Current Affairs - December 2019 to May 2020

Month May 2020 Type International

328 Current Affairs were found in Last Six Months for Type - International

(Showing 282 Important Ones)

International

1. Russia deployed Avangard, as its first hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles. Russia claims it can fly at 27 times the speed of sound.

2. As per report by US-based think tank World Population Review -

India is fifth largest economy at USD 2.94 Trillion, overtaking UK and France in 2019. UK is USD 2.83 trillion and France USD 2.71

trillion. List has been topped by US with $21.44 trillion GDP.

Top 5 - US ($21.44 trillion), China ($14.14 trillion), Japan ($5.15 trillion), Germany ($4 trillion), India ($2.94 trillion)

In purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, India's GDP (PPP) is USD 10.51 trillion, exceeding that of Japan and Germany.

India's GDP per capita is USD 2,170 (US at top with USD 62,794).

India's real GDP growth is expected to weaken for 3rd straight year from 7.5 % to 5 %.

3. Baltic countries opened their borders to one another creating “travel bubble”, enabling their citizens to move freely. This is the first travel

bubble since the lock down. Baltic states are not as badly affected as the other European states.

Australia and New Zealand have also agreed to form a travel bubble, amid controlled spread of COVID-19.

Baltic Nations is a geopolitical term, typically used to group three sovereign states in Northern Europe on eastern coast of Baltic Sea -

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

4. 'Iron Union 12', joint military exercise between Armies of UAE and US began.

5. 1st Jerusalem-Mumbai festival held in Mumbai, to promote artistic and cultural ties between Israel and India. The festival, part of a

project, has been held in cities around world including Prague and Moscow. Mumbai is first city in Asia to host the event.

6. 2nd Addendum on Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade between India and Bangladesh has been signed.

Bangladesh and India signed a Protocol in 1972 , for Transit and Trade through inland waterways. It was last renewed in 2015 for five

years.

In Dec 2019, it was decided to include new routes and declaration of new Ports of Call to facilitate trade. These have now been made

effective with signing of 2nd Addendum to Protocol .

Number of Indo Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) routes are being increased from 8 to 10 and new locations are also added to existing

routes.

Presently, There are six Ports of Call each in India and Bangladesh under the Protocol. Five more Ports of Call and two more

extended Ports of Call have been added.

7. 2nd phase of Russia’s SIRIUS Deep Technology Learning and NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission concuded, in Sochi (Russia).

SIRIUS is Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station, as series of experiments that investigate flights to moon. It

was started in 2017.

In 2017, joint SIRIUS experiments were conducted by US and Russia, called SIRIUS-17. In March 2019, SIRIUS-19 was conducted.

8. 34th Forbes' annual world’s billionaires list The Richest in 2020 -

Topped by Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos for 3rd time in a row, with net worth $113 billion.

He was followed by Bill Gates ($98 billion), Bernard Arnault ($76 billion).

India's Mukesh Ambani with net worth of $44.3 billion, is top-ranked Indian and 17th globally.

9. 5 Indians Named on World Economic Forum (WEF) list of 115 Young Global Leaders -

Byju Raveendran (Educational App Byju's Founder)

Gaurav Gupta (Zomato’s co-founder)

Tara Singh Vachani (CEO of Antara Senior Living)

Vinati Mutreja (MD & CEO, Vinati Organics Limited)

and Swapan Mehra (CEO, Iora Ecological Solutions)

10. 5th edition of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit 2020 will held in Sri

Lanka in September 2020. Sri Lanka will lead science, technology, and innovation sector in BIMSTEC.

Sri Lanka is Chair of BIMSTEC between 2018 and 2020 and it will hand over the chairmanship to Thailand by end of 2020.

11. 70th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 2020 held in Berlin (Germany).

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated the Indian Pavilion at Berlinale.

Notable Winners -

S.No Award Name Won by

1 Golden Bear for Best Film There Is No Evil by Mohammad Rasoulof

2 Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize Never Rarely Sometimes Always by Eliza Hittman

3 Silver Bear for Best Director Hong Sang Soo for The Woman Who Ran

4 Silver Bear for Best Actress Paula Beer for Undine

5 Silver Bear for Best Actor Elio Germano for “Hidden Away”

6 Berlinale Documentary Award Irradiés by Rithy Panh

7 Golden Bear for Best Short Film “T” by Keisha Rae Witherspoon

8 Heiner Carow Prize Garagenvolk by Natalija Yefimkina

9 Caligari Film Prize Victoria by Sofie Benoot, Liesbeth De Ceulaer and Isabelle Tollenaere

12. 8 West African nations agreed to change name of their common currency from ‘CFA franc’ to ‘Eco’. Nations are - Ivory Coast, Mali,

Burkina Faso, Benin, Niger, Senegal, Togo and Guinea-Bissau. All these countries, except Guinea-Bissau, are former French colonies.

CFA franc is name of two currencies- ‘West African CFA franc’, used in 8 West African countries, and ‘Central African CFA franc’,

used in 6 Central African countries. Both currencies are guaranteed by French treasury and were created in 1945.

13. 9th Hurun Global Rich List 2020

It ranks 2,816 billionaires from 71 countries.

Top 5 Richest People (Billion USD) -

Jeff Bezos (US) - 140

Bernard Arnault (France) - 107

Bill Gates (US) - 106

Warren Buffett (US) - 102

Mark Zuckerberg (US) - 84

India's Richest Mukesh Ambani is ranked 9th globally, with worth 67 Billion USD.

Counries with most number of Billionaires -

China (799)

USA (626)

India (137)

Germany (122)

UK (119)

14. 'They’ has been chosen as Word of the Decade by linguists in USA, aiming to recognize growing use of third-person plural pronouns in a

singular form to refer to those who do not identify with either male or female gender.

15. Aon Plc accquired Willis Towers Watson Plc for nearly $30 billion, making it world’s biggest insurance broker. Both Firms are UK Based.

16. Duchifat-3 satellite made by an Israeli student will be launched from ISRO’s Sriharikota launch site. It is a remote sensing satellite

through which students from all schools across country will be able to experiment and carry through Earth observation.

17. University College London’s Energy Institute stated that to achieve UN target of reducing carbon emissions from shipping industry by

50% by 2050, world has to spend 1 trillion USD (50 to 70 billion USD annually).

Emissions from shipping account to 2.2% of world CO2 emissions, with 90% of world trade happening at sea.

18. Britain’s Prince Charles unveiled a new Children’s protection fund for India as part of British Asian Trust, the charity founded by him in

2007 to fight poverty in South Asia. American singer Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (Katy Perry) is named as ambassador for the same.

19. Coronavirus (Covid-19) Updates (March 2020) -

India -

SBI launched an additional liquidity facility “Covid-19 Emergency Credit Line (CECL)” to meet any liquidity mismatch for its

borrowers in order to tide over current crisis situation. SBI will facilitate funds up to 200 crores under this.

SBI also committed 0.25% of annual profit for FY 2019-20, to fight COVID-19 Crisis.

Indian Bank also launched five special emergency loans targeted at specific corporates.

Government constituted a high level technical committee of Public Health Experts for COVID-19 to guide the prevention and

control activities in country, headed by NITI Aayog member V K Paul.

India shared two SARS-CoV-2 with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). Pune based National Institute

of Virology has shared two sequences of novel corona virus with Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data.

Government Invoked Disaster Management Act 2005 and Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, to control and mitigate coronavirus

outbreak.

Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 was first enacted to tackle bubonic plague in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in former British-

occupied India. The law is meant for containment of epidemics by providing special powers that are required for the

implementation of containment measures to control the spread of the disease.

Scientists at CSIR-IHBT (Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology) developed a new sanitizer without using chemicals,

amid hike in demand for the same due to COVID-19 Outbreak.

Invest India (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) launched Invest India Business Immunity Platform, to help businesses and

investors get real-time updates on India’s response to COVID-19, in partnership with SIDBI (Small Industries Development

Bank of India).

PM Narendra Modi called for a complete lockdown of entire nation for 21 days (Mar 25 - Apr 14, 2020), to contain the COVID-

19 Pandemic. Govt also allocated 15000 Crores to fight the pandemic.

Reliance has set up India's first hospital to operate exclusively to treat Corona Virus patients, in Mumbai, with Negative

Pressure Rooms.

Negative Room Pressure technology is a technique in medical centres that prevent cross-contamination. This allows air

to flow into the room and prevents air from escaping out of the room.

PM Narendra Modi also launched Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES

Fund), to enable voluntary contributions by Citizens, to help Govt in eradicating CODIV-19. People can use UPI handle

pmcares@sbi, to contribute.

Government announced 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for poor, to help them fight

against Corona Virus -

Insurance cover of 50 Lakh per health worker fighting COVID-19 to be provided under Insurance Scheme.

80 crore people will to get 5 kg wheat or rice and 1 kg of preferred pulses for free every month for the next three months.

Gas cylinders would be provided to 8 crore poor families for the next three months.

20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders to get Rs 500 per month for next three months.

Increase in MNREGA wage to Rs 202 a day from Rs 182 to benefit 13.62 crore families.

Ex-gratia of Rs 1,000 to 3 crore poor senior citizen, poor widows and poor disabled.

Government to pay 2000 to farmers in first week of April under existing PM Kisan Yojana to benefit 8.7 crore farmers.

Government asked State Governments to use Building and Construction Workers Welfare Fund to provide relief to

Construction Workers.

For Wage-earners below 15000 per month in businesses having less than 100 workers, government will pay 24 % of their

monthly wages into their PF accounts for 3 months.

For 63 lakhs women Self Help Groups (SHGs) that support 6.85 crore households, Limit of collateral free lending would

be increased from 10 to 20 lakhs.

Employees’ Provident Fund Regulations will be amended to include Pandemic as reason to allow non-refundable

advance of 75 % of amount or three months of wages, whichever is lower, from their accounts.

Govt also created a seperate fund of 15000 crores to fight COVID-19.

Government announced several easing measures, aimed at helping citizens / companies during Lockdown imposed to contain

COVID-19 Outbreak.

Financial Services -

No charges on withdrawal of cash in bank ATMs.

There will be no charges on not keeping minimum balance requirement, for 3 months.

Reduced digital charges for trade transactions.

Tax measures -

For FY 2018-19, last date for returns extended to June 30, 2020. For delayed payments made till June 30, interest

rate reduced to 9% from 12%.

For delayed deposit of TDS, interest has been reduced to 9 % from 18%

Aadhaar-pan linking extended to June 30 from March 31

Vivaad se Vishwaas scheme extended to June 30. No additional 10% amount, if payment made by June 30, 2020.

Compliances under Income Tax Act, Wealth Tax Act, Benami Transaction Act, Black Money Act, Vivaad se

Vishwaas, have been extended to June 30, 2020

GST

All GST returns for March, April, May and composition returns extended to June 30, 2020

For companies less than 5 cr no late fee and penalty to be charged. For above Rs 5 cr, only int at the rate of 9% For

Customs

Sabka Vishwaas scheme for indirect taxes having last date till March 31 has been extended to June 30,2020. No

interest to be levied.

Customs clearance till June 30 to work 24x7.

Companies -

In respect of MCA21 registry, there is a moratorium being issued from April 1 till Sep 30 no additional fees for late

filing.

For newly incorporated companies, additional 6 months for filing declaration of commencement of business.

Mandatory requirement of holding meetings of Board of companies within prescribed interval provided in

Companies Act (120 days), shall be extended by 60 days (till 30th September).

Requirement to create a Deposit reserve of 20% of deposits maturing during 2020-21 before 30th April 2020 shall

be allowed to be complied with till 30th June 2020.

Requirement to invest 15% of debentures maturing during a particular year in specified instruments before 30th

April 2020, may be done by 30th June 2020.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code -

Threshold of default raised from 1 lakh to 1 crore, to prevent triggering of insolvency proceedings for SMEs.

If it continues like this beyond April, then sec 7, 9, 10 of the IBC will be suspended for a period of six months.

RBI Announced several measures to prevent economic fallout due to COVID-19 Outbreak -

RBI Allowed Banks to Declare 3 Months Moratorium on Term Loans, to enable borrowers to avail 3 months deferment

on payment of Loan EMIs. It is applicable between repayments due between Mar 1 - May 31, 2020.

Amid COVID-19 Outbreak, there may be temporary disruption in cash flows / loss of income, for businesses/

individuals. This measure is a great help to borrowers. More Details and FAQs

RBI has announced several Monetary Policy Rates Changes, by preponing 7th Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement

2019-20 due to COVID-19 Outbreak -

Repo Rate by 75 basis points, to 4.4 %.

Repo rate is now lowest ever. Before this, it had hit lowest point of 4.74% in April 2009 amid Global

Financial Crisis.

Reverse Repo Rate cut by 90 basis points, to 4 %.

CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) of all banks reduced by 100 basis points to 3%, for one year.

These measures will inject liquidity of Rs 3.74 lakh crore to the system.

