chitrakoot: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a day long visit to Chitrakoot and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on 29 February 2020. In Chitrakoot, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 296 kilometers long Bundelkhand Expressway, which is estimated to cost Rs 14,716 crore. The expressway will link the Bundelkhand region to the national capital Delhi through the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and the Yamuna Expressway. It will pass through Chitrakoot, Banda, Hamirpur and Jalaun districts of Uttar Pradesh.

PM Modi also launched 10,000 Farmers Producer Organisations(FPOs) all over the country from Chitrakoot and distributed Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to the beneficiaries of the PM-Kisan scheme through a massive distribution drive, organised at the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a Samajik Adhikarita Shivir organised by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at Prayagraj. He distributed 56,000 Aids & Assistive Devices to Divyangjan and Senior Citizens at the event which was the biggest ever distribution camp being conducted in the country in terms of the number of beneficiaries covered and number of appliances distributed.

4. Maharashtra to conserve the native species of cattle through genetic study: Maharashtra government has decided to undertake the genetic study for the conservation of the native species of domesticated animals. The genetic study aims to conserve the native species of domesticated animals in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Under this project, the study of genetic traits of Osmanabadi goat, Red Kandhari cow, Deoni bull, Caravan or Pashmi dogs will be done as the number of pure breeds of these animals is on the decline. The project will also include the analysis of their abilities and adaptation capabilities. The project will be funded by the Maharashtra government.

Note: Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray; Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

5. MoFPI approves Rs 162 cr under Operation Greens scheme: The Ministry of Food Processing Industries(MoFPI) has approved Rs 162 crore under Operation Green scheme which has an outlay of Rs 500 crore to stabilize the supply of tomato, onion and potato (TOP) crops and to ensure their availability round the year without price volatility. The aim of the scheme is to enhance TOP Crops value chain & promote Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), agri-logistics, processing facilities and professional management.

Note: Union Minister of Food Processing Industries: Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

6. Kerala High Court bans all forms of strikes in schools, colleges: The Kerala High Court recently passed an order and banned all types of political movements in the college and school premises. Banning various forms agitations like gherao and sit-in in the campuses, the High Court also said no one can be persuaded to participate in such protests. It observed that those who are not participating in the strike have every right to attend their classes and no one should force them to participate in agitations that affect the smooth conduct of classes. The court said that “the right to education is a fundamental right and no one has the right to violate that right.”

Note: Chief Minister of Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan; Governor of Kerala: Arif Mohammed Khan; Capital of Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. High Court Bans two books for hurting religious sentiments in Bangladesh: The High Court of Bangladesh banned two books for hurting religious sentiment and infringing individual freedom. The books Dia Arefin and Nanir Bani are written by the blogger Diarsi Arag were published by Srishtighar Prokashana in Bangladesh. The court ordered the authorities to ban the publication, sale, distribution and marketing of two books with immediate effect.

2. Abhishek Singh becomes India’s next Ambassador to Venezuela: Abhishek Singh has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. He is currently serving as Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Kabul, Afghanistan. He will succeed Rajiv Kumar Napal, who passed away recently. He is a 2003-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.

Note: Capital of Venezuela: Caracas; Currency of Venezuela: Petro Bolivar Soberano; President of Venezuela: Juan Gerardo Guaido Marquez.

3. World Rare Disease Day: 29 February: Every Year on the last day of February is observed as World Rare Disease Day. The theme of the day this year is ‘Reframe Rare for Rare Disease Day’. It was first launched by Eurordis in 2008. Its objective is to create awareness about the impacts of the disease. The rare diseases include Thalassemia, Haemophilia, Sickle Cell Anaemia and primary immune deficiency according to WHO.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. HDFC Bank launches co-branded credit card with IndiGo: HDFC Bank joined hands with the country's largest airline IndiGo to launch a co-branded credit card. Powered by the Mastercard, the card will effectively work like a loyalty programme for the carrier. Labelled Ka-ching, the card will offer complimentary air tickets, lounge access, 5 per cent cashback on Indigo bookings. With over 14 million active cards, HDFC Bank is by far the largest credit card issuer in the country.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Jadav Payeng honoured with Swami Vivekananda Karmayogi Award 2020: Forest Man of India Jadav Payeng will be awarded Swami Vivekananda Karmayogi Award 2020 in New Delhi. He was awarded the 6th Karmayogi Award for his consistent efforts in creating a real man-made forest through massive reforestation. The award is composed of a trophy, a recitation and a reward of Rs 1 lakh.

