Focus Merit

Category: National Current Affairs

World Bank intensifies aid for rejuvenating Ganga, sanctions USD 400 mn

July 3, 2020
World Bank
  • The World Bank on 1st July said it has intensified its assistance for the Government of India’s program to rejuvenate the Ganga river with a USD 400 million (about Rs 3,000 crore) assistance that will support stem pollution in the river.

Odisha Govt decides to expand green cover under ‘Sabuja Odisha’ over 1.30 lakh hectares

July 3, 2020
Plantation
  • The Odisha Government on 1st June decided to implement a new scheme ‘Sabuja Odisha’ to enhance green cover through widespread plantation over 1,30,264 Hectares of land.

Modi govt plays first move to privatize Railways, invites private players to run 151 trains

July 3, 2020
railways
  • In a notable push to privatization in the Indian Railways, Railways Board chairman VK Yadav stated that by 2023, about 5 percent of traveler train operations will be carried out by the private players, so as to start a jump towards technological advancements and enhanced speeds in the Railway operations.

Govt announces whole Nagaland ‘Disturbed Area’ for 6 more months under AFSPA Act 1958

July 3, 2020
Army
  • Under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958, the entire Nagaland state has been announced a “disturbed area” for a further period of six months, till December 2020. The AFSPA has been operating upon in Nagaland for around six decades.

MoD confirms 33 new fighter jets for IAF in deals worth ₹38,900 crore

July 2, 2020
Fighter jet
  • Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on 2nd July confirmed deals worth ₹38,900 crore. This includes the procurement of 21 MiG-29 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), advance of 59 of them and acquirement of 12 Su-30 MKI planes.

Shrikant Madhav Vaidya appointed as IOC Chairman

July 2, 2020
Shrikant Madhav Vaidya
  • Shrikant Madhav Vaidya on 2nd July appointed as the new chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Prior to this, Vaidya was working as the Director (Refineries) on the IOC Board, since October 2019.

Indra Mani Pandey selected as India’s Permanent Representative to UN in Geneva

July 2, 2020
Indra Mani Pandey
  • Indra Mani Pandey has been designated as India’s next Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. Mr. Pandey replaces Rajiv K Chander in Geneva.

Home Ministry makes national level committee for reform in criminal law; led by Ranbir Singh

July 2, 2020
Home Ministry
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formed a national level committee for reform in criminal law, chaired by Ranbir Singh (Vice-Chancellor, National Law University, Delhi). The consultation exercise would begin on July 4 and go on for the next three months.

HDFC Bank starts ‘e-Kisaan Dhan’ App for Farmers

July 2, 2020
HDFC Bank
  • HDFC Bank starts ‘e-Kisaan Dhan’ app for farmers. HDFC Bank on 1st July declared the release of ‘e-Kisaan Dhan’ app for farmers all over India. Through this app, the farmers will be able to access a bouquet of services, both banking and agriculture, by their mobile phones.

India’s GDP may shrink by 6.4% in FY21: Care Ratings

July 2, 2020
GDP
  • Care Ratings on 2nd July updated India’s GDP growth prediction for the current financial year to (-) 6.4 percent as economic activity continues to be under restraint because of the lockdown on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rating agency, in May, had predicted a decline in GDP growth of 1.5-1.6 percent in FY21.