Current MPC Rates -

Repo Rate - 4.40 %

Reverse Repo - 4.00 %

Bank Rate - 4.65 %

CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) - 3 %

SLR(Statutory Liquidity ratio) - 18.25 %

Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate - 4.65 %

Pune based testing services MyLab became first Indian company to get approval from CDSCO for sales of COVID-19 testing

kits.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare declared Hydroxycholoroquine as a Schedule H1 drug, putting restrictions on its sales

and distribution. Out of 4 treatments suggested by the World Health Organization to contain the virus, India adopted the use of

Hydroxychloroquine.

Mo Jeeban Programme launched by Odisha Government to contain the spread of COVID-19, appealing people to stay indoors.

Indian Army launched Operation Namaste to contain spread of Corona Virus in country.

RBI for the first time, shared its Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to ensure zero disruptions in the national payments systems

(NPS) due to the coronavirus outbreak. BCP is a recovery plan to prepare for anticipated disruptions, ensure smooth flow of

operations and staffing, and form crisis management groups.

Government fixed price of a three-ply face mask made of melton-non-woven fibre till June 30 at a maximum of Rs 16 per mask.

Government created a ‘MyGov Corona Helpdesk’ in collaboration with WhatsApp to provide factually correct information

about coronavirus. People can clarify their queries by sending Namaste to WhatsApp number 9013151515.

Election Commission of India permited use of indelible ink on persons for stamping for home quarantine by health authorities

insight of COVID-19.

Indore became 1st Indian city to use drones to sanitize city against COVID-19 Virus.

Labour and Employment Ministry issued advisory under Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act 1996, to all

state and UT (Union Territory) governments to provide financial aid to nearly 3.5 crore construction workers from Rs 52,000-

crore construction cess collected by Labour Welfare Boards.

Government announced that Testing and Treatment of Corona virus (COVID-19) will be covered under Ayushman Bharat-

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Yojana, which covers expenses up to 5 Lakh.

Tourism Ministry launched Stranded in India portal, to support foreign tourists stuck in India amid COVID-19 Outbreak.

Technology developed by an incubatee company of Scitech Park, Pune has emerged as an effective solution for India’s fight

against Covid-19 by reducing viral load of infected areas within a room significantly within an hour.

DST has released Rs 1 crore to manufacture and scale up the product, under NIDHI PRAYAS program of Govt.

Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched CoNTec, a Telecommunication Centre that aims to connect doctors in the

country with AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences).

Ministry of Power approved relief measures to provide power supply 24/7 to consumers. Govt will provide moratorium of 3

months to Discoms in order to make payments to generating companies, as non payment of dues by consumers due to

lockdown has dteeroited finanes of Discoms.

Govt. exempted agriculture and farming related activities from Lock Down, to protect crops and livelihood of farmers.

Jharkhand government launched PRAGYAAM Mobile application, to issue e-passes to everyone associated with delivery of

essential services during lockdown to curb spread of COVID-19.

ICICI Lombard And BharatPe Partner To Launch COVID-19 Protection Insurance Cover for shopkeepers.

Nagaland Govt launched Self Declaration COVID-19 App, which will be mandatory for any person who entered Nagaland after

March 6. It is useful for tracking and surveillance of high-risk cases.

Himachal Pradesh Government created a ‘HP COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund’ to provide personal protection equipment

to health workers and other related officials. Rajasthan police also launched a mobile app called “RajCop citizens app”

Govt. allowed using 30 % District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds for healthcare, screening and food distribution, to combat

Covid-19 pandemic.

IIT Bombay developed mobile app named ‘CORONTINE’, aiming to help tracking asymptomatic carriers and prevent spread of

COVID-19.

Govt has set up 11 empowered groups for ensuring a comprehensive and integrated response to Covid-19 pandemic, under

Disaster Management Act 2005.

Coronavirus risk-tracking app called ‘Corona Kavach’ has been launched by Government. It uses a person’s location to assess

whether they are in the high-risk geographical zone or not.

IIT Gandhinagar launched ‘Project Isaac’ to engage students in creative projects during COVID-19 lockdown.

Saudi Arabia assured uninterrupted Liquefied petroleum gas(LPG) supply to India, during COVID-19 outbreak.

Global -

Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide USD 4 million to help developing countries in Asia and Pacific to fight the

outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

World Bank announced 12 billion USD to assist countries that are grappling with economic impacts of corona virus.

OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) Member Russia refused to make deal for cutting production, as

deepest oil production cuts since 2008 financial crisis. Saudi Arabia proposed cutting production by 1.5 million barrel a day

from April 2020.

Indian-American Seema Verma is appointed a key member of White House Coronavirus Task Force constituted by US

President Donald Trump. President Trump also signed a 8.3 Billion bill to combat spread of the Covid-19.

As per UNCTAD report Global trade impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Epidemic -

India has faced a trade impact of 348 million dollars due to slow down in China’s production.

Most affected economies - EU (15.6 billion), US (5.8 billion), Japan (USD 5.2 billion), South Korea (USD 3.8 billion).

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and Mastercard committed up to $125 million in seed funding to speed-up

response to COVID-19 pandemic by identifying, assessing, developing, and scaling-up treatments.

US Reserve Bank (Federal Reserve) reduced key interest rates to 0% - 0.25%, amid slwing down economy due to COVID-19

Impact.

For the first time since 1962, Iran seeked help of International Monetary Fund, to fight Corona Virus Outbreak.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $200 million to companies manufacturing and distributing medicines, and other

items needed to combat novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Nations held a Video Conference, to formulate Strataegy for

tackling novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak. India proposed an emergency SAARC Fund in this regard and contributed 10

Million USD for same.

World Economic Forum creatied COVID Action Platform, as first of its kind, aiming to convene business community for

collective action, protect people’s livelihoods and facilitate business continuity, and mobilize support for COVID-19 response.

Philippines became first country to suspend all financial markets, amid COVID-19 Outbreak.

African Lion Military Exercise, the joint US-Africa Military Exercise has been cancelled, amid COVID-19 Outbreak.

WhatsApp launched Coronavirus Information Hub globally, and donated $1 million donation to Poynter Institute's

International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

A New Virus called Hantavirus appeared in China, which is also deadly like Covid-19 but far less contagious.

International Olympics Committee announced postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympics, due to COVID-19 Outbreak. This is first

such postponment in 124-year history of Olympics.

Noted Tennis Grand Slam Wimbeldon which was to be held in England in June 2020, has been cancelled due to ongoing

coronavirus pandemic. It is cancelled for the first time since Second World War.

World’s largest streaming media service Netflix formaed $100 million fund, to help workers on film and television productions

that have been impacted due to global coronavirus outbreak. The fund will help cast and crew members such as electricians,

carpenters, drivers and other hourly workers.

Football Governing Body FIFA started a campaign to raise awareness about COVID-19 and importance of lockdowns. It has 28

acclaimed international players, Including India's Sunil Chhetri.

International Monetary Fund launched IMF Policy Tracker, as a platform to provide all key economic responses launched by

Governments all over the world to fight against Corona Virus.

UN launched Global Humanitarian Response Plan to fight against COVID-19, allocating 2 billion USD to implement the plan.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention introduced an AI bot called ‘Clara’ to help people assess potential symptoms of

COVID-19, in partnership with Microsoft Azure’s Healthcare Bot service.

Proposed / Considered Treatment Methods -

US Food and Drug Administration approved use of Convalescent plasma collected from patients recovered from COVID-

19 to treat seriously ill COVID-19 patients. Idea is to inject plasma with antibodies into critically ill patients for them to

gain immunity against the virus.

World Health Organization (WHO) started a mega trial namely “Solidarity” of 4 most promising drugs that may cure

COVID-19 -

Remdesivir - experimental antiviral compound widely used to combat Ebola and other dangerous viruses.

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine - Treats malaria. Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) also

recommended this.

Combination of lopinavir and ritonavir - Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Ritonavir/lopinavir plus interferon-beta - Treats Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) patients.

International Telecommunications Union (ITU) launched a “Global Network Resiliency Platform” to help global networks

remain “safer, stronger and more connected” during COVID-19 crisis.

US invoked Defence Production Act 1950, to direct General Motors to manufacture ventilators needed to fight COVID-19.

The act was enacted in 1950 in response to Korean War. earlier In 2011, President Obama invoked it to force

telecommunications industries to provide information related to use of foreign-manufactured hardware and software in

networks of companies.

US also approved largest stimulus package in US history, a $2 trillion bill intended to rescue the coronavirus-battered

economy.

US announced USD 174 million financial assistance to 64 most at-risk countries which include USD 2.9 million to India as

support for combating coronavirus pandemic. In February 2020, USA provided 100 million aid for the same purpose.

20. Japan launched its new space defense unit to monitor and counter threats to country's satellites. Called Space Operations Squadron, It

is part of Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force.

It has 20 members initially, expected to grow to about 100 members once fully operational in 2023.

21. US terminated its relationship with World Health Organisation, amid WHO being criticized for its role in COVID-19 Pandemic and its

accused favoring of China. US used to pay approx USD 450 million a year to WHO.

22. United Arab Emirates discovered shallow natural gas reserves of about 80 trillion cubic feet, discovered between Emirates of Abu

Dhabi and Dubai.

Earlier In November 2019, UAE announced discovery of 7 billion barrels of oil, raising crude reserves of UAE to 105 billion barrels

(6th largest in world).

23. A MoU is signed between National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and Suadi Aramco (Asia) for development of Micro, Small and

Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ecosystem in India in Oil & Gas Sector. It will pave way for accredited Indian MSMEs to carve out a space as

vendors in Global space.

24. A UK Drafted resolution calling for a lasting ceasefire between warring sides in conflict-stricken Libya has been adopted by United

Nations Security Council. It reaffirms support for the UN Support Mission in Libya and underlines commitments made by the international

community to bring an end to the fighting in Libya African nation.

Libya has been in midst of conflict since 2011 when civil war broke out between forces loyal to long-time Libyan ruler Muammar

Gaddafi. Gaddafi was killed in October 2011 by NATO-backed forces.

Even after Gaddafi’s death, insurgency by his loyalists continued and there was strife between the local militia and tribes.

25. A recently issued World Health Organization map showed parts of Ladakh as Chinese territory, shown as dotted line and colour code.

Also, regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir has been shown as dotted line. Dotted line suggest that the

region is a disputed territory.

Also, WHO has been criticized in its handling of COVID-19 Pandemic. It has been favoring and safeguarding China by hiding facts

behind Coronavirus.

26. ATropical Cyclone Sarai lashed Pacific island nation of Fiji, causing heavy rain and destructive winds.

Also, Philippines hity by Typhoon Phanfone, also known as “Ursula” in Philippines.

27. According to Freedom in the World 2020 report by US Based Freedom House -

India ranks 83rd, with Timor-Leste and Senegal in ‘Free’category. Finland topped the list.

28. According to Open Budget Survey conducted by International Budget Partnership -

India ranks 53rd among 117 countries in budget transparency and accountability.

Top 3 - New Zealand and South Africa (Joint 1st), Sweden (2), Mexico (3).

29. According to US National Science Foundation (NSF), India is world’s third largest publisher of science and engineering articles, after

China (1st) and US (2nd). China accounts for 20.67% of all global publications in scientific articles, with US having approx 16 % and India

approx 4 %.

30. According to a survey by Global Energy Monitor, global coal power plant development declined for the fourth consecutive year. Also, 13

gigawatts (GW) of capacity construction has been delayed so far this year due to the coronavirus.

31. Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC, a Joint Venture between Tata Power, Norway’s Clean Energy Invest (CEI), and International Financial

Corporation (IFC) started commercial operation of 178 MW Shuakhevi Hydro Power Project (HPP) in Georgia.

32. After France, Italy also approved a new tax to be levied on large tech companies. Digital tax approved by Italy”s Parliament will impose a

3 % levy on some digital revenue for tech companies that make over $831 million in global revenue. US opposed digital services taxes

because they have a discriminatory impact on US-based businesses.

33. Alibaba Founder Jack Ma (China) replaced India's Mukesh Ambani as Asia's richest man. It came after Reliance shares crashed due to

Coronavirus pandemic and fall of oil prices, causing Mukesh Ambani to USD 5.8 billion of his worth. Jack ma has worth of USD 44.5

billion, ahead of Mukesh Ambani with USD 41.8 billion.

34. Amazon, Apple and Alphabet partnered to lay groundwork for better compatibility among their smart home products, titled ‘Connected

Home over IP’. Partnership aims to make it easier for device manufacturers to build products that are compatible with smart home and

voice services such as Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.

35. American financial services provider Mastercard has take over RiskRecon, one of the leading providers of data analytics solutions and

artificial intelligence focused on cyber-risk and security and offering solutions to mitigate cyber risks faced by companies.

36. Andhra Pradesh government signed loan for INR 711 crores with Kfw (Germany Development bank) for expanding climate-resilient

Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in state. ZBNF already covers about 1.28 lakh hectares in 3011 villages of Andhra Pradesh, and

assistance from KFw will help cover 2 lakh hectares in addition. Helpline number “1800 599 3366” was also launched for enquiries related

to insurance scheme.

37. As 1st such deal, Indian movie producer and distributor Eros International announced all-share merger with Hollywood’s STX

Entertainment to create an equally-held global entertainment company with a value of USD 1 billion.