Note: Swami Vivekananda Smriti Karmayogi Award is organized by My Home India in New Delhi. The award was conferred for the first time in 2013. Karmayogi Award is presented to great personalities from North-Eastern India who dedicate their lives to Nation and promote Nationalism through art & culture, sports, education, etc. for their contribution to respective fields.

DEFENCE

1. Fifth Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Varad Commissioned into Indian Coast Guard: Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Varad was commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on 28 February 2020 at L&T Kattupalli shipyard, near Chennai. Built by LARSEN & TOUBRO (L&T) Shipbuilding, ICGS Varad is fifth in the series of seven Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) contracted by Ministry of Defence on L&T in March 2015. The vessel has set a record in Indian shipbuilding industry by becoming the first major defence ship to clear all Sea Acceptance Trials (SATs) in a single sea sortie, underlining the high quality of design and construction of these ships.

Note: Shri. Mansukh Mandaviya is the Union Minister of State for Shipping (Independent Charge) and Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertiliser.

OBITUARIES

1. World’s Oldest Man, Chitetsu Watanabe Passes Away: The world’s oldest man, Chitetsu Watanabe of Japan, has passed away at 112. He was born on March 5th, 1907. He received his Guinness World Record certification on February 12, 2020. With the death of Chitetsu Watanabe, Britain’s oldest man, Bob Weighton, who is 111, has now become the oldest person in the world.

  

Daily GK Updates - 28th February, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Bhubaneswar to host 24th Meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council: The 24th Meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council will be chaired by the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah. Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha will be the Vice-Chairman and host of the meeting.

Note: Chief Minister of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik; Governor of Odisha: Ganeshi Lal.

2. Capacity Building Programme for Scheduled Tribe Pri Representatives: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda launched “Programme for Capacity Building of Scheduled Tribe Representatives in Local Self Governments” at Bhubhaneswar (Odisha). He also launched “1000 Spring Initiatives” and an online portal on GIS-based Spring Atlas with hydrological and chemical properties of the Springs. FRA Atlas of Odisha and short documentary film on FRA (Forest Rights Act) in Odisha were also released on the occasion.

Note: Chief Minister of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik; Governor of Odisha: Ganeshi Lal.

3. Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurates BSNL FTTH in Dehradun: Union Communications-Electronics IT Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurated BSNL Fiber to the home (FTTH) and WiFi services at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Free WiFi facility will now be available to passengers at Jolly Grant Airport. Travellers coming from India and abroad will get better facilities through these services.

Note: Uttarakhand Chief Minister: Trivendra Singh Rawat; Governor: Baby Rani Maurya.

4. National Science Day: 28 February: In India, the National Science Day is celebrated on 28 February each year to spread the message about the importance of science in the daily life of the people. The day is also marked to commemorate the discovery of the Raman effect. Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman discovered the Raman effect on 28 February 1928, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. The theme for 2020 National Science Day is “Women in Science.” In 1986 itself, the government designated 28 February as National Science Day.

5. February 27, 2020 observed as India’s first ‘Protein Day’: Right to Protein, a national-level public health initiative has launched India’s first ‘Protein Day’ on February 27, 2020. The aim of the day is to draw public attention, raise awareness, and educate India on the health benefits of protein. The theme of India Protein Day 2020 is set to act as a reminder for all Indians to daily ask themselves and others “ProteinMeinKyaHai”. Globally many countries recognize February 27 as Protein Day and from this year India will also join this movement.

