National Affairs
PM Modi calls for ‘Janata curfew’ on March 22 from 7 AM-9 PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Janata Curfew on Sunday (22nd March) in the wake of COVID 19 outbreak. It will be self-imposed and self-regulated and will be effective from 7 in the morning till 9 in the evening.
- PM Modi requested all people to exit of the house within the coming few weeks as long as extremely necessary and work from home the maximum amount as possible.
- The government of India has decided to constitute a Task Force under the Chairmanship of the minister of finance which can interact with all the stakeholders.
Indian Railways to electrify all broad gauge routes by December 2023
Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal informed that Indian Railway(IR) Ministry plans to electrify all broad gauge(BG) routes by December 2023.
- As part of its solar mission, it plans to source approximately 1000 megawatt (MW) of solar power & to source around 200 MV of wind power, based on the techno-commercial assessment.
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Konark Sun Temple & Statue of Unity to be included in ‘Iconic Sites’ list
According to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, the famous Black Pagoda, the Sun temple in Konark in Puri district of Odisha is to be included in the ‘Iconic Sites’ list of 19 monuments.
- The Sun temple will be developed as an iconic site by the Center.
- The Statue of Unity in Gujarat and the Sun temple in Odisha will be included in the said list as the total number of monuments in the list is to be raised from 17 to 19.
NCC Certificate holders to get bonus marks in Central Armed Police Forces exams
The Central Government has decided to give bonus marks to the NCC certificate holdersin the direct recruitment examinations of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The decision was taken to increase the participation of India’s youth in NCC (National Cadet Corps).
This will be applicable from the upcoming direct entry exams for the post of Constable and Sub Inspector.
NCC Certificate categories:
- ‘C’ certificate: The NCC ‘C’ certificate holders will get 5 percent of maximum marks as bonus marks.
- ‘B’ certificate: The NCC ‘B’ certificate holders will get 3 percent of maximum marks as bonus marks.
- ‘A’ certificate: The NCC ‘A’ certificate holders will get 2 percent of maximum marks as bonus marks.
International Affairs
Covid-19: Donald Trump signs $100-billion relief package
US President Donald Trump signed a $100-billion emergency aid package that ensures sick leave to Americans workers who fall ill from the new coronavirus.
- The $100 Billion coronavirus relief package aims to strengthen the protective measures against the pandemic caused by COVID-19.
About USA:
- Capital: Washington, D.C
- Currency: US Dollar.
WhatsApp donates $1 million to International Fact-Checking Network for coronavirus facts alliance
Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp launched the “WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub” globally, in partnership with WHO (World Health Organization), UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme).
WhatsApp also donated $1 million dollars to Poynter Institute’s International Fast-Checking Network (IFCN) in order to avoid fake information about the disease.
About Whatsapp:
- Founders- Jan Koum, Brian Acton.
- Headquarters- California, United States (US).
Appointments & Resignations
Priyanka Chopra collaborates with WHO to spread awareness over COVID-19
Actress Priyanka Chopra urged followers to rely on authentic sources of information about coronovirus and arranged an Instagram live with top personnel of the World Helath Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the pandemic.
- Priyanka documented her videos on Instagram stories where she expressed the importance of only relying on authentic information about the highly contagious disease.
Arundhati Bhattacharya resigns from Crisil board
CRISIL announced that Arundhati Bhattacharya, an Independent Director of the Company, has submitted her resignation as a director of the Company, which will take effect on 15 April 2020.
She has submitted her resignation as she will be joining as a Chairperson and CEO for the India operations of Salesforce, USA.
About Crisil:
- Chairman : John Berisford.
- Managing Director and CEO : Ashu Suyash.
Ranks & Reports
International Energy Agency: India the third largest producer of Electricity
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.
- As of December 2019, the National Electric Grid had an installed capacity of 368.79 GW.
Science & Technology
ISRO to launch 36 missions including 10 earth observation satellites in 2020-21: Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has planned 36 missions including satellites and launch vehicles for the fiscal year 2020-21.
Details of the missions are as follow:
- Earth observation satellite – 10
- Communication satellite – 3
- Navigation satellite – 2
- Space science satellite – 3
- Technology Demonstration – 1
- PSLV- 10
- GSLV MK II – 3
- GSLV MK III – 1
- Small Satellite Launch Vehicle – 2
- Gaganyaan ( Unmanned) – 1
Defence News
Ministry of Defence signs Rs 880 crore contract with Israeli firm
Ministry of Defence has signed the capital acquisition contract with Israel Weapons Industries for procurement of 16,479 LMGs at a cost of Rs 880 crore with the approval of Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh.
- The Light Machine gun is combat proven weapon and is currently used by several countries.
Sports Affairs
Greece handed over Olympic flame to Tokyo 2020 organisers
Greece has handed over the Olympic flame to Tokyo 2020 organisers at an event which was ‘significantly scaled-down’ due to coronavirus pandemic. The ceremony, which took place at Athens’ iconic Panathenaic stadium, did not include the planned cultural ceremonies from Greece or Japan.
- Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Capralos handed the torch over to the Tokyo Organising committee represented by Naoko Imoto, who lit the lantern and left with it.
- The Tokyo Olympic games are slated to be held from July 24 to August 9. However, many athletes raised concern over the quadrennial event taking place despite the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.
About Japan:
- Capital: Tokyo;
- Currency: Japanese yen;
- Prime Minister : Shinzo Abe.
New Zealand all-rounder Andrew Malcolm Ellis announced retirement
New Zealand(NZ) all-rounder Andrew Malcolm Ellis (37) announced his retirement from Canterbury cricket after 18 years of his career.
- After Ross Taylor he became the 2nd player in NZ to play over 100 games in each format.
- He finished his career with 9366 runs & 548 wickets.
Important Days
International Day of Happiness observed on 20 March
International Day of Happiness is celebrated globally on 20th March every year. The day aims to inspire and advance the global happiness movement.
- The 2020 International Day of Happiness campaign theme is ‘Happiness For All, Together’.
- Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.
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