Current Affairs Daily Digest – February 16 2020
1. India and Thailand marching hand-in-hand to foster business relations
AsiaOne Magazine and URS Media organized a Networking Meet called India-Thailand: Today, Tomorrow, Together collaboration with the India Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) at their premises at Sathon, Bangkok, The exclusive networking saw the presence of eminent dignitaries such as Abhisit Vejjajiva, the former Prime Minister of Thailand and Suchitra Durai, the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom.
The 13th Asian Business and Social Forum and attempted to highlight the fact that India and Thailand share a strong historical and cultural connection.
2. AAI signs concession agreements with Adani Group for 3 airports
Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed three concession agreements with Adani Enterprises for operations, management, and development of Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Mangaluru airports.
The agreements were signed on Friday with the group’s subsidiary companies, namely Adani Ahmedabad International Airport Ltd, Adani Lucknow International Airport Ltd, and Adani Mangaluru International Airport Ltd. The concessionaires are required to take-over the three airports after fulfilling certain conditions precedents within 1 80 days from February 14.
3. ISRO to launch 10 Earth Imaging Satellites in 2020 including first Geo Imaging Satellite-1
ISRO published its annual report 2019-20. According to the report, the Indian Space Research Organization will launch 10 Earth Observation Satellites in 2020-21. It includes the first Geo Imaging Satellite, GISAT-1.
4. First Integrated Tri-Service Command to be set up in June by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
The Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat aims to set up an integrated tri-service command for the first time by June 2020. This command will be headed by an Air Marshal. The talks among the CDS, Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane have begun regarding the creation of the command.
5. Nagpur Oranges Exported to Dubai first Time
The first Consignment of Nagpur Oranges were sent to Dubai from Navi Mumbai. The oranges were sent in refrigerated containers. In the state of Maharashtra, around 40 hectares of land is under cultivation of Nagpur oranges. The APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) selected Nagpur district as a cluster for oranges under Agriculture Export Policy.
6. Milan 2020: Biggest Multilateral Naval Exercise in the Indian Ocean Region
Indian Navy is preparing itself for the biggest multilateral naval exercise to be conducted in the Indian Ocean Region. The Exercise is to be conducted under the theme Theme: Synergy across the Seas
Around 42 countries are to participate in the exercise. It includes Russia and USA as well. India has not invited China to participate in the exercise. The exercise is to be conducted in Vishakhapatnam in March 2020.
7. “Global Investor Summit” for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir; Road Shows to attract investments
The Government of India is making preparation in full swing for the Global Investors Summit to be held in Jammu and Kashmir in April 2020. In order to increase the number of investments roadshows are to be conducted from February 17, 2020. The roadshows are to be held in Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
8. Arvind Kejriwal sworn in as Chief Minister of Delhi for third time
Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal today took oath as Chief Minister of Delhi for the third consecutive time. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Kejriwal and six Cabinet Ministers at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital.
9. SAMPRITI-IX: Indo-Bangladesh joint military exercise concludes in Meghalaya
Over the past two weeks, with effect from 03 February to 16 February 2020, Armies of India and Bangladesh participated in joint military exercise SAMPRITI-IX at Umroi, Meghalaya. As the 9th edition of the Joint Exercise SAMPRITI reached its culmination day on 16 February 2020, the Head of Observer Delegations from both sides conveyed their appreciation for both the participating contingents for successfully achieving the objectives of the Exercise.
10. Joshna Chinappa clinches 77th Senior National squash Championship
India’s squash ace Joshna Chinappa has clinched 77th Senior National Championship in woman’s category at the ISA courts in Chennai on Saturday. With the win, she claimed her 18th title in the career. Saurav Ghosal won in Men’s category bagging 13th titles to his kitty.
11. Manipur: Seed sowing festival ‘Lui-Ngai-Ni’ celebrated at Ukhrul
The Naga tribes of Manipur celebrated it’s seed sowing festival ‘Lui-Ngai-Ni’, under the theme “Oneness through Culture”, with much fanfare at Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) ground in Ukhrul on Saturday. Manipur’s Minister of Tribal Development N. Kayisii graced the festival as inaugural Chief Guest and Tamei MLA Awangbou Newmai as Guest of Honour.
12. Biggest jump in world defence spending in 10 years: study
Global spending on defence rose by four percent in 2019, the largest growth in 10 years, led by big increases in the US and China, a study said Friday.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said the rise was fuelled by growing rivalries between big powers, new military technologies and rumbling conflicts from Ukraine to Libya.
13. CM Pinarayi Vijayan launches ‘Yodhavu’ mobile app to combat drug menace
‘Yodhavu’ (Warrior), a mobile app through which the public can inform police about drug abuse and its distribution, was launched by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Saturday as part of efforts to curb the growing menace in the State.
14. Bhawna Jat qualifies for 2020 Olympics with a new national record in 20-kilometer race walk category
India’s Bhawna Jat qualified for the 2020 Olympics after setting a new national record in the 20-kilometer race walk category at the National Championships in Ranchi today.
The athlete from Rajasthan clocked 1hour 29 minutes and 54 seconds, well inside the Olympic qualification time of 1hour 31minute 00 seconds.
15. Vidit Gujrathi beats Ragger, jumps to top spot in Prague Chess
India’s no. 2 player Vidit S Gujrathi posted a win over Austrian GM Markus Ragger in the third round to jump to the top spot in the Masters category of the Prague Chess festival here.
India had mixed luck on Friday when P Harikrishna went down to the talented, young Alireza Firouzja in 40 moves in a Spanish opening game. The India no. 3 came up with some innovative play but the Iranian prodigy had the answers to notch up an impressive win.