6. Xiaomi to bring ISRO’s NavIC technology to smartphones in 2020: Xiaomi, Chinese tech major will bring ISRO’s Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, NavIC technology to its smartphones after R&D efforts with ISRO and Qualcomm’s efforts. The capability has been currently enabled by Qualcomm Technologies Inc on several of their Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile Platforms and will be made available across multiple Xiaomi smartphones in India. NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is the regional geo-positioning system designed by ISRO to provide accurate positioning in India and the mainland.

Note: ISRO Director: K. Sivan, Headquarters: Bengaluru; Established: 1969.

7. NTPC signs MoU with CPCB to set up air quality monitoring stations: The NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) Ltd has signed an agreement with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to an agreement, NTPC Ltd will provide financial support of Rs 80 Crore for installation and commissioning of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS). 25 Air Quality Monitoring Stations will be installed across 6 states (Jharkhand, UP, Maharashtra, MP, Bihar and TN) and 3 UT (Daman & Diu, Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

8. S N Shrivastava appointed Delhi Police Commissioner: Senior IPS Officer (1985 batch) of Arunachal-Goa-Mizoram Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, S N Shrivastava will hold the additional charge as Delhi Police Commissioner succeeding Amulya Patnaik. He was serving as a Special Director General in Central Reserve Police Force.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sri Lanka Formally Withdraws from UNHRC Resolution: The Government of Sri Lanka has formally withdrawn its co-sponsorship from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Resolution on Sri Lanka on 26 February, 2020. Sri Lanka is withdrawing its co-sponsorship of the Resolution 40/1 and previous Resolutions 30/1 and 34/1. The country will now address issues on accountability through a domestic process. The UNHRC resolution 40/1 was co-sponsored by Sri Lanka and 11 other countries with the aim to investigate war time violence against Tamil Tiger rebels who were demanding separate homeland claiming that they were ethnic tamil minority and eligible for separate homeland.

Note: President of Sri Lanka: Gotabaya Rajapaksa; Prime Minister of Sri Lanka: Mahinda Rajapaksa; Currency of Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan rupee.

2. UN chief issues 7-point ‘call to action’ on human rights: U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced a 7 point “call to action” on human rights to countries, businesses and all people to help renew and revive human rights across the world. He laid down seven-point plan amid concerns about climate change, conflict and repression. His seven-point plan involves linking human rights to issues like sustainable development, crisis prevention, gender equality, the development of the digital age, and freedom of expression and civil society, among other things.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Aadhar enabled Payment System launched by Airtel Payment Bank: Airtel Payments rolled out Aadhaar enabled Payment System (AePS) for easy transactions at over 2,50,000 of its banking points across India. AePS will enable customers to make transactions at the designated points of the Airtel Payments Bank using Aadhaar number or virtual ID without revealing bank account or debit card details

2. External benchmark-based lending for Medium Enterprises: The Reserve Bank of India has directed all Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs), Small Finance Banks and Local Area Banks to link the new floating rate loans given to medium enterprises with external benchmarks. Micro and small enterprises floating rate loans are already linked with external benchmarks. The move will be effective from April 1, 2020. It will strengthen the monetary policy transmission.

3. Finance Secretary launches Baroda Startup banking in 15 cities: Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar inaugurated “Baroda Startup Banking”. It is an initiative aimed at making the Bank of Baroda (BoB) a preferred banking partner for the start-up community and establishing connect with at least 2,000 start-ups over the next two years. The initiative was launched simultaneously across 15 cities in the country.

Note: Headquarters of Bank of Baroda: Vadodara, Gujarat; MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda: Sanjiv Chadha; Chairman of Bank of Baroda: Hasmukh Adhia.

4. Bharti AXA General uses WhatsApp to deliver policy and renewal documents: Bharti AXA General Insurance has started delivering policies and renewal premium to its customers through messaging platform WhatsApp. As part of its strategy, Bharti AXA has introduced WhatsApp chatbot as an instant and user-friendly chat structure where the customers can raise requests simply through numeric inputs. WhatsApp chatbot is an additional customer service option for the policyholders, apart from the company’s multiple channels such as its vast network of branches, robust customer care and contact center, and dynamic portal. This makes the company first among non-life insurers in India to introduce the entire bouquet of service initiatives such as policy documents, renewal notices and claim intimation for its customers by using WhatsApp chatbot.