38. As per Counterpoint Research’s Market Monitor service report, India surpassed US to become 2nd largest smartphone market. India

recorded 158 million shipments in 2019 with 7% year-on-year growth. List was topped by China.

Chinese company Xiaomi topped smartphone market for second consecutive year with 28% market share. Xiaomi was followed by

South Korean brand Samsung (21 %).

39. As per 1st Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2020 by Swiss private bank Julius Baer -

Mumbai ranked last (28th ) in list of the world’s 28 most expensive cities for luxury living.

Top 5 - Hong Kong (1), Shanghai (China), Tokyo (Japan), New York (US) and Singapore.

40. As per Wealth Report 2020 by Knight Frank LLP -

India has 5986 UHNWIs (Ultra high-net-worth individuals), expected to increase by 73% in coming 5 years.

US topped the Report with 240575 UHNWIs, followed by China with 61587 & Germany with 23078.

UHNWIs are people who are having a net worth of at least $30 million(mn) and above.

41. As per 2019 World Air Quality Report-Region & City PM2.5 Ranking report by IQAir AirVisual -

India ranked 5th most polluted country. Bangladesh is most polluted country for PM2.5 exposure, followed

by Pakistan, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and India.

Bahamas ranked 98th as cleanest country.

World's most Polluted City for PM2.5 is Ghaziabad (India), followed by Hotan (China) and Gujranwala (Pakistan).

Delhi is Most Polluted Capital City, followed by Dhaka (Bangladesh).

42. As per TomTom Traffic Index by a Dutch independent location technology specialist TomTom -

Bengaluru is most traffic congested city in world, followed by Philippines capital Manila, Bogota (Columbia), Mumbai, and Pune.

Of the top five most traffic choked cities in world, three are from India - Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune.

In Europe, Moscow is the most traffic-congested city.

43. As per Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, APEC region will face economic decline of 2.7% in 2020 due to impact of COVID-19.

Unemployment rate in region will increase to 5.4% in 2020, up from 3.8% in 2019.

Anticipated growth of region in the 2021 is 6.3%.

About APEC -

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is inter-governmental forum for 21 member economies in Pacific Rim that promotes free

trade throughout Asia-Pacific region. It began in 1989.

The region has now been renamed as Indo-Pacific.

India is not a member of APEC, constrained by the fact that India does not border Pacific Ocean.

44. As per Euro Monitor International's Top 100 city destinations ranking -

Delhi ranks 11th in list, forecasted to rise to 8th rank in 2019.

Hong Kong remains topmost for three consecutive years (2017, 2018 and 2019), Followed by Bangkok, London, Macau and

Singapore.

45. As per Gartner 2019 Digital Workplace Survey -

India is world’s most digitally dexterous (skilful) country, world as it has vast Gen Z workforce (born between 1995 and 2009), who

are keen to learn new digitally powered skills.

India is followed by UK and US.

46. As per Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 (FRA 2020). -

Rate of forest loss has declined during 2015-2020, due to the growth of sustainable management. It was 10 million hectares during

2015-2020, compared to 12 million hectares in 2010-2015,

World lost 178 mha of forest since 1990.

Rate of net forest loss declined from 7.8 mha per year in 1990–2000 to 5.2 mha per year in 2000–2010 and 4.7 mha per year in

2010–2020.

Africa had largest annual rate of net forest loss in 2010–2020, at 3.9 mha, followed by South America, at 2.6 mha. Asia had the

highest net gain of forest area in 2010–2020, followed by Oceania and Europe.

World’s total forest area was 4.06 billion hectares (bha), 31 % of total land area.

Largest proportion of the world’s forests are tropical (45 %), followed by boreal, temperate and subtropical.

More than 54 % of world’s forests are in 4 countries — Russia, Brazil, Canada, US and China.

47. As per Mercom India report India Solar Market Leaderboard 2020 -

India installed 7.3 GW of solar capacity in 2019, emerging 3rd largest solar market, with 35.7 GW capacity at end of December 2019.

Solar accounted for 41% of new power capacity additions in 2019 behind coal (44%).

At end of 2019, cumulative rooftop solar installations in India reached 4365 MW, with 1104 MW installed in 2019.

48. As per Sweden Based Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) -

Global military expenditure rose to $1917 billion in 2019 (3.6 % Hike).

Top 5 Military spenders — U.S. ($732 bn), China ($261 Billion), India ($71 Billion), Russia ($65.1 bn) and Saudi Arabia ($61.9 bn).

49. As per UK-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR)'s report report, titled 'World Economic League Table 2020' -

India will overtake Germany to become fourth-largest economy in 2026. It will overtake Japan in 2034, to become third largest.

India will reach gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 5 trillion by 2026, 2 years later than government's target.

50. As per UN report, World economy will go into recession this year, Due to Coronavirus Pandemic. It will be much more worse than 2008

Global recession.

UNCTAD says it will create serious trouble for developing countries, but wont affct India and China much.

Countries with rich commodity export will face a USD 2 - 3 Trillion drops in overseas investments in next two years.

51. As per United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report A New Era for Girls: Taking stock on 25 years of progress -

Girls still face violence and discrimination even after 25 years of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Beijing Declaration was

aimed at advancing women’s and girls’ rights.

In 2016, females accounted for 70% of detected trafficking victims globally, mostly involving sexual exploitation.

52. As per World Bank report COVID-19 Crisis: Through a Migration Lens -

remittances to India are likely to drop by 23% to USD 64 billion in 2020 from USD 83 billion in 2019 due to COVID-19 impact. India

is the world’s biggest recipient of remittances.

Globally, remittances by migrant workers are projected to decline by 20% due to economic crisis induced by COVID-19 pandemic.

53. As per World Steel Association, India is 2nd largest steel producer of crude steel after China. Top 5 Crude steel producers in 2019 -

Rank Country Qty (mt)

1. China 996.3

2. India 111.2

3. Japan 99.3

4. USA 87.9

5. Russia 71.6

54. As per World Steel Report by World Steel Association -

Crude steel report of India declined by 65%. During April 2020, the steel output of India was 3.13 million tonnes, compared to 9.02

million tonnes in in April 2019.

In March 2020, India faced a decline of 14% steel output as compared to March 2019. Global steel output declined by 13%.

55. As per World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), International tourism could shrink by 60-80 % in 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic,

resulting in revenue loss of $910 billion to $1.2 trillion and placing millions of livelihoods at risk.

Pandemic has already caused a 22 per cent fall in international tourist arrivals during first quarter of 2020.

56. As per Worldline India report Wordline India Digital Payments 2019 -

Bengaluru (Karnataka) accounted for highest number of digital transactions in India in 2019, followed by Chennai (Tamil

Nadu), Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra.

Among states, Maharashtra topped with highest number of digital transactions, followed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi.

The most preferred mode of payment was United Payments Interface (UPI).

57. As per a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, global arms sales rose by 5% in 2018. Turn over of 100 biggest

arms manufacturers was 420 billion USD. US manufacturers accounted for 59% of global weapon market, followed by Russia (8.6%), UK

(8.4 %) and France (5.5%). Study did not include China as there was insufficient data.

58. As per a study by Comparisun -

Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos could become world's first trillionaire by 2026.

Chinese real estate tycoon Xu Jiayin will follow Bezos to become the second trillionaire in the world in 2027.

India’s Mukesh Ambani could become a trillionaire in 2033.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg comes next, expetedly gaining trillionaire status in 2036.

59. As per a survey published by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) -

3 of world’s 10 fastest-growing urban areas are in Kerala, While Malappuram tops the list, Kozhikode ranks fourth and Kollam 10th.

Malappuram recorded 44.1% rise in population between 2015-2020, while Can Tho (Vietnam) saw its population increase by 36.7%.

Suqian (China), ranks 3rd with 36.6 % growth in population.

Kerala’s cultural capital Thrissur features at number 13.

60. As per report Boom and Bust 2020:Tracking the Global Plant Pipeline by Global Energy Monitor and Greenpeace International -

47.4 GW coal fired power projects at different stages were cancelled in India in 2019 which reduced total under development coal

capacity to 66 GW.

Globally, 16% year-on-yeardrop in capacity under construction and in pre-construction development, and 66% drop since 2015.

61. As per report by US-based think tank Global Financial Integrity (GFI) -

India has 3rd highest trade-related illicit financial flow among over 135 countries, with USD 83.5 billion escaping government's tax

net owing to trade-based money laundering tactics.

GFI classifies illicit flows funds as illegally earned, transferred, and/or utilised across an international border.

5 countries with largest identified value gaps - China (USD 457.7 billion), Mexico (USD 85.3 billion), India (USD 83.5 billion), Russia

(USD 74.8 billion) and Poland (USD 66.3 billion).

62. Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised Rs 850 crore (USD 118 million) from a new issue of offshore Indian rupee-linked 10-year bonds.

ADB's India rupee bonds have been significant for local currency operations. Through issues like this, ADB contributes to capital

market development, attracts foreign portfolio investment, and catalyses financing of new ADB loans and investments in Indian

rupees.

63. Australian Scientists discovered corals with increased heat tolerance which has potential to reduce impacts of coral reef bleaching due to

climatic change.

Bolstering heat tolerance of its microalgal symbionts, tiny cells of algae that live inside the coral tissues, the team made the coral

more tolerant to temperature induced leaching.

This will strengthen heat resistance of the coral reef by manipulating microalgae, the key factor of the coral’s heat tolerance.

64. Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) signed agreement with German firm KUNZ GmbH, to supply aircraft recovery

equipment, to jointly establish a centre for disabled aircraft recovery training and manufacture the equipment necessary. Kempegowda

International Airport (KIA) is first airport in India with the capability effect recovery of disabled aircraft up to Code F category.

65. Bangladesh High Court declared Joy Bangla as national slogan of Bangladesh. Joy Bangla’ was the main slogan during the liberation war

of Bangladesh fought against Pakistan in 1971.

66. Bangladesh and Nepal agreed to sign a Free Trade Agreement to enhance trade. Bangladesh also agreed to allow Nepal to use it Saidpur

airport located in its northernmost district of Nilphamari close to Nepal.

67. Bhutan introduced a new system for regional tourists called ‘Sustainable Development Fee’, after a concerned legislation was passed by

Tshogdu (lower house of Bhutan’s Parliament). Now, tourists from India, Maldives, and Bangladesh have to pay a certain amount for stay

in Bhutan. Amount is 1200 Bhutanese Ngultrum (USD 16.85) per day, to be applicable from July 2020.

68. Britain unveiled a new 50 pence coin minted to mark Brexit (British exit from the European Union Bloc), which bears the inscription

“Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations”.

After Brexit, 28 member of European Union states will come down to 27.

69. Calling application named CatchUp has been launched by Facebook, aiming to coordinate call timings with friends and family members,

and will enable users to check availability of time with a group of up to eight people.

70. Campaign Earth Hour observed on March 28, being observed since 2007. Aim is to call attention towards global warming, loss of

biodiversity and climate change.

During one-hour campaign, businesses and people all over the world switch off unnecessary lights and electronic items between 8:30

PM and 9:30 PM. Earth Hour is held ever year on the last Saturday of March.

71. Canada's Vancouver-based airline Harbour air tested world's first all-electric commercial plane DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver , across

Fraser River in Richmond (British Columbia).

72. China and Myanmar signed 33 new deals under BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) to implement China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Also, a

concession agreement was signed to implement deep seaport project called Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone.

Controversial Myitsone dam project that is backed by China was not discussed, which allows China to easy access to Indian Ocean, as

this route bypasses Strait of Malacca through which China imports most of its oil requirements.

Strait of Malacca connects Andaman Sea and South China Sea. This route is on the international boundary and is far from India’s

territories as compared to Myanmar route.

73. China declared that its giant paddlefish often called as ‘Panda of the Yangtze river’ or ‘Chinese swordfish’ has become extinct, due to

decades of overfishing. The last confirmed sighting of the paddlefish was in 2003.

74. China is now world's second-largest arms industry, as per figures compiled by Sweden based Stockholm International Peace Research

Institute (SIPRI). China surpassed Russia and trails only Behind US Now.

75. China launched its 1st indigenously built aircraft carrier “Shandong”, named after the Shandong province, from Sanya, an important

establishment in South China Sea. It is 2nd aircraft carrier of China after Liaoning.

76. China launched its largest carrier rocket, Long March-5, carrying Shijian-20 satellite. It can carry a maximum payload of 25 tonnes into

low Earth orbit (LEO) and 14 tonnes into geosynchronous orbit.

Shijian-20 satellite is a new technology test and verification satellite, as China’s most advanced communications satellite in

geosynchronous orbit.

77. Chinese Kuaizhou-1A (Y6) rocket launched first two operational satellites for Xingyun narrowband constellation, with First satellite

named Wuhan and Other Xingyun-2.

Each satellite has a launch mass of 93 kg and its main payload is an L-band communication system and a trans-satellite laser

communication package.

Also, A large Long March 5B rocket which was earlier launched successfully by China, fell into atmosphere over Atlantic Ocean. It

became most massive object in nearly 30 years to perform an uncontrolled re-entry from orbit.

78. Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) named its first Mars Exploration mission as Tianwen 1.

