Current Affairs Daily Digest – March 16 2020
1. Manipur government announced schemes for sportspersons, artistes
The Manipur State government is to provide benefits to sportspersons and artistes of the state and the country. The announcement was made by the Chief Minister N Biren Singh on 15 March. It was declared that it was the biggest ever scheme for the welfare of the sportspersons and artistes of the state.
CMAST scheme:
- For the Chief Ministers Akhannaba Sanaroisingi Tengbang (CMAST) scheme, around Rs.7.36 crore will be required.
- Under the CMAST scheme, suitable employment in government services would be provided to sportspersons winning medals in international events, on the basis of criteria laid down by the state government.
- It will also support the sportspersons for purchasing costly sporting items.
- Cash awards will be awarded for Olympians who bag gold, silver, bronze, and the winners will be given Rs.1 crore, Rs.75 lakh, and Rs.50 lakh respectively.
- The government will provide incentives of up to Rs.2 lakh per annum to around 250 local clubs of the state.
- The scheme includes a lifetime pension scheme for unemployed sportspersons and coaches of 50 years and above who have represented the state or the country either in national or international tournaments.
2. Gold Imports of 2019-20 dip by 8.86% narrowing Current Account Deficit to 143 billion USD
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.
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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Apart from isolating the strains, the scientists have also created methanotrophic culture. The isolated bacteria were from southern and western India.
5. 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.
6. OIL signed agreement with Numaligarh Refinery for crude oil sale
India’s second-largest national oil explorer Oil India Ltd (OIL), signed an agreement with Numaligarh Refinery for purchase and sale of crude oil for a term of five years. The agreement was signed by the finance directors of the two companies.
7. India pledged USD 10 million toward a Covid-19 emergency fund
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a video-conference meet of leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member nations to tackle the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).
The conference witnessed the participation of leaders of all SAARC countries. PM Modi proposed for Covid-19 emergency fund. India pledged $10 million toward a Covid-19 emergency fund and planned to put together a rapid response team of doctors and specialists for SAARC nations. India suggested Integrated Disease Surveillance Portal (IDSP) that is currently being used to detect infected patients and contact tracing.
8. Tai Tzu Ying won 2020 All England Badminton Championships
Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Ying won the third women’s singles title in four years at the Yonex All England Badminton Championships 2020 in Birmingham, England. She defeated the defending champion, Chen Yu Fei, on 15 March.
Also, Viktor Axelsen won the All England title in the men’s singles championship. He secured Denmark’s first win in the event since Peter Gade’s triumph in 1999.
9. Telangana becomes latest state to pass resolution against CAA, NRC, NPR
The Telangana government Monday passed a resolution urging the Centre to amend the Citizenship (Amendment) Act to remove all references to any religion or country. It also expressed concern over the proposed implementation of the National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) which “may result in exclusion of a large number of people”.
With this, Telangana joins a host of other states to oppose CAA, including Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal, Delhi, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.