Note: Headquarters of Bharti AXA General Insurance: Mumbai, India; MD & CEO of Bharti AXA General Insurance: Sanjeev Srinivasan.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Film Editor Sreekar Prasad Enters the Limca Book of Records: Veteran film editor Sreekar Prasad has entered the Limca Book of Records for ‘films edited in most number of languages’. He has edited films in 17 languages which includes Tamil, English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, Nepali, Marathi, Sinhalese, Karbi, Mishing, Bodo, and Pangchenpa. Sreekar Prasad, who is one of the most acclaimed editors of the country, also holds eight National Awards.

2. Raja Ravi Varma Award 2020 conferred: The Raja Ravi Varma State Award was conferred on veteran painter from Kalaburagi, Prof. J.S. Khanderao (for the year 2019) and senior artist from Mumbai, Vasudev Kamath (2020). The award carries a cash prize of Rs.10,000 and a citation. Raja Ravi Varma State Award was instituted by Karnataka’s Shri Ravivarma Art Institute.

Note: Governor of Karnataka: Vajubhai Vala; Chief Minister of Karnataka: BS Yediyurappa; Karnataka Capital: Bengaluru.

DEFENCE

1. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates New Helicopter Production Hangar at HAL: The Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Production Hangar at Helicopter Division in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Complex at Bengaluru, Karnataka on 27 February 2020. The LCH is a 5.5-tonne class combat helicopter, which has been designed and developed by HAL – a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU). LCH is powered by 2 Shakti engines and has many technical features of the Advanced Light Helicopter. LCH is the first attach helicopter to land in Forward Bases at Siachen, 4,700 mts above sea level with 500kg load.

OBITUARIES

1. Centenarian vedic scholar Sudhakar Chaturvedi passes away: Centenarian freedom fighter and Vedic scholar Sudhakar Krishna Rao, widely known as Sudhakar Chaturvedi passed away due to old age related ailments. He was said to be 123 year old. Rao was an eye-witness to the Jalianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919. During the freedom struggle, he was associated with Mahatma Gandhi and been imprisoned in different jails across the country. He had penned about 50 books in Kannada, English and Sanskrit, which include 20 volumes of Veda translation in Kannada.

Daily GK Updates - 27th February, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Government launches MIEWS Portal for Monitoring prices of TOP Crops: Ministry of Food Processing Industries has launched the Market Intelligence and Early Warning System (MIEWS) Web Portal for ‘real time monitoring’ of prices of tomato, onion and potato (TOP) crops. Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries launched the portal. MIEWS system is designed to provide advisories to farmers to avoid cyclical production as well as an early warning in situations of gluts and for simultaneously generating alerts for intervention under the terms of the Operation Greens (OG) scheme.

2. India’s first Artificial Intelligence summit, RAISE 2020 to be held in New Delhi: India’s first Artificial Intelligence summit which is titled RAISE 2020– ‘Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020, will be held from April 11-12 in New Delhi. The theme of the event is: AIforALL. The event will start with a Startup Challenge – Pitchfest followed by the two-day summit, organized by Government of India along with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.  It will witness robust participation from global industry leaders, key opinion makers, Government representatives and academia.

Note: Minister of Science and Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences: Harsh Vardhan.

3. CBSE has launched an Exam center locator app “CBSE ECL”: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released Exam Centre Locator app-CBSE ECL which is an android based mobile app (available on play store) that can be used by students to locate their examination centre. The app will also measure the distance between current location and examination centre. CBSE has also launched an Online Exam Center Management System-OECMS for the school Principals of the school to get real time information in a single click.