It was announced on Apr 24, Observed as National Space Day in China. It marks launch of first Chinese satellite Dongfanghong-1

(1970).

Tianwen means Heavenly Questions.

79. Corruption Perception Index 2019 by Transparency International (180 Nations) -

India ranked 80th, compared to 78th last year. Other Nations with same rank as India - Benin, China, Ghana and Morocco.

Bottom 3 - Syria (178), South Sudan (179) and Somalia (180).

Top 5 - Denmark and New Zealand (1), Finland (3), Sweden, Switzerland and Singapore (4).

Neighbors - China (80), Pakistan (120), Bangladesh (146), Sri Lanka (93)

80. Cyclone Tino has hit oneanic island nation Fiji, causing devastation.

81. Dispute settlement body of World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) has set up a panel to examine complaints of United States(US) against

India for hiking customs duties of 28 American goods in July 2019.

US alleged India's move of increasing custom duties for being inconsistent with 2 global trade norms of GATT (General Agreement

on Tariffs and Trade) 1994 agreement.

82. Donald Trump became 3rd President to be impeached by US House, after He was accused of enlisting foreign government to investigate

political rival before 2020 elections.

US House called for voting process alleging that President pressurized Ukraine to announce investigations against his political rival

Joe Biden ahead of 2020 elections. Democrats had majority in house to impeach him. It is necessary to prove charges at the senate as

well.

So far only two American presidents have been impeached. In 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached on charges of sexual

relationship with his intern. However, senate acquitted him. Before him, in 1868, President Andrew Johnson was impeached.

83. Economic Intelligence Unit Worldwide Education for the Future Index 2019 -

India ranked 35, jumping 5 places, provided based on ability of a country to equip their students in skill-based education.

Finland topped the index, followed by Sweden.

84. Economic Intelligence Unit released Democracy Index 2019 -

Top 3 - Norway (1), Iceland (2) and Sweden (3).

India ranked 51st, slipping 10 positions as compared to its previous ranking.

85. Ecuador activated emergency protocols in Galapagos Islands, to contain environmental impact of a fuel spill, after a barge carrying 600

gallons of diesel fuel sank. Galapagos archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of most fragile ecosystems on planet.

86. Eight years after they partnered to produce hydrocarbons in India, Reliance Industries and British oil major BP Plc partnered to open a

nationwide network of fuel retailing outlets, to be set up through a new JV. It will be owned 51% by RIL and remainder by BP. Plan is to set

up 5,500 fuel retail stations across country.

87. Energy-to-agriculture conglomerate GP Global acquired lubricants assets of Grand Petroleum, Nigeria's leading lubricants player and

part of Nosak Group, to strengthen its presence in Nigeria and west Africa.

88. Environmental organisations criticised a major project intending to link three rivers and provide seamless navigation between three of

Europe’s peripheral seas.

Danube-Oder-Elbe Canal intends to connect the Danube, Oder and Elbe rivers and thus provide another navigable link from the

Black Sea to the North and Baltic Seas.

Several environmental organisations asked European Union to halt this 23 Billion Euros project, as it would reportedly destroy

region’s river landscapes, and is in violation of EU environmental laws.

89. Ethiopia launched its first satellite, ‘ Ethiopian Remote Sensing Satellite’ (ETRSS) from China. ERSS is a remote-sensing microsatellite, to

help Ethiopia’s research into climate change. This makes Ethiopia 11th African country to put a satellite into space and Egypt was the first,

in 1998.

Alongside, China-Brazil Earth Resource Satellite-4A (CBERS-4A) was also launched. Its a new satellite jointly developed by China

and Brazil as part of a bilateral programme. It will obtain global optical remote-sensing data and will also support Brazilian

government’s to monitor Amazon rainforest and changes in country’s environment.

90. European Nation The Netherlands will drop nickname Holland, as it rebrands itself in 2020. Holland is a region of the Netherlands, but

the two names are often used interchangeably to describe the northern European country. The rebranding costs €200000.

91. European Parliament deferred voting on a resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, stating that it is India’s “internal matter".

As a compromise, European lawmakers agreed to postpone the voting and get a direct perspective about CAA from Indian foreign minister

S. Jaishankar, who wll visit Brussels (Belgium) shortly.

92. European Union proposed 750 billion Euros as COVID-19 recovery fund, to recover from deep recession caused by COVID-19.

France and Germany had earlier agreed to provide 543 billion USD fund to add cash to financial measures of the bloc.

The alliance was led by France and Germany and the model is an outcome of the meet of 25 nations held in April 2020.

Model aims to pull in world organizations in fight against COVID-19, aiming to strengthen UN and especially under financed World

Health Organization (WHO) to develop and distribute tests and vaccines.

93. Europen Nation Luxembourg become first country to make all forms of public transport free. It is a dual social measure in the country,

funded by tax payers.

94. First shipload of 1 million barrels of crude oil from UAE arrived at Mangalore, as part of India capitalizing on low global oil prices to fill its

underground strategic oil reserves.

India has built 5.33 million tonne of emergency storage, enough to meet its oil needs for 9.5 days.

Reserves are built in underground rock caverns in Mangalore and Padur (Karnataka) and Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)

Now, State-owned oil firms have been asked to buy oil at cheaper rates from market and fill them up, as Oil prices have declined by

more than 60 % since January.

95. For 2019, China became leader in international patent filings via WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) with a total of 58,990

applications surpassing US, which was at top since PCT began operations in 1978.

Among Companies, For 3rd consecutive year, Chinese telecom firm Huawei topped global ranking with 4411 PCT applications,

followed by Mitsubishi of Japan (2661), Samsung of South Korea (2334) and Qualcomm of US (2127).

Nations -

China - 58990

USA - 57840

Japan - 52660

India Ranked 14th with merely 2053 filings.

96. Forbes ‘The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women’ List -

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ranked 34th.

India's HCL Corporation CEO and Executive Director Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Biocon Founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Indian-

Origin Dubai based Businesswoman Renuka Jagtiani (CEO of Landmark Group ).

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also featured on the list on the 29th position.

Top 5 and Notable Names -

S.No. Name Country

1 Angela Merkel Germany

2 Christine Lagarde France

3 Nancy Pelosi United States

4 Ursula von der Leyen Belgium

5 Mary Barra United States

29 Sheikh hasina Bangladesh

34 Nirmala Sitharaman India

54 Roshni Nadar Malhotra India

65 Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw India

96 Renuka Jagtiani India

100 Greta Thunberg Sweden

97. French carmaker “Peugeot SA” and US-Italian “Fiat Chrysler” signed an agreement to create world’s fourth largest automaker, in a 50-50

merger. It will be 4th largest global automotive original equipment manufacturer by volume and third largest by revenue. Combined group

would be headquartered in Netherlands.

98. Global Animal Protection Index 2020 by World Animal Protection -

India gained C grade (same as 1st edition in 2014), with other 8 countries.

No country gained A grade.

99. Global Climate Risk Index 2020 by International Environmental think tank Germanwatch -

India was 5th most climate-affected country in 2018.

Japan, Philippines and Germany are most climate-affected countries in 2018 followed by Madagascar, India and Sri Lanka.

100. Global Gender Gap Report 2020 by World Economic Forum -

India ranked 112th in the list, down from 108th rank in 2018.

Top 4 - Iceland (1), Norway (2), Finland (3), Sweden (4)

Neighbors - Bangladesh (50), Pakistan (151), Sri Lanka (102), Nepal (101)

As per WEF, it will take another 99.5 to attain Gender equality.

101. Global Innovation Policy Centre (GIPC) of US Chamber of Commerce released International IP (Intellectual Property) Index -

India ranks 40th among 53 economies ranked in list, down from 36th rank in 2018.

US ranked first, followed by UK, Sweden, France, Germany and Ireland.

102. Global Payments Firm Mastercard partnered with Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT), to help tap more tourists from India.

103. Global property consultant Knight Frank report Global House Price Index Q3 2019 -

India ranked 47th among 56 countries.

Top 3 - Hungary (1), Luxembourg (2), Croatia (3).

104. Gurugram Based Marketing Technology Firm AdGlobal360 has been acquired by Japanese company Hakuhodo Inc.

105. Henley passport Index 2020 -

Indian passport ranked at 84th spot in world’s most powerful passports list, a drop by 2 places as it ranked 82nd in 2019.

Top 4 - Japan (1), Singapore (2), Germany and South Korea (3), Finland & Italy (4).

106. Heritage Foundation's 26th annual Economic Freedom Index 2020 -

Top 5 - Singapore (1), Hong Kong (2), New Zealand (3), Australia (4), Switzerland (5)

Bottom 3 - North Korea (180), Venezuela (179), Cuba (178)

India ranked 120th.

Neighbors - China (103), Pakistan (135), Bangladesh (122), Nepal (139), Sri Lanka (112)

107. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will set up logistics bases in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. This is to entice them

towards buying India’s military helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.

108. Hyderabad topped list of world's most dynamic cities, as per 7th edition of City Momentum Index by global real estate services firm JLL,

while Bengaluru ranks second. Chennai is at fifth and Delhi is at sixth place.

JLL City Momentum Index identifies a number of key growth drivers, including talent attraction, expansion of innovation hubs and

better urban planning, that cities can employ to meet challenges faced by rapid momentum.

109. IIT Hyderabad will collaborate with 4 Japanese institutions for research in areas including earthquake engineering and doctoral

programs. Institutions Include Japan's National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, Shizuoka University, Saitama

University and National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS).

110. IIT Kharagpur ranked 57th among global universities for its impact research in areas that help achieve sustainable development goals

(SDGs) as mandated by United Nations.

IIT Kharagpur ranked 4th in SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 13th for SDG13 (Climate Action), joint 21st for SDG1 (No Poverty)

and 24th for SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Global Top 3 -

University of Auckland (New Zealand)

University of Sydney (Australia)

Western Sydney University (Australia)

La Trobe University (Australia)

Arizona State University (US).

111. IT Firm Infosys and US Based chip maker Qualcomm tied up, to provide smart city solutions in India. These companies will provide

several facilities in Indian Smart Cities like Smart Stadiums, Smart Venues, Smart Event Management and much more.

112. In Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)'s 4th edition of Inclusive Internet Index 2020 (100 countries), India ranked 46th and Sweden is at

1st place.

113. In order to secure CPEC sea route, China and Pakistan signed a deal to build drones with maximum payload of 480 kg, with top speed of

370 km. The drones are called Loong II. Pakistan and China have agreed to build 48 drones in Pakistan soil.

114. India PM Narendra Modi and President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohammed Saleh jointly inaugurated 4 important development projects in

Maldives through video conference. These include - Three Fish Processing plants, Launch of RuPay card in the Maldives, Lighting up of

Male with LED lights and Fast Interceptor Craft Kaamyaab given to the Maldives.

115. India and Bangladesh signed agreement to upgrade 50.58-kilometre long road between Ashuganj river port and the Akhaura land port in

Bangladesh into a 4-lane highway.

116. India and Maldives signed 5 Memorandum of Understandings to establish Addu Tourism in 5 islands of Addu atoll, at cost of 2.49 million

USD. Addu is a city in Maldives that contains several inhabited Islands.

Under India’s High Impact Community Development Scheme, India assists Maldives in developing projects based on the needs of the

communities of islands.

Maldives is located in south of Lakshadweep islands, having strategic importance for India containing Chinese presence in region.

117. India and Sri Lanka signed MoU for up-gradation of infrastructure in plantation schools for estate workers of Indian origin. It envisages

up-gradation of infrastructure of 9 plantation schools as identified by Sri Lanka under an Indian grant assistance of 30 crore rupees.

118. India annouced to continue $2.3 billion (about Rs 15,000 crore) deal with Turkey to manufacture fleet support vessels (FSVs) in

collaboration with a Turkish shipyard.

Doubts were raised about the same after Turkey’s links with Pakistan and Turkish President commenting against India about

Kashmir conflict.

119. India extended USD 150 million foreign currency swap support to Maldives, under USD 400 mn. bilateral agreement signed in July 2019.

120. India extended line of credit of USD 75 million to Cuba for financing solar parks, as per an agreement signed between Export-Import

Bank of India (Exim Bank) and Banco Exterior De Cuba in July 2019.

121. India handed over war game centre named as “INDIA” to Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), built at approx $2,65,000.

122. India has been listed as 5th biggest Geo-political Risk of 2020, as per a Eurasia Group report. The report states ‘Top 10 Risks’ of the -

RIGGED!: WHO GOVERNS THE US?

THE GREAT DECOUPLING

US/CHINA

MNCS NOT TO THE RESCUE

INDIA GETS MODI-FIED

GEOPOLITICAL EUROPE

POLITICS VS. ECONOMICS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

SHIA CRESCENDO

DISCONTENT IN LATIN AMERICA

TURKEY

123. India joined 61 other countries in World Health Organization to identify source of COVID-19, with China and US staying out.

Countries together moved a proposal at the WHO to identify zoonotic source. Only three permanent members of the United Nations

Security Council have backed the resolution namely Russia, France and UK.

From SAARC countries, only India, Bhutan and Bangladesh have signed the resolution.

