1. PM Modi inaugurates 11th edition of DefExpo-2020 in Lucknow
- PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 11th edition of the ‘DefExpo-2020’ in Lucknow, a flagship biennial event of the Ministry of Defence.
- The ‘DefExpo-2020’ promises to bring new technological solutions, where Defence manufacturing companies from India and abroad showcase their products & services, on a single platform.
- The exhibition will present a golden opportunity for interaction and brainstorming to innovators, manufacturers, and stakeholders.
Obituaries
2. Sahitya Akademi Awardee Jaswant Singh Kanwal passes away
- Eminent Punjabi writer, Sahitya Akademi Awardee Jaswant Singh Kanwal passed away.
- He was bestowed the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship award for his book ‘Pakhi’ (Hand Fan).
- He received the Sahitya Akademi award (in 1998) for his novel ‘Taushali Di Hanso’ and Sahitya Shiromani Award of the Punjab government (in 2007).
- Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar conferred on Kanwal the degree of Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) for Punjabi literature.
National & International Appointments
3. Deepa Malik Elected President of Paralympic Committee of India
- India’s lone woman Paralympic medallist Deepa Malik (49-years) has been elected as president of Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), polls held in Bengaluru.
- Deepa Malik (silver in Shot putt F-53 at Rio 2016) was the successor of the acting interim president Gursharan Singh.
- The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is the body responsible for selecting athletes to represent India at the Paralympic Games and other international athletic meets.
International Affairs
4. Somalia declares national emergency over locust surge
- Somalia has become the first country in the Horn of Africa to declare a locust infestation sweeping the region as a national emergency.
- Experts say the locust swarms are the result of extreme weather swings.
- The emergency declaration was made to focus efforts and raise funds because it was critical to contain the locust swarms before harvests are due in April.
Banking & Finance
5. Cabinet approves amendments to bring co-operative banks under RBI
- Union Cabinet has decided to bring Cooperative banks under the regulatory mechanism of Reserve Bank of India.
- The move will ensure greater accountability and transparency in the functioning of Cooperative Banks.
- The cabinet also approved the IIIT Laws Amendment Bill 2020.
- Five IIITs in the PPP mode at Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur will be declared as Institutions of National importance.
National & International Appointments
6. Albin Kurti appointed new Prime Minister of Kosovo
- Albin Kurti (44-years) has been named as Kosovo's prime minister.
- He was named PM after his left-wing Vetevendosje party forged a coalition with the centre-right Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK).
- Kurti’s government was supported by 66 out of 120 votes, while 10 MPs abstained from voting.
- The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo is the head of government of Kosovo.
National & International Appointments
7. Shaktikanta Das named ‘Central Banker of the Year 2020 – Asia Pacific
- Shaktikanta Das (The governor of the Reserve Bank of India) has been named ‘Central Banker of the Year 2020 - Asia-Pacific’ by The Banker.
- The Banker is a London-based international financial affairs publication owned by The Financial Times.
- It is known for its annual rankings of the world's top banks.
- The 2020 list“celebrates the officials that have best managed to stimulate growth and stabilise their economy”.
Arts & Culture
8. India's biggest rural technical festival 'Antahpragnya 2020’ in Telangana
- District Collector of Nirmal M Prashanthi has inaugurated National Level India's Biggest Rural Technical Festival titled 'Antahpragnya 2020' in Telangana.
- The theme of this festival is 'Spot and encourage rural tech innovators'.
- The 3-day technical fest, with over 200 events viz Campus Farming competition, Robo Racing, Robo Soccer, and others.
National Affairs
9. Over 73 lakh youth trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
- According to Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship RK Singh, Over 73 lakh candidates trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
- The Ministry is implementing the scheme with an objective to provide skilling to one crore youth across the country.
- Under the scheme, the focus on employment has been significantly enhanced and candidates have been placed in various sectors and industries.
National Affairs
10. President Opens Rashtrapati Bhavan's annual 'Udyanotsav'
- President ‘Ram Nath Kovind’ has opened the annual Udyanotsav of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- About 10,000 programmed Tulip bulbs in 8 varieties of different colour were imported from the Netherlands and have been planted in the Mughal Gardens.
- The people will also be able to visit the Spiritual Garden, Herbal Garden, Bonsai