4. Union Cabinet approved the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2020: This will allow any "willing" woman to become a surrogate mother to regulate surrogacy while prohibiting commercial surrogacy allowing altruistic ones. As per the new bill, the insurance cover for a surrogate mother has been increased to 36 months from 16 months earlier.

5. Union FPI Minister launches a portal to monitor prices of TOP Crops: Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries launched Market Intelligence and Early Warning System (MIEWS) Web Portal for real time monitoring of tomato, onion and potato (TOP) prices.

This app will also generate alerts for intervention under the Operation Greens (OG) scheme. Prices and Arrivals, Area, Yield and Production, Imports and Exports, Crop Calendars, Crop Agronomy, etc are the main area that will be focused through this app.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Jawed Ashraf becomes India’s next Ambassador to France: Jawed Ashraf has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to France. He is presently High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Singapore. He will succeed Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Vinay Mohan Kwatra will become the next Ambassador of India to Nepal, he will succeed Manjeev Singh Puri.

Note: President of France: Emmanuel Macron; Capital of France: Paris; Currency of France: Euro, CFP Franc.

2. India ranked 3rd in Hurun Global Rich List 2020: Hurun Report has released the Hurun Global Rich List 2020. The Hurun Global Rich List 2020 is a ranking of the US-Dollar billionaires in the world. The 9th edition of the Hurun Global Rich list ranked 2,816 billionaires from 71 countries and from 2,182 companies across the globe having a net worth of $1 billion or even more. Jeff Bezos has topped the list while Mukesh Ambani ranked 9th came out to be the richest in India. China with 799 Billionaires topped the list followed by the USA.  India stood at the third position.

Here is the list of top ten people in Hurun Global Rich List 2020:

Rank	Name	Wealth (US$bn)	Main Company	Country of Residence
1	Jeff Bezos	140	Amazon	USA
2	Bernard Arnault	107	LVMH	France
3	Bill Gates	106	Microsoft	USA
4	Warren Buffett	102	Berkshire Hathaway	USA
5	Mark Zuckerberg	84	Facebook	USA
6	Armancio Ortega	81	Zara	Spain
7	Carlo Slim Helu & family	72	America Movil	Mexico
8	Sergey Brin	68	Google	USA
9	Larry Page	67	Google	USA
9	Mukesh Ambani	67	Reliance	India
9	Steve Ballmer	67	Microsoft	USA

Here is the list of top ten countries in Hurun Global Rich List 2020:

Rank	Country	Number of Billionaires
1	China	799
2	USA	626
3	India	137
4	Germany	122
5	UK	119
6	Russia	91
7	Switzerland	88
8	Brazil	69
9	Thailand	57
10	France	51

3. Cape Town restaurant wins Guinness world milkshake record: Guinness World Records has named a South African restaurant Gibson’s Gourmet Burgers & Ribsas the official titleholder for ‘Most Varieties of Milkshakes Commercially Available’. With a total of 207 varieties on their menu, Gibson’s Gourmet Burgers and Ribs have a milkshake to satisfy every sugarholic. Fat-free, vegan and adults-only alcoholic options are also available.

Note: President of South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa; Capitals of South Africa: Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein; Currency: Rand

4. World NGO Day: 27 February: The World NGO Day is annually observed on February 27. The day aims to raise awareness about the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) sector. The day is observed every year to encourage people worldwide who are involved and dedicatedly working for a good cause. The day highlights the achievements and success of NGOs from all the sectors across the globe. The day makes people understand the role of NGOs in society.

The Day was officially recognised and declared by the 12 member countries (Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Norway and Sweden). It was marked for the first time by UN, EU leaders and international organisations in 2014.

Note: United Nations Development Programme Headquarters: New York, United States; United Nations Development Programme Head: Achim Steiner; United Nations Development Programme Founded: 22 November 1965.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Russian Tennis star Maria Sharapova announces retirement: Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova has announced her retirement from the game of tennis. She is 32. This Russian tennis player won her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2004 aged 17. She became world number one in 2005 and won the US Open in 2006 and completed the career slam, all four major titles, by winning the French Open in 2012. She is a five-time Grand Slam champion. She is a five-time Grand Slam champion. She last won a grand slam in 2014.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI allows Bandhan Bank to open new branches: The Reserve bank of India removes the restrictions placed on Bandhan Bank, allowing it to open new branches without prior permission. The RBI came up with some regulatory conditions & directed the bank to order about 25% of the total banking outlets to be opened in rural areas where banking facilities are not available.