World Organization for Animal Health will conduct field missions to identify the zoonotic source of the virus. Zoonotic sources are

animals from which diseases can transmit to humans.

124. India joined Indian Ocean Commission as 5th observer, other four observers being Malta, China, European Union and OIF (International

Organization of La Francophonie). It will help India in expanding its plans in Western Indian Ocean,which strategically connects South

Eastern Coast of Africa.

Indian Ocean Commission links African Indian Ocean nations - Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion (an overseas region of

France), and Seychelles. It was created in 1982, with secretariat in Mauritius.

125. India provided 2 million USD relief aid to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) to help in welfare of Palestine refugees.

India recently increased its annual contribution to UNRWA from 1.25 million to 5 million USD.

126. India ranked 5th in annual Carbon Disclosure Project 2019 report published by Global Reporting Initiative, aimed at measuring carbon

reduction activities undertaken by firms operating across globe.

Report surveys corporate commitments to science-based targets (SBT) and evaluates climate change risk that they are exposed to.

India India is first developing economy with maximum number of companies committing to science-based targets. India had 38

companies committing to science-based targets, up from 25 companies committing to SBTs in 2018.

Top 5 - US (1), Japan (2), United Kindom (3), France (5), India (5).

127. India will renew its pact with Kazakhstan for supply of uranium from 2020 to 2024. Kazakhstan has so far supplied 9000 tonne of

uranium to India. India sources nearly 80 per cent of its uranium requirement from Kazakhstan.

128. India's Exim Bank provided USD 500 million line of credit to Bangladesh for defence-related procurement, as per an agreement signed in

April 2019.

As per agreement, Goods and services including consultancy services of value of at least 75 % of contract price shall be supplied by

sellers from India. Reduction may be considered on a case-to-case basis.

129. India's National Rail Transport Institute (NRTI) signed MoU with University of Birmingham (UK), to set up its first Centre of Excellence

for Next Generation Transportation Systems.

130. India's Statue of Unity has been included in 8 wonders of SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization).

It is World’s tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabbhai Patel was built at Kevadiya in Narmada district of Gujarat. Its height is 182

meters (597 ft), built at cost of Rs 3000 crores. It was opened on 31 October 2018 (Birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel).

Eight Wonders of SCO include -

Statue of Unity in India

Daming Palace in China

Navruz Palace in Tajikistan

Mughals Heritage in Pakistan

Tamgaly Gorge in Kazakhstan

Po-i-Kalan Complex in Uzbekistan

The Golden Ring of Russia

Lahore, the Mughals heritage in Pakistan

Also, India will hold SCO Meet For the first time, later in 20220. Heads of 8 SCO countries (India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan,

Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan) will attend the meeting. India will also invite Pakistan PM Imran Khan for the

meet.

131. Indian Embassy signed agreement with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), India for post-earthquake

reconstruction of 11 Cultural Heritage sites in Nepal.

132. Indian IT Firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will launch Israel’s first fully digital bank, powered by TCS BaNCS Global Banking

Platform.

The yet to be named digital bank is the first to receive a banking license in Israel in over 40 years and is to be launched in 2021.

133. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) released 169 new names for tropical cyclones in Indian Ocean Region, contributed by 13

countries namely India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Thailand, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Pakistan, Bangladesh and

Iran. Notable Naming norms -

Names should be neutral to cultures, politics, gender and religious beliefs.

Name should be less than 8 characters and easy to pronounce.

Regional Specialize Meteorological Centre (RSMC New Delhi) is responsible to name cyclones in region of Bay of Bengal and Arabian

Sea.

134. Indian Oil signed MoU with National Petroleum Authority (NPA) of Ghana, for providing assistance and technical expertise in the

implementation of Ghana’s National LPG Promotion Policy. It also provides for administrative assistance to Indian Oil in case it decides to

participate as a commercial participant in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.

135. Indian PM Narendra Modi and Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated 2nd second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-

Biratnagar, built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people's movement.

136. Indian PSU IRCON signed MoU with Russia's RZD International L.L.C., to explore opportunities for joint development of railways and

other infrastructure projects in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

137. Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) has been recognised formally by National Department of Regulation of Medicines and Health Products of

Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan. With this, Afghanistan became first country to recognize IP pursuant to efforts of Department of

Commerce and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India).

138. Indian Railways and University of Birmingham launched Joint Masters programme in Railway Systems Engineering and Integration in

academic year 2020-2021 by National Rail Transportation Institute (NRTI). It was signed by Lord Karan Billimoria, Chancellor of

University of Birmingham.

The programme leads to dual M.Sc. that would see NRTI students obtaining two post graduate degrees from both institutions, after

spending a year studying at each institution.

This has been taken under Centre of Excellence for Next Generation Transportation Systems that had been set up by an MoU

between National Rail Transport Institute with University of Birmingham, in December 2019.

139. Indian Railways signed MoU with Department for International Development (DFID) of United Kingdom, As part of its obligations &

commitment to reduce carbon footprints by taking several initiatives in field of Green Energy.

140. Indian Twch Firm Infosys partnered with core banking software developer Swiss firm Avaloq, to offer end-to-end (e2e) products and

services as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) across the world to its clients.

141. Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) invited Proposals for ‘COVID-19 Indo-U.S. Virtual Networks’ that would allow Indian

and U.S. scientists and engineers currently engaged in COVID-related research to carry out joint research activities through a virtual

mechanism.

IUSSTF was established in March 2000, as autonomous bilateral organization jointly funded by INdia and US, and promotes

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation.

142. International Court of Justice announced its verdict in Rohingya genocide case, directing Myanmar to take urgent measures to protect

Muslim community from persecution. Ruling came on a petition filed by Gambia at ICJ against Myanmar, alleging genocide against the

minority Muslim Rohingya community.

143. International Dark Sky Association named Small Oceanic Nation Niue as first Dark Sky Preserve Nation.

International Dark Sky Places are spaces recognised for responsible lighting policies that keep the night-time environment naturally

dark. There are over 130 of these accredited dark sites across the world, but never before has been bestowed on an entire country like

now.

144. International Energy Agency (IEA) launched India’s Energy Policy Report (1st edition), in collaboration with NITI Aayog.

Oil demand of India will overtake China by mid-2020, making India more vulnerable to supply disruption in middle east.

Oil demand will reach 6 million barrels per day by 2024. India is third largest consumer of oil after China and US. India imports 80%

of its oil needs. Of this, 65% are from middle east through Strait of Hormuz.

India is 4th largest oil refiner, and plans to increase refining capacity to 8 million barrels per day by 2025.

India's strategic petroleum reserves maintain emergency fuel store of 5.33 metric tonnoes, which can fulfil demand of country for 10

days. 3 such oil storage reserves are located at Padur, Mangalore and Vizag. 2 more are to be built at Chandikhole and Bikaner.

145. International Energy Agency (IEA) released report Global Energy Review 2020 -

Beyond immediate impact on health, current COVID-19 crisis has major implications for global economies, energy use and

CO2 emissions.

Countries in full lockdown are experiencing an average 25% decline in energy demand per week and countries in partial lockdown an

average 18% decline.

Global energy demand declined by 3.8% in the first quarter of 2020.

Global coal demand fallen by almost 8% compared with first quarter of 2019.

Oil demand fell 5% in first quarter.

Gas demand went down by 2%.

Renewables were only source that posted a growth in demand, driven by larger installed capacity and priority dispatch.

Electricity demand has been depressed by 20%.

Result will be 6% contraction in energy demand by 6%, largest in 70 years in percentage terms and largest ever in absolute terms.

Impact of Covid-19 on energy demand would be over 7 times larger than impact of 2008 financial crisis on global energy demand.

Global electricity demand is expected to fall by 5%, with 10% reductions in some regions.

Global CO2 emissions are expected to decline by 8%, or almost 2.6 gigatonnes (Gt), to levels of 10 years ago. It is six times larger than

previous record reduction of 0.4 Gt in 2009, caused by global financial crisis.

146. International Institute of Strategic Studies released report on global Defence Spending titled Military Balance -

Global spending rose by 4% in 2019, largest growth in 10 years.

Defence race with China has kindled US to spend alarmingly towards its Defence Programmes.

US is complaining that NATO members are not contributing enough towards Defence spending, as per 2014 NATO pledge. According

to which, member nation should contribute 2% of its GDP to Defence.

147. International Labour Organization released The World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2020 -

Global unemployment has been stable for last 9 years . But amoid slowing economic growth, no new jobs are being created.

Unemployment is to increase by 2.5 million in 2020, up from 188 million currently.

Gender gap in wages of the labours is more in South Asian countries. While it stands at 15% in developed nations, in south asia it is

40%.

148. International Meteorological Organisation released State of Climate Report for 2019.

As per report, climate change claimed 1659 lives in India in 2019. Bihar reported highest deaths due to extreme weather events.

2019 is 7th warmest year since 1901.

149. International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook reduced growth forecasts for India to 4.8 % for 2019-21, down from 5.8 %.

Also, IMF has projected global growth to rise from 2.9 % in 2019 to 3.3 % in 2020 and 3.4 % in 2021.

Indian economy growth is expected to rise to 5.8 percent in 2020-21 and 6.5 percent in 2021-22.

150. International arbitration tribunal Bilateral International Treaty organization dismissed all claims against India, that were brought by

private firms in Cyprus and Russia.

BIT allows countries to set up rules for investments between each other, as successor of 19th century friendship, commerce and

navigation treaty. First BIT was signed between Pakistan and Germany.

BIT ensures that foreign investors are treated equally as that of domestic investors, as nations tend to restrict foreign investments to

promote domestic entrepreneurs.

While most of treaties in world focus on ‘most favored Nation’ treatment, BIT treats foreign countries equally.

India has so far signed BIT with 75 nations, Out of these 66 are already in force.

151. Iran Introduced New currency Toman, which is equivalent to 10000 Rials (Earlier National Currency).

Idea of removing four zeros from currency gained strength after 2018 when U.S. exited Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed

sanctions. It caused Rial to loose 60% of its value.

152. Iran accepted that it had ‘accidentally’ and ‘unintentionally’ shot down a Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 aircraft, killing all onboard. Iran

called it a ‘human-error’ because of aircraft’s unexpected and sharp turn towards a sensitive area and a military base.

153. Iran announced complete withdrawl from JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) nuclear deal, after US troops killed General

Qassem Soleimani.

In 2018, US had walked away from this nuclear deal. However, other participants such as Russia, China, European Union, France,

Germany and UK tried to keep agreement alive. According to the deal, Iran curbed its nuclear programme in exchange to relief from

sanctions.

154. Iran reportdly launched its first military satellite Noor, to orbit at 425 km. This has increased tensions between US and Iran.

155. Iran, China and Russia began joint naval drills in Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman, with Waters around Iran being a focus for

international tensions as US is exerting pressure for Iranian crude oil sales and other trade ties to be cut off.

156. Iran’s parliament passed a bill designating all US forces as terrorists, after US forces killed top Iranian military commander Qasem

Soleimani in a US airstrike in Iraq. Qasem Soleimani was head of Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. The incident has

escalated tensions between US and Iran.

157. JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency) signed agreement with India for 3 mega rail infrastructure projects, estimated at

15295 crores.

8553 crores are granted for phase I of the Dedicated Freight Corridors in India.

4262 crores for Mumbai-Trans Harbour link project.

2480 crores for Mumbai Metro Line Project.

158. Jammu and Kashmir administration signed MoU with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India to strengthen the

immunization supply chain system in UT.

159. Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries launched tanker Suiso Frontier at Kobe Works yard, as World’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier. It

aims at tapping carbon-free energy potential of lightest element. Ship will demonstrate international hydrogen energy supply chain, by

shipping fuel from Australia to Japan.

160. Jewar International airport Project in Uttar Pradesh has been included in world's 100 strategic global infrastructure projects for 2020,

recognised in CG LA Infrastructure list. Uttar Pradesh (India) and Yugoslavia have been chosen in field of aviation all over world.

161. Joint US and UAE biennial exercise Native Fury began at Abu Dhabi (UAE).

162. Knight Frank’s Global Residential Cities Index Q3 (Quarter) 2019 -

Hyderabad ranked 14th among 150 cities in World. New Delhi ranks 73rd and Bengaluru 94th rank.

Budapest (Hungary) is at top, followed by Xi’an and Wuhan in China.

163. Leaders of G7 nations have set up Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, initiated by France and Canada. US had joined the

alliance after initial denial. G7 consists France, Canada, Italy, Germany, Japan, UK and US. The group has more than 46% of global GDP.

164. Lebanon President Michel Naim Aoun announced formation of new Government due to anti-government protests. New Government will

be headed by Prime Minister Hassan Diab.

165. Lebanon became first Arab country to legalize marijuana cultivation, to boost export of marijuana.

166. Maldives re-joined 54 member Commonwealth group. In 2016, Maldives pulled out of Commonwealth terming “unjust” the grouping’s

decision to penalise Maldives over former President Mohamed Nasheed’s controversial ouster in 2012.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who won 2018 presidential elections, had promised re-joining the bloc.

167. Mar 17, 2020 marks 100th Birth Anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Jatir Pita of Bangladesh. He was first

president of Bangladesh and later served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

168. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) gave security clearance to Swiss firm Zurich Airport International AG for construction of Jewar airport

in Uttar Pradesh.

