Current Affairs Daily Digest – March 22 2020
1. RBI extends restrictions on PMC Bank for three more months
Reserve bank of India extended the regulatory restrictions on Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank (PMC) Bank by another three months. The central bank also added that it has been in talks with various authorities for the quick sale of securities and recoveries of loans. The validity of the directive dated 23 September 2019, stands modified from 23 March 2020 to 22 June 2020.
2. UP govt announces one month free food grains to poor
Uttar Pradesh govt announced several actions and measures in its fight against coronavirus. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced to provide one-month free food grains to poor people along with Rs 1,000 as compensation to daily wage workers who have been affected due to the outbreak of the deadly virus.
3. Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices approved by Cabinet
The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved the Medical Device Park Scheme. The scheme is to be implemented for the next five years. The GoI has approved Rs 13,760 crores for the scheme. The amount is mainly to be used in medical devices and drugs production.
The scheme aims to boost the domestic manufacturing of medical devices in the country. It includes setting up of medical device parks in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
4. March 22: World Water Day
Every year since 1993, World Water Day is being celebrated on March 22. It is being celebrated to spread the importance of fresh water. The day is celebrated by United Nations as well along with various other organizations all over the world.
Theme 2020 – Water and Climate Change
5. “Satyarup Siddhanta”, an Indian Mountaineer enters ‘Limca Book of Records’ conquering highest volcanoes
The Indian Mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta has entered ‘Limca Book of Records’. He has set the record of becoming the first Indian to climb the highest volcanoes in the world of all the 7 continents.
The mountaineer achieved the record of climbing all the highest summits in the world in 7 continents in January 2019. He already holds Guinness Book of World Records, India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, British Book of records and Champion Book of Records.
6. Cabinet approves relaunch of bulk drug park scheme
The Cabinet on Saturday approved the relaunch of a scheme to set up three bulk drug parks and four medical device parks for a total outlay of ₹3,400 crore over five years. This comes amid the coronavirus epidemic that hit supply of crucial pharmaceutical raw materials from China.
7. JK approves adoption of IT/ITeS policy
In a significant move to develop a modern IT ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, the Administrative Council headed by Lt Governor G C Murmu on Friday accorded approval to the adoption of J-K IT/ITeS policy.
The J-K IT/Information Technology Enabled Services (ITeS) policy aims to provide time bound approvals and single window clearances to prospective investors, besides provisioning a host of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to attract investments.
8. Country Music Icon Kenny Rogers Dies at 81
Vocalist Kenny Rogers, who dominated the pop and country charts in the 1970s and 1980s with a string of sleekly tailored hits and won three Grammys, has died. He was 81. Rogers “passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family,” a representative for the singer said in a statement.