Note: Bandhan Bank Non–Executive Chairman:  Anup Kumar Sinha; MD and CEO of Bandhan Bank: Chandra Shekhar Ghosh; Bandhan Bank Founded: 23 August 2015; Bandhan Bank Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal

2. FM Nirmala Sitharaman Launches EASE 3.0 reform agenda for tech-enabled banking: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the EASE (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence) 3.0 reform agenda on February 26, 2020 to bring reform in the existence of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) through the use of FinTech, AI & analytics. EASE 3.0 aims at providing smart, tech-enabled public sector banking experience for aspiring India, by establishing paperless and digitally-enabled banking at places where people visit the most such as malls, stations etc. With EASE 3.0, the government is trying to enhance the customer experience with the introduction of features like Dial-a-loan, credit at a click, alternate-data-based lending or other analytics-based credit offers.

3. Michael Miebach appointed as new CEO of Mastercard: Michael Miebach has been appointed as the CEO of Mastercard. He will take charge on March 01, 2020. He will replace Ajay Banga who held the position for 10 years. Michael Miebach was the Chief Product Officer of Mastercard before this.

Note: President of Mastercard South Asia: Porush Singh; Mastercard Founded: 1966; Headquarters: New York, US.

4. Rajesh Kumar appointed as MD, CEO of CIBIL: Rajesh Kumar of HDFC Bank has been appointed as the new managing director and chief executive officer of TransUnion Cibil. CIBIL is the largest credit information bureau in India. Before joining Cibil, Rajesh Kumar was the group head for retail credit and risk at HDFC Bank. He succeeds Satish Pillai.

Note: Headquarters of CIBIL: Mumbai; CIBIL founded: August 2000.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. ADB raises $118 million from rupee-linked bonds: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised Rs 850 crore (USD 118 million) from a new issue of offshore Indian rupee-linked 10-year bonds. This represents ADB’s first new maturity raised in Indian rupees since 2017 and contributes to an established yield curve which stretches from 2021 through 2030 with Rs 7,240 crore (USD 1 billion) of outstanding bonds. ADB’s India rupee bonds have been a “game-changer” for local currency operations.

 Note: Formation of ADB: 19 December 1966; Headquarters of ADB: Manila, Philippines; Membership of ADB: 68 countries; President of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa.

DEFENCE

1. EX Indradhanush – 2020 between Indian Air Force and British Air Force commences at Hindan: Indian Air Force (IAF) with 42 combatants of the GARUD Force and Royal Air Force (RAF) of United Kingdom with 36 specialised combatants of the RAF Regiment jointly participated in the 5th edition of Exercise Indradhanush 2020. The exercise focused on “Base Defence and Force Protection” and is held in Air Force Station Hindan, India. The exercise began on 24 Feb 2020 and would conclude on 29 Feb 2020. Airfield Seizure, Base Defence and anti-terror operations will be the important part of the exercise.

Note: Air Chief Marshal: Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria; Indian Air force founded: 8 October 1932; Indian Air force Headquarters: New Delhi.

2. Offshore Patrol Vessel-6 “VAJRA” launched at Chennai: The 6th Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-6) ’VAJRA’ was launched in at Chennai on February 27, 2020. Shri Mansukh Mandaviya was the chief guest of the event. Mandaviya is the Minister of State for Shipping (I/C) and Chemicals & Fertilizers. The OPV launched is the sixth in the series of seven OPV projects being built by M/s L&T Shipbuilding under the ‘Make in India’ policy. The ship would be utilized for day and night patrol/surveillance along with anti-terrorist/ anti-smuggling operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as Coastal Security.