Jewar Airport Project is to cost approx 29560 crores, spread over 5000 hectares. Once fully operational, it is expected to handle over

160 million passengers per year, having 6 - 6 runways (highest in India).

169. Ministry of Law and Justice declared United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a “reciprocating territory” under Section 44A of Civil Procedure

Code 1908. It means that Indian expatriates if convicted in a civil case in the UAE would no longer be able to seek safe heaven back in

India.

It also declared several courts in UAE to be ‘Superior Courts’, meaning that orders passed by these courts from a ‘reciprocating

territory’ can be implemented in India, as if they were passed in India.

It is believed to help bring down the time required for executing verdicts between the two countries.

Apart from UAE, other countries declared to be “reciprocating territories” are United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangladesh, Malaysia,

Trinidad & Tobago, New Zealand, Cook Islands (including Niue) and Trust Territories of Western Samoa, Hong Kong, Papua New

Guinea, Fiji, Aden.

170. MoU signed between India's Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and France's National Centre for Scientific Research

(CNRS), to establish a framework for cooperation between the two towards promotion and support of scientific and technological research.

CNRS is largest fundamental research organization in Europe.

171. NTPC is announced as project management consultant for development of 300 MW of solar power projects in West Africa Nation Togo. It

is first time another country has sought help of NTPC, under International Solar Alliance (ISA).

172. Nepal approved a new map that includs territories of Kalapani, Lipuleh and Limpiyadhura; which are claimed by India as well.

In October 2019, India issued a new political map that included Lipulekh and Kalapani on its side of border.

In 1816, kingdom of Nepal and British India signed the Treaty of Sugauli under which Kali River was fixed as Western Border of

Nepal. Issue has arisen in locating source of the river that led to boundary disputes between India and Nepal.

According to India, under treaty of Sugauli, Limpiyadhura is point of origin of Kali river. It is point where Nepal border begins.

173. Nepal's Arun-3 hydropower project secured more than Rs 101 billion from a consortium of Nepali and Indian banks. It is largest Indian-

backed project in Nepal.

This 900-MW export-oriented project project is being developed by India's Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) through its subsidiary

SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company. Its cost is approx 1.5 Billion USD (105 Billion INR), expected to generate power by

2023.

Consortium of India's SBI, PNB, Exim Bank, Union Bank of India and Canara Bank will inject Rs 86 billion, while two Nepali

commercial banks Everest and Nabil will put Rs 15.35 billion. This marks Financial Closure of this mega prpject.

174. North Macedonia (formerly Republic of Macedonia) officially became NATO’s 30th member, upon depositing its instrument of accession

to the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO).

175. Noted conservationist Ian Redmond, Environmentalist Sacha Dench and Indian actor Randeep Hooda are named CMS Ambassadors for

Migratory Species until 2023 under redesigned Ambassadors Programme launched at CMS COP13.

Key UN Event 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals was hosted by

India in Gandhinagar (Gujarat), in Feb 2020, called CMS-COP-13.

176. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and its subsidiary Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) acquired 17.28% stake

each from 34.56 % of bankers’ stake in Petronet MHB, that owns a petroleum product pipeline in Mangalore (Karnataka0 for about Rs 371

crores.

177. On occasion of World Wildlife Day 2020 (Mar 3), European Commission launched in Monaco a new global coalition for biodiversity,

calling for stronger mobilisation in raising awareness about need to protect biodiversity. Also, 2020 UN Convention on Biological Diversity

(COP 15) will be held in Kunming (China) in October 2020.

178. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) signed a deal deepening their output cuts, setting target as 500000 barrels a day.

It is being done to eliminate surplus and bolster crude prices.

OPEC has 15 Member Countries – Algeria, Angola, Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, IR Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria,

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Venezuela.

India imports 80% of its petroleum needs from OPEC countries. However, India has been reducing its dependence on OPEC

countries. In October 2019, India imported 4.56 million barrels per day from OPEC, 3.3% low as compared to previous year.

The deal was signed during 7th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting in Vienna (Austria).

179. PSU Telecommunications consultants India Limited (TCIL) signed MoU with Gambia, for participation in MEA’s (eVBAB) e-

VidyaBharati and e-ArogyaBharati Network Project for tele-medicine and tele-education in Africa. Gambia is 16th country to participate in

this e-Network project.

180. Pacific Island Nation Palau became first country to ban sun cream that is harmful to corals, banning common ingredients used in

cosmetics including oxybenzone. The Rock Islands in the Palau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country has banned 10 ingredients

that harm coral reefs.

181. Pakistan and World Bank signed a project agreement worth $406.6 million for financing the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC)

project with an aim to promote economic development.

182. Pakistan will remain on FATF (Financial Action Task Force) Grey List till June 2020, and has been warned of stern action if it fails to

check flow of money to terror groups. This was decided by global terror financing watchdog FATF during its plenary meet in Paris (France).

183. Poland left 2050 Climate Neutrality Agreement of European Union as Union demanded for more funds to support nuclear power and for

economic transition. Poland's 80% energy needs are relied on coal currently. Poland had requested to extend plan execution deadline to

2070.

European Union 2050 Climate Neutrality Plan is a key commitment under 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change. It is a 100

billion Euro plan for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Under Paris Agreement, the EU had committed to reduce its emission by 40% by 2030 as compared to 1990. There were no goals set

for 2050 initially. Under new plan, 2030 target is increased to 50% and a new 100% target has been set for 2050.

184. Prices of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the best quality of crude oil in the world, crashed below $0 mark to -$40.32 a barrel.

It is For the time that US oil prices have turned negative. Last time the oil prices crashed was right after World War II.

It means that seller will be paying the buyer of crude oil for each barrel that is bought.

This major downfall of crude oil prices has been triggered by growing glut of crude and a lack of storage space due to the lockdown

imposed to control COVID-19 pandemic. Supply of crude is much more than demand, at present.

185. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2020 by Subject -

In engineering and technology -

IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi ranked 44th and 47th respectively. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US) is at top.

No Indian institutes are get placed among 100 in Other 4 categories - Natural Science, Life Sciences and Medicine, Social Sciences

and Management, Arts and Humanities categories.

186. Ramsar Convention added 10 more sites from India, taking total to 37 sites in India.

Ramsar Convention was signed in February 1971, aimed at maintaining an international network of wetlands which are important for

the conservation of global biological diversity.

Maharashtra got its first Ramsar site, at Nadur Madhameshwar. Punjad added 3 and UP added 6 to its list.

187. Reliance Industries signed agreement with UAE's Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to explore a joint venture for building an

ethylene dichloride (EDC) facility in Ruwais (UAE). EDC is a basic building-block for manufacture of PVC, a polymer product in

increasingly higher demand globally. ADNOC would supply ethylene and RIL will deliver operational expertise and entry to Indian vinyls

market.

188. Rights group Oxfam International released report titled Time to Care: Unpaid and underpaid care work and the global inequality crisis

-

India’s richest 1% of the population has more than 4 times of wealth held by 953 million people making up for bottom 70% of

population.

Inequality will be reduced if the richest 1% pay 0.5% etc wealth tax in the next 10 years. This would generate 117 million jobs in

elderly, childcare, education and health sectors.

189. Ruling democratic party of President Moon Jae won South Korean elections 2020.

South Korea is first country to hold national elections among COVID-19 pandemic.

190. Russia awarded North Korean leader Kim Jong-un a commemorative war medal, to mark 75th anniversary of victory over Nazis.

Kim was awarded for preserving the memory of soviet soldiers that died during World War II in North Korean territory.

In 1948, diplomatic relations were established between Soviet Union and North Korea. During Korean War, Soviet military forces

supported Korean People’s Army. North Korea was established as communist bloc gaining maximum support from Russia.

191. Russia constructed its first Stealth Bomber Under its Perspective Aviation Complex for Long Range Aviation (PAKDA) programme.

Bomber is second-generation combat aircraft after Sukhoi Su-57 supersonic fighter jet.

192. SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) signed MoU with Kazakhstan-based Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) for

mutual co-operation and technical assistance. It aims to strengthen cross border co-operation in area of securities regulation.

193. Saudi Arabia became first Arab nation to take over G20 presidency, as it seeks to encounter global uproar over its human rights record.

G20 presidency is taken over by Saudi Arabia from Japan, an will host G20 global summit in Riyadh in November 2020.

194. Saudi Arabia began a two-week unilateral ceasefire in Yemen, to show its awareness of threat the coronavirus poses to war-torn yemen.

So far no Covid-19 cases have been reported in Yemen.

195. Saudi Arabia ended death penalty for crimes committed by minors, soon after Saudi Arabia ban flogging as Punishment (In which victim

is hit repeatedly with stick).

196. Saudi oil giant Aramco announced its initial public offering (IPO) at $25.6 billion, which is world’s largest ever. It surpassed $25 billion

raised by Chinese online retail giant Alibaba in 2014 when it went public. The IPO, comprising 3 billion shares or 1.5 percent of the

company, will be offered for 32 riyals ($ 8.00 to $8.53 per share), giving company a total valuation of $1.7 trillion.

197. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh launched an e-passport facility for its citizens, which will have an electronic chip with

biometric data of passport holder.

Bangladesh is first country in South-Asia (and 119th globally), to provide an e-passport facility to its citizens.

198. Skytrax World Airport Awards 2020 -

Top 5 Airports -

Singapore Changi Airport

Tokyo Haneda Airport

Hamad International Airport

Incheon International Airport

Munich Airport

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport won Award for Best Regional Airport in India and Central Asia.

199. Social media platform Facebook launched a third party fact checking system in Bangladesh, in partnership with Indian fact checking

website Boom. It will discourage spread of fake news in Bangladesh.

200. South American Nation Guyana took over chairmanship of the Group of 77 for 2020 from Palestine.

G77 was established in 1964 in Geneva, as largest inter-governmental organization of developing countries in United Nations.

201. South Pacific Archipelago of Bougainville voted to become independent of Papua New Guinea., with 98% of 1.8 Lakh voters voting to get

independent from Papua New Guinea.

Bougainville is largest island of Solomon Islands Archipelago, and has world’s largest copper deposits.

Country is yet to prove its recognition in United Nations. By international law, a country should recognize other for later to become

an independent country, which be proved by new country through United Nation Resolution. If majority of countries vote in favour

of membership of country. 195 countries are currently by United Nations.

202. Sri Lanka withdrew from UNHCR (UN Human Rights Council) resolution, which aimed at resolution is investigation of war time violence

against Tamil Tiger rebels. US had barred Sri Lankan Army Chief from entering US soil accusing him of war crimes.

203. Sri Lankan government formally released its new National policy Framework meant to guide government ministries / departments in

implementing their policies, titled ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’.

Among main objectives are maintaining a 6.5 % or higher GDP growth rate, per capita income over 6500 US dollar by 2025.

Policy elaborates to keep unemployment under 4 % and inflation under 5 %, and budget deficit below 4 % of GDP.

204. Sveriges Riksbank (or simply Riksbank), the central bank of Sweden, had begun testing its digital version of currency, e-krona. The pilot

project will be in operation for one year.

205. Switzerland minted smallest gold coin in world, measuring 2.96-millimeter (0.12-inches) and weighing 0.063 grams. Its nominal value is

1/4 Swiss francs ($0.26).

206. TIME Magazine named India’s former pm Indira Gandhi and freedom fighter Amrit Kaur among 100 greatest women of year. TIME has

created 100 coves for 100 women from 1920 to 2020.

TIME named Amrit Kaur as women of the year for 1947 and Indira Gandhi for 1976.

207. Tech Firm Microsoft announced to become carbon negative by 2030. It also aims that by 2050, it will remove from environment all the

carbon the company has emitted either directly or by electrical consumption since it was founded in 1975.

208. Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) of Lauder Institute at University of Pennsylvania (US)'s 2019 Global Go To Think Tank

Index -

India’s Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is ranked at 27th position, among 176 global think tanks. It was ranked 118th an year

before.

Top 5 -

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (United States)

Bruegel (Belgium)

French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) (France)

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (United States)

Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) (Brazil)

209. Times Higher Education Rankings titled The Emerging Economies University Ranking 2020 -

11 Indian Universities included in top 100, and 56 Indian Universities appeared in complete ranking (total 533 globally).

Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru ranked 16th globally and at top among Indian Universities.

IIT Kharagpur ranked 32nd, IIT Bombay 34th, IIT Delhi 38th. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham entered top 100 for first time (90th).

Top 5 -

Tsinghua University - China (1)

Peking University - China (2)

Zhejiang University - China (3)

University of Science and Technology of China (4)

Lomonosov Moscow State University - Russia (5)

210. To observe 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, World Health Organization designated 2020 as the “Year of Nurse and

Midwife”. WHO will also launch World Nursing Report in 2020, as first of its kind.

Florence Nightingale was an English Social reformer born in 1820. She organized camps for wounded soldiers and also served as a

manager of nurses during the Crimean War. She was called “The Lady with the Lamp” for making rounds on wounded soldiers.

Also, International Nurses Day is being celebrated in her honor, Every year on May 12.

