Amendments in National Commission for Homeopathy Bill, 2019 approved by Union Cabinet

The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 for amending the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 has been approved by The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the Bill is still pending in Rajya Sabha. The amendments will ensure necessary regulatory reforms in the field of Homoeopathy education, enabling transparency and accountability for protecting the interest of the general public. The National Commission will also promote the availability of affordable healthcare services across the country.

China becomes world’s 2nd-biggest weapons producer

China has been ranked as the world’s second-largest weapons manufacturer, behind the US. according to a new research from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The Asian superpower jumped ahead of Russia, from whom they used to buy many weapons. The new research shows that four Chinese arms groups generate sufficient sales to be ranked among the world’s top 20 weapons sellers.

Budgetary practices topped by Assam, followed by Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

In terms of best practices followed in budget formulation the list is topped by Assam followed by Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, as stated in a survey by Transparency International. Goa, Maharashtra and Punjab were placed in the bottom of the ranking list. The survey was based on four parameters – public disclosure, budgetary process, post budget fiscal management and efforts to make budget more transparent and citizen friendly.

Prakash Javadekar announces declaration of 10 more wetlands as Ramsar sites

In a major recognition towards Government of India’s effort towards conservation, restoration and rejuvenation of its wetlands, Ramsar has declared 10 more wetland sites from India as sites of international importance. Wetlands declared as Ramsar sites are protected under strict guidelines of the convention. Union Environment Minister, Prakash Javadekar said that the Ramsar declaration is an acknowledgement of Government of India’s commitment in achieving the conservation and sustainable use of the important wetlands of the country.

The 10 new ones are Nandur Madhameshwar in Maharashtra; Keshopur-Miani, Beas Conservation Reserve and Nangal in Punjab; and Nawabganj, Parvati Agra, Saman, Samaspur, Sandi and Sarsai Nawar in Uttar Pradesh. The other Ramsar sites are in Rajasthan, Kerala, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Tripura. With this, a total of 37 sites in the country have been recognised under the international treaty.

New spacecraft to be launched to take pictures of Sun’s poles

NASA, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), will launch a new spacecraft to snap the first pictures of the Sun’s north and south poles. The Solar Orbiter spacecraft will be launched from Cape Canaveral in the U.S. on February 7, 2020. The spacecraft will use Venus’s and the Earth’s gravity will be used by the spacecraft to swing itself out of the ecliptic plane.

UK Brexit deal approved by European Parliament

The European Union parliament has approved United Kingdom Brexit deal. European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to approve the Brexit deal with London, clearing the final hurdle for Britain’s departure from the EU. The vote was 621 to 49 in favour of the Brexit deal that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson negotiated with the other 27 EU leaders. After Britain’s departure, the UK will remain within the EU’s economic arrangements until the end of the year. UK will not have any say in policy as it will not be a member of the EU.

Tailor-made insurance policies for drones to be offered by Tata AIG

Tata AIG has partnered with Drone Federation of India for drone insurance. The partnership will help create insurance solutions for the drone industry and help operationalise a very important part of the civil aviation requirements for remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) as mandated by DGCA India. The new association that aims to create tailor-made insurance solutions for the Drone Industry will thus, play an important role in providing innovative risk solutions to customers.

Rs 1 crore penalty imposed on HDFC Bank by RBI

The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on HDFC Bank for non-compliance of master directions of KYC directions. The bank failed to undertake on‐going due diligence in the case of 39 current accounts opened for bidding in Initial Public Offer. It was observed that the transactions effected in these current accounts were disproportionate to the declared income and profile of the customers.

Gujarat’s Motera Cricket Stadium expected to host IPL 2020 final

The final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 can be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium also known as Motera Stadium in Ahemadabad, Gujarat. The stadium will have a seating capacity of 1,10,000 spectators overtaking the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia which is the largest cricket stadium in the world at the moment, hence making the Motera Stadium the largest cricket arena in the world when its construction is completed.