Current Affairs Daily Digest – March 04 2020
1. 16-year-old Shafali becomes world number one WT20I batsman after 18 T20Is
India opener Shafali Verma has become the world number one batsman in Women’s T20I cricket. The 16-year-old, who has played 18 T20Is, jumped 19 spots to take over the top rank from New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, who had been on top since October 2018. Shafali is only the second Indian batsman after Mithali Raj to top Women’s T20I rankings.
2. UP Government provides Rs 900 per month to farmers willing to keep stray cattle
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that his government will pay Rs 900 per month to farmers willing to keep stray cattle. 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.
3. Indian-American Seema Verma appointed as key member of US COVID-19 task force
Indian-American Seema Verma has been appointed as one of the key members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force constituted by US President Donald Trump to combat the deadly disease that has claimed six lives in the country and infected over 90 others. Trump on January 30 created the coronavirus task force to lead his administration’s response to the deadly virus that emerged in China and has wrecked havoc across the globe.
4. At USD 83.5 bn, India has 3rd highest trade-related illicit financial flow globally: Report
India has the third-highest trade-related illicit financial flow among over 135 countries with a whopping USD 83.5 billion escaping the government’s tax net owing to trade-based money laundering tactics, according to a report released on Tuesday by US-based think tank Global Financial Integrity (GFI).
The GFI classifies as illicit flows funds which are illegally earned, transferred, and/or utilised across an international border.
5. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel completes acquisition of Bhander power unit in Hazira
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) on Tuesday announced that it has completed the acquisition of Bhander Power Plant in Hazira, Gujarat from Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company. Bhander, a natural gas-based thermal plant with an installed capacity of 500 MW, will remain captive to AM/NS India’s steel manufacturing operations at Hazira. The size of the deal was not immediately disclosed but it is understood to be around Rs 500 crore.
6. Nabard infuses Rs 1.46 lakh crore in rural banking system in 2019-20
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development on Tuesday said it has infused Rs 1.46 lakh crore in the rural banking system during the current fiscal. Nabard has been extending financial support to the banks operating in rural areas to help them deploy their resources effectively for meeting the credit needs of rural people, including farmers.
7. Govt allows airlines to provide in-flight Wi-Fi services
The central government on Monday permitted airlines operating in India to provide in-flight Wi-Fi services to passengers, according to an official notification.
“The Pilot-in-Command may permit the access of Internet services by passengers on board an aircraft in flight, through Wi-Fi on board, when laptop, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, e-reader or a point of sale device is used in flight mode or airplane mode,” the notification stated.
8. National Chambal sanctuary, home of gharials and Gangetic dolphins, declared eco-sensitive zone
National Chambal sanctuary has been declared as an eco-sensitive zone by the central government. The decision to declare the area as an eco-sensitive zone will prohibit the construction of hotels or resorts within an area of zero to two kilometres from the sanctuary, according to a report by PTI.
9. 35th edition of AAHAR, Food and Hospitality fair, begins in New Delhi
The 35th edition of AAHAR – the Food and Hospitality fair began in New Delhi today. This five-day-long fair is being organized by India Trade Promotion Organisation, ITPO, with support of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Agriculture and Processed Food Products Development Authority and several apex industry associations.
10. UP: Famous Rangotsav begins at Barsana in Mathura
The famous Rangotsav began today at Barsana in Mathura, the place which is famous for its colourful holi festivities. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the 10-day Rangotsav and also participated in Laddoo Holi.
11. Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament postponed from April to September
The prestigious Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament has been postponed from April to September this year in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak across the world.
In a statement, the organisers said, the tournament which was scheduled to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from April 11 to 18, will now be held from September 24 to October 3.
12. 68th All India Police Athletic Championship kick starts in Haryana
68th All India Police Athletic Championship-2019 began at Bhanu in Panchkula District of Haryana yesterday. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju declared the meet open at Basic Training Centre of ITBP. Addressing the meet, Mr Rijiju said that with an aim to bring India in top 10 in the Olympics scheduled in 2028, the government has identified 15,000 plus children and started their training across 284 Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centres across the country.
13. FIH Rankings: Indian Men’s Hockey Team Gets 4th Spot, Highest Ever
The Indian men’s hockey team has secured an all-time highest spot in the FIH rankings. Team India attained the fourth position since the inception of FIH work rankings in 2003. The Indian team has got this ranking because of its performance in FIH Hockey Pro League.
14. Ajay Bhushan Pandey appointed as the new Finance Secretary
Government of India appointed the current Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey as the new Finance Secretary. Pandey replaces current Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment. Pandey, a 1984 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Maharashtra cadre, had earlier worked as chief executive officer of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the organization behind the Aadhaar.