211. U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) downgraded Indian ranking by naming it into the list of Country of

Particular Concern, from Special Watch List earlier -

This is the first time since 2004 that India has been placed in this category, under International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) 1998.

Total 14 Nations are under this category.

India rejected this US religious freedom report, calling it biased.

212. UAE validated Multi-entry Tourist Visa which would be valid for 5 years, available for all nationalities visiting UAE. It aims to boost

UAE’s tourism economy.

213. UAE's Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) provided 300 million US dollars as development aid to Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,

for developmental activities.

214. UK Parliament approved Brexit deal, paving way for Britain’s smooth exit from 28-member European Union on January 31, 2020. The

deal was stuck in British Parliament for over a year.

Brexit bill was approved by British MPs after PM Boris Johnson's Conservatives won majority in elections. Bill was rejected multiple

times previously despite several efforts from Johnson and former British PM Theresa May.

215. UK launched 4 million pound (about Rs 37 crore) fund in India to support collaborative research into emerging technologies. It will

encourage industry and academia to collaborate and develop tech solutions for social, economic and environmental challenges in India.

216. UN Agency United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) called for writing-0ff Around $1 trillion of debt owed by

developing countries, to help them overcome fallout of coronavirus pandemic.

217. UN Development Programme (UNDP) released Gender Social Norms Index, which measures social beliefs that obstruct Gender Equality.

Report stated that gender disparity still exists in every country. Globally, only 24% of parliamentary seats are held by women.

Top 3 Nations in terms of Bias Against Women - Pakistan (1), Qatar and Nigeria (2), Zimbabwe (3)

Also, A UN Global Compact study stated that female labour participation in India has decreased from 34% in 2006 to 24.8% in 2020.

Out of 153 countries surveyed, India is only country where economic gender gap is greater than political gap. Study suggests that

corporate policies and public policies in India should ensure effective solutions.

218. UN Food and Agriculture Organization released Global Forest Resources Assessment Report 2020.

Around 178 million hectares of forests is lost in last 30 years. However, rate of deforestration is being reduced.

Between 2015 and 2020, rate of forest loss has declined to 10 million hectares. Between 2010 and 2015, it was 12 million hectares.

Africa had largest decline of forest of all the continents (3.9 million hectares per year), followed by South America (2.6 million

hectares per year), between 2000 - 2010.

Largest proportion of forests is held by tropical forest (45%), followed by boreal forest, temperate forests and subtropical forests.

5 major countries with most forest resources - Brazil, USA, Canada, China and Russia.

219. UN Security Council approved peace agreement between US and Taliban, paving way for the complete withdrawal of US troops from

Afghanistan. The deal was signed in February 2020 in Doha (Qatar).

220. UN's Food and Agriculture Organization released a report recently on Peatlands -

Peatlands cover only 3% of the earth’s surface, they consist of 30% of world soil carbon. When they are released, they emit

greenhouse gases.

Peatlands are formed due to accumulation of decomposed plant remains. These remains stay accumulated over thousands of years

due to water-logging.

Indonesia has 40% of tropical peatlands. In India, peatlands occupy 320 square kilo metres to 1,000 square kilo metres area.

221. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) removed ‘Carnival of Aalst’ of Belgium from its Intangible

Cultural Heritage of Humanity List, amid carnival featuring a parade float that included racist and anti-Semitic representations which

mocked Orthodox Jews. The carnival was added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.

Also, Thailand’s famous 2000-year-old massage, Nuad Thai has been added to UNESCO’s heritage list. It originated in India and

brought to Thailand about 2,500 years ago by doctors and monks who carried its secrets for generations.

222. UNICEF and Airtel Africa partnered to support children & families affected by COVID-19, to provide children with access to remote

learning and enable access to cash assistance for their families through mobile cash transfers.

223. US Based Market Research Firm Frost & Sullivan released 3rd edition of GIL Index for Economic Development in India for 2019 -

This year, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, along with Tamil Nadu, are named top 5 states in overall economic

development in country. This Annual index evaluates India’s states / UTs on 100 indicators across 10 pillars.

Frost & Sullivan presented Growth, Innovation & Leadership Award for Economic Development in India to Tamil Nadu Govt, to

commemorate Tamil Nadu’s second ranking in Growth, Innovation & Leadership Index for Economic Development, for 3rd time

consecutively.

224. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided $3.6 million to assist India in its response to COVID-19 pandemic.

225. US Congress approved to designate India’s Indigenously developed satellite navigation system, NAVIC (NAVigation with Indian

Constellation) as “allied” navigational satellite system along with Galileo of European Union and QZSS(Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) of

Japan. It would mean that India's regional navigation system NAVIC will be treated at par with European Union’s(EU) Galileo and Japan’s

QZSS.

US Congress also designated Russia’ GLONASS and Chinese Beidou as a “non-allied system”. This means US satellite navigation

system of GPS (Global Positioning System) will not co-operate or exchange data with these two satellite navigation systems.

226. US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) cleared Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Test facility at CSIR-IICT Hyderabad, after

inspection.

Research institute has largest facility of NMR laboratory in country, equipped with 9 NMR spectrometers. With USFDA clearance, it

will gain further motivation to high quality research.

NMR spectroscopy is important for structural characterization of chemical molecules used in pharmaceuticals. USFDA certification

is important to increase chemical and pharmaceutical exports to US.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance is an analytical technique to determine purity of a sample and its molecular structure, used to infer

basic structure of unknown compounds.

227. US President Donald Trump officially launched US military ‘Space Force’, to help in deterring aggression and control ultimate high

ground.

Space Force is US’s first new military service in more than 70 years, since Air Force was spun off from US Army in 1947.

SpaceCom was created in August 2019 as the overseer of US military’s space operations. It would comprise around 16000 Air Force

and civilian personnel.

228. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to increase government’s ability to regulate social media platforms. The order

directs a Commerce Department agency to file a petition with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to clarify scope of Internet law,

Section 230.

Section 230 of Communications Decency Act (CDA) of 1996 is a landmark Internet legislation of US, which helped pave way for

social media companies to grow into global giants.

According to Section 230, no provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as publisher or speaker of any

information provided by another information content provider.

Section 230 was developed in response to a pair of lawsuits against Internet service providers in early 1990s, which had different

interpretations of whether service providers should be treated as publishers or distributors of content created by its users.

229. US President Donald Trump signed revised North American Free Trade Agreement into law. The trade deal, now called the United States-

Mexico-Canada Agreement, updates quarter-century-old NAFTA.

230. US President Donald Trump unveiled his middle-east peace plan, aimed at resolving Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Key Features -

It recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital, Proposing transition to a two-state solution.

New map will more than double Palestinian territory and provide a Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem where US will open an

embassy. No Israeli or Palestinian will be uprooted from their homes.

Vision also promises commercial investment worth 50 billion dollars into new Palestinian state.

Vision gives the Palestinians four years to study the deal and negotiate with Israel.

231. US President Donald Trump who had been impeached by House of Representatives has now been acquitted at Senate trial.

He became 3rd US President to be impeached by House of Representatives and acquitted by the Senate. Other 2 are Bill Clinton in

1999 and Andrew Johnson in 1868.

Mr Trump was accused of charges that he had sought help from Ukraine to bolster his 2020 re-election.

US Constitution authorizes House of Representatives to remove a US President over a simple majority vote. At the house of Senate,

the President is impeached through a trial presided over by Chief Justice of Supreme Court that requires two-thirds majority.

232. US Senate passed legislation Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, that seeks to delist Chinese firms from US securities

exchanges, if they fail to comply with US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's audits for 3 years in a row.

Legislation now needs to be passed by the House of Representatives and then be signed by US President Donald Trump to become a

law.

233. US announced new visa rules to restrict ‘birth tourism’, by no longer issuing temporary visitor visas to foreigners seeking to enter the

nation for birth tourism.

Birth tourism is a practice of travelling to US and giving birth on American soil, thereby securing automatic and permanent American

citizenship for their children.

By restricting birth tourism, US aims to close this immigration loophole to combat endemic abuses and protect the nation from the

national security risks created by this practice.

234. US has shut down Appeal Court of World Trade Organization that acts as trade dispute settlement body for members. This 7 member

body was cut down to a 3-member body in 2018 is now completely blocked by US.

Without WTO’s appellate body, dispute settlement will return to pre-1995 GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) status

quo.

GATT legal agreement was signed by 23 nations in 1947. In 1993, 76 members of GATT and European community came together to

create World Trade Organization.

235. US passed a bill named Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, that aims to address mass captivity of over 1 Million Uyghurs and other ethnic

Muslim minorities in China. It proposes that US redirect its resources to address mass detainment of Turkic Muslims. It is expected to

attract a sharp reaction from China.

Uyghur Human Rights Policy bill calls to put a stop to the human rights abuses, the detainment, torture and harassment of the

Uyghur Muslim communities in China.

Uyghurs are a predominantly Muslim minority Turkic ethnic group, whose origins can be traced to Central and East Asia. Their

native region is considered to be the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in the People's Republic of China.

According to reports, since 2016, over a million Uyghur Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang re-education camps by the Chinese

Government.

236. US placed India and 9 Other nations (Including China) on Priority Watch List due to lack of measurable improvements in intellectual

property framework.

US alleged that intellectual properties and their enforcements have deteriorated equitable market access for Americans in these

countries. Other countries - Argentina, Algeria, Chile, Russia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Ukraine, China.

Countries that were removed from the list included Canada, Kuwait and Thailand.

237. US removed India from its list of developing countries that are exempt from investigations into whether they harm American industry

with unfairly subsidised exports.

US removed India from the list on account of it being a G-20 member and having a share of 0.5% or more of world trade.

It has cast a shadow on India being able to restore preferential benefits under the Generalised System of Preference (GSP) as part of

its trade talks with the US, as only developing countries are eligible for it.

238. US signed a peace agreement with Taliban in Doha (Qatar), for a phased withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, marking an end to

America’s longest war. India witnessed the signing as an observer nation.

239. US signed first phase of a trade deal with China, trying to conclude over an year of tough negotiations and suspension of talks between

two countries. China pledged to purchase at least an additional $200 billion worth of U.S. farm products and other goods and services over

two years.

240. US surpassed Kuwait to become India’s 6th largest oil supplier. Iraq continues to be top crude oil supplier to India. Iraq supplied 26

million tonnes of crude oil to India during April to September 2019. India is 83% dependent on oil imports to meet its oil needs.

Top 7 Oil Suppliers to India - Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, UAE, Venezuela, US, Kuwait.

India stopped importing crude oil from Iran following the reimposition of economic sanctions in May 2019 by US.

241. US to withdraw from Open Skies treaty, which was signed in 2002 as an aerial surveillance system for its 34 participants.

It establishes a region of unarmed aerial observation. It is considered as one of most wide-ranging arms control effort that promotes

transparency and openness amongst military forces.

US accused that Russia has not stuck to its part of the deal. This is the third international arms pact the US has pulled out from since

Donald Trump became the president. Earlier, US had opted out of Iran nuclear accord and Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces

Treaty.

India has similar treaty with Japan, signed in 2017.

242. US, Mexico and Canada signed revamped version of their regional trade pact after several months of negotiations. US-Mexico-Canada

Agreement (USMCA) will now go to each countries' legislatures for final approval. It is meant to replace North American Free Trade

Agreement (NAFTA), a deal in place since 1994.

243. Uber Technologies and automaker Hyundai Motor teamed up to develop electric air taxis, aiming to launch Uber Air by 2023 and urban

air mobility service in 2028. Hyundai is first carmaker to join Uber’s air taxi project.

244. United Arab Emirates issued a licence for a reactor at its Barakah nuclear power plant, making UAE first Arab country to operate a

nuclear power plant. When fully operational, the four reactors have the capacity to generate 5,600 megawatts of electricity, around 25 % of

UAE’s needs.

245. United Kingdom unveiled a new post-Brexit tariff regime to replace European Union's external tariff, called UK Global Tariff (UKGT).

New tax regime will continue 10% tariff on cars but will cut levies on many supply chain imports.

The new tax regime aims to have deals covering 80 percent of British trade within a period of three years.

UKGT will apply to countries with which UK has no agreements and will remove all tariffs below 2 %.

Around 60 % of trade will come into the UK tariff free on WTO terms or through existing preferential access. It will remove tariffs on

$37 billion worth of imports entering UK supply chains.

It will also introduce a temporary zero tariff rate on products being used to fight the COVID-19 outbreak such as personal protective

equipment.

New UK trade regime will be set in pounds. UK formally ended its 47 years of membership with the European Union on January 31,

2020.

246. United Kingdom will co-chair India led CDRI (Global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure), established by India at G20 meet

2017 in Hamburg (Germany).

CDRI will aid in reshaping construction, aimed at building strong climate resilient infrastructures that will reshape construction in

core sectors such as energy, transportation, telecommunication and water.

According to Sendai Framework, 1 USD spent in disaster risk reduction is 7 USD gained. However, developing countries are facing

problems to balance economic investment and disaster resilient infrastructure. CDRI will help countries in solving this.

247. United Nation Conference on Trade and Development report on Global Investment Trend Monitor Report for 2019 -

Global FDI of 2019 was 1.39 trillion USD, declining by 1% as compared to 2018.

FDI to European Union (EU) fell by 15 % to USD 305 billion. US remained topmost FDI recipient in world (251 Billion USD),

followed by China (140 Billion) and Singapore (110 Billion).

FDI in South Asia increased by 10% in 2019, mainly due to India. In 2019, India’s FDI was 49 billion USD, up 16 % from 42 billion in

2018. India ranked 8th among top FDI receivers in 2019.

248. United Nations (UN) Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) World Economic Forecasting Model estimates that global

economy could shrink by 1% in 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic, compared to earlier forecast of 2.5%.

In 2009 global crisis, world economy had contracted by 1.7%.

249. United Nations (UN) released 2.5 million USD emergency humanitarian fund to help island nation of Vanuatu, which is affected by

Cyclone Harold. It Affected Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Solomon Islands.

250. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) released its year-end report, which termed past decade as a ‘Deadly Decade’ for children in

conflict with over 170000 grave violations against children since 2010. Report stated that attacks on children increased by almost three-

fold since 2010. Syria, Mali and Yeman are at top among nations witnessing most attacks on children.

251. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's Business-to-Consumer (B2C) E-commerce Index 2019 -

India ranked 73rd out of 152 countries, in terms of economy's preparedness to support online shopping. India moved seven places up

in the list, compared to last year. India scored 152 nations in terms of readiness for online shopping, worth an estimated USD 3.9

trillion globally in 2017, up 22 per cent from previous year.

Netherlands at top for 2nd consecutive year, with European nations holding 8 of top 10 spots. Non-European countries on the top 10

list - Singapore (3) and Australia (10).

Top 5 - Neterlands (1), Switzerland (2nd), Singapore (3), Finland (4), UK (5).

Neighbours - Nepal (112), Pakistan (114), Bangladesh (103), Sri Lanka (86).

252. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released Human Development Index 2019 (189 countries) -

India ranked 129 on list, which is one rank ahead of its previous position.

South Asia is fastest growing region, with 46% growth between 1990 and 2018.

Top 5 - Norway (1), Switzerland (2), Ireland (3), Germany (4), Hong Kong (5)

Bottom 3 - Niger (189), Central African Republic (188), Chad (187)

Neighbors - Bangladesh (135), Pakistan (152), Nepal (147), Sri Lanka (71)

253. United Nations Security Council adopted China initiated Resolution 2518 to ensure safety and security of peacekeepers, as first such

resolution for safety of peacekeepers.

254. United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) mid-2020 report -

Global Economy -

Global economy is expected to lose nearly $8.5 trillion in output over the next two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

World economy is to shrink by 3.2% in 2020.

GDP growth in developed countries will decline to - 5.0 % in 2020. It will be -.7 % in developing nations.

World trade is forecast to contract by 15 % in 2020.

Pandemic will likely cause an estimated 34.3 million people to fall below the extreme poverty line in 2020.

India -

GDP growth rate of India in FY 21 (2020-21) will be 1.2%, down from 4.1% in FY 20 (2019-20). Growth of India will raise to

5.5% in FY 22 (2021-22).

255. United Nations World Tourism Organisation World Tourism Barometer report -

International tourist arrivals in 2019 increased by 3.8%, reaching 1.5 billion. Middle east region (8%) led growth in arrivals, followed

by Asia and Pacific region (5%).

France had strongest increase in international tourism expenditure, while United States (US) led growth in absolute terms.

256. United Nations adopted 3.07 billion USD budget, with first time inclusion of investigation of war crimes in Myanmar and Syria in its fund

allocation.

In 2019, UN budget was 2.9 billion USD. The increase in the budget is mainly due to inflation, additional missions and exchange rate

adjustments.

UN has categorized its spending in to 5 general groups namely - humanitarian assistance (34%), development assistance (24%),

peacekeeping operations (19%), knowledge-creation operations (16%) and technical cooperation (7%).

257. United Nations adopted a consensus resolution (drafted by Mexico), calling for equitable, efficient and timey access to future vaccines

developed to fight against COVID-19. It strengthens scientific international cooperation that is essential to combat COVID-19.

258. United Nations approved a new resolution in order to draft an international treaty to combat cyber crime.

An expert committee will be established, includng all regions of world. It will meet in August 2020.

US suggests that world should expand accord on existing 2001 Budapest Convention, which was first ever treaty on cyber crime that

addressed internet crimes. It was drawn by Council of Europe. At present, it is only treaty of cyber crime under UN.

Countries like India and Brazil have not adopted the convention on the grounds that they did not participate in its drafting.

259. United Nations listed KHUDOL initiative of Manipur as one of the top 10 global initiatives to fight against COVID-19.

KHUDOL is an initiative of a NGO called Ya_All. Under this, NGO provides food, hygiene and health of LGBTQ community, daily

wage workers, people with AIDS.

260. United Nations released a report on Economic and Social Survey of Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) 2020 -

Economic growth rate of India stood at 5% in 2019-20, forecasted to shrink to 4.8% in 2020-21 and improve to 5.1 % in 2021-22.

Inflation in India - 4.8 % (2019-20), 5.3 % (2020-21), 3.5 % (2021-22)

Global economy is to grow at 2.3% in 2019-20 and will pick up in 2021.

261. United States Space Force began its first national security mission by sending a hyper-secure military communications satellite into orbit,

called Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite.

262. WHO, Lancet and UNICEF released report A Future for the World’s Children -

In the report, a new Global index has been included in comparing performance of child nutrition, education and sustainability.

According to it, India ranked 77th on a sustainability index that takes into account per capita carbon emissions and 131st on a

flourishing ranking that measures best chance at survival and well-being for children.

Report says that India has improved in health and sanitation. However, it has to increase its spending on Health.

Report noted that global carbon emissions need to be reduced from 39·7 giga- tonnes to 22·8 gigatonnes per year by 2030 to

maintain even a 66 % chance of keeping global warming below 1·5°C.

263. World Bank announced emergency operations worth USD 160 billion to 100 developing countries over a 15-month period to fight

COVID-19 Pandemic, which is expected to put over 6 crore into extreme poverty globally.

264. World Bank partnered with Indian Business School AIMA (All India Management Association), to organize a virtual workshop called The

Contract Management during Emergency situations, to create awareness about likely impact of the coronavirus (COVID -19) pandemic on

implementation of bank-funded projects.

265. World Bank released its Global Economic Prospect report. According to it -

World is expected to grow economically at the rate of 2.5%, as lowest prediction since 2008-09.

Advanced economies are to slip their growth by 1.4% as manufacturing sector continues to soften. US is expected to grow at 1.8% and

European Union at 1% in 2020.

Predominantly, growing economies are located in South and South East Asia.

Growth in South Asia is expected to rise by 5.5% in 2020.

Report predicts India’s growth rate at 5% and 5.5% in next year (2020-21).

266. World Bank released its study on how FDI flows are affected in world due to automation, concluding that automation will disrupt flow of

capital from rich to poor countries. Poor countries can gain from automation if adopted at right time.

It reports that during 2004-2015, High Income Countries (HIC) saw highest FDI outflows. Later, it reached saturation and began to

decline.

Study found that FDI flows from a HIC to a LIC (Low Income Countries) reduced as automation increased.

267. World Bank report South Asia Economic Focus -

Indian Economy is expected to grow at 1.5% to 2.8% in FY 21 (2020-21), lowest since its balance of payment crisis in 1991.

However, in coming years growth rate is expected to be 4% to 5%.

268. World Economic Forum Global Energy Transition Index 2020 -

India ranked 74th, improving from 76th rank last year.

Top 5 - Sweden (1), Switzerland (2), Finland (3), Denmark (4), Norway (5)

Neighbors - China (78), Nepal (95), Pakistan (94), Sri Lanka (55), Bangladesh (87)

269. World Economic Forum released its Global Risks Report 2020, identifying global risks. Report has listed 5 top risks in terms of

Likelihood and in terms of Impact.

Risks in terms of likelihood includes extreme weather, climate action failure, natural disasters, biodiversity losses and human-made

environmental disasters.

For the first time, all 5 risks of likelihood are climate-related.

Global Risks in terms of impacts include climate action failure, weapons of mass destruction, biodiversity losses, extreme weather

and water crisis.

270. World Food Programme of United Nations released 4th annual report on Food Crisis -

Food crisis has grown by 10%, with 26.5 crore people facing food insecurity in 2020. This has almost doubled as compared to 2019,

mainly due to COVID-19 Outbreak.

271. World Gold Council (WGC) report World Gold Outlook 2020 -

It stated that gold trade increased by 18.4% in 2019, as compared to 2010.

RBI holds 625.2 tonnes of gold, 6.6% of country’s foreign exchange. India ranks sixth in the world among other central banks.

Other 5 countries that have bought more gold than India include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Poland.

In 2019, the largest gold sellers were Uzbekistan and Venezuela, selling 16.6 tonnes and 30.3 tonnes respectively.

272. World Health Organization (WHO) announced the creation of the WHO foundation to support critical health needs. It is an independent

grant-making entity that aims at supporting the efforts of WHO to address the global health challenges.

273. World Health Organization (WHO) for the 1st time approved a “biosimilar” medicine of Trastuzumab named “Ontruzant” to make

cheaper breast cancer treatment at an affordable rate to women globally. The medicine is derived from living sources rather than

chemicals, supplied by Samsung Bioepis co Ltd.

It will be used for treatment of HER2 (Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)-positive breast cancer and HER2 overexpressing

gastric cancer.

Biosimilar version of trastuzumab is generally 65%cheaper than the original drug.

274. World Health Organization (WHO) launched its Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator, a collaboration to progress development of

coronavirus vaccines and therapeutics. It Aims to make COVID-19 treatment available to all in equitable manner.

275. World Health Organization and United Nations Postal Agency released commemorative stamp to mark 40th anniversary of eradication of

small pox.

WHO small pox eradication campaign was initiated in 1967. In 1980, world was declared is free from small pox.

276. World Health Organization announced a new name for the Corona Virus, “COVID-19”. Other updates about Coronavirus -

Pangolin, the most trafficked mammal of Asia, has been identified as host of Corona virus by chinse researchers.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved the funding of USD 2 million to combat the spread of novel coronavirus (nCoV).

WHO called for USD 675 million in donations for a plan to fight novel coronavirus, mainly through investment in countries

considered particularly "at risk".

Kerala Government declared outbreak of novel coronavirus as state disaster.

As per Research at Robert Koch institute in Humboldt University (Germany), India ranks 17th in spread of Coronavirus.

277. World Health Organization released Global Nutrition Report 2020.

As per report, India is among 88 countries that are to miss global nutrition targets set for 2025.

Major 4 nutritional indicators are anemia among women in reproductive age, stunting among children under-5, exclusive breast

feeding and childhood overweight. The report says that India is to miss the target on all four nutritional indicators.

Global Nutrition Report was conceived during first Nutrition for Growth Initiative Summit that was held in 2013.

World Health Assembly in 2012 fixed nutrition targets. They are -

To reduce anaemic conditions among women by 50%

To reduce stunting in under-5 children by 40%

To reduce underweight births by 30%

To reduce childhood wasting to less than 5%.

278. World Health Organization releasesd list of Global Health Challenges of forthcoming year, including 13 potential threats.

Foremost threat is Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and climate crisis. These 2 threats were on the top in 2019 as well.

New entrant to nter top 13 potential threats is Lack of Access. The report says that around a third of world population lack access to

vaccines, diagnostic tools, medicines and other essential health products.

279. World Health Organization warned against issuance of immunity passports or Risk free Certificates.

Immunity passports are to be provided to persons that have been recovered from COVId-19 and has tested positive to hold antibodies

against the disease.

WHO is against this concept as there is no evidence till that people who have recovered from COVID-19 will not get infected again.

Despite WHO Warning, Chile stated to issue risk free certificates to people who have recovered from Covid-19, to allow them to

return to work.

280. World Meteorological Organization announced Antarctica recording its hottest temperature ever, at 20.75 Degree Celsius. It has went

past earlier record of 18.3 Degrees Celsius, recorded in January 1982.

Higher temperatures are influenced by shifts in El Nino and Ocean Currents. Antarctic region stores more than 70% of world’s fresh

water. If it all melts, sea level will increase by 50 to 60 metres.

Ice sheet in Antarctica covers 14 million square kilometres. It also reflects 80% to 90% of solar radiation.

281. World Press Freedom Index 2020 report by Reporters Without Borders (180 countries) -

Norway topped the index for 4th consecutive year.

Top 5 - Norway (1), Finland (2), Denmark (3), Sweden (4), The Netherlands (5)

Bottom 5 - Dijibouti (176th), China (177th), Eritrea (178th), Turkmenistan (179th), North Korea (180th)

India drops by two positions (140th rank in 2019) to 142nd in 2020.

Neighbours - China (177th), Bangladesh (151), Pakistan (145), Sri Lanka (127th).

282. World’s major oil producing nations agreed to slash their output, to save market from collapse amid COVID-19 Outbreak. Led by Russia

and Saudi Arabia, the group of 23 countries have pledged to cut production by at least 10 million barrels a day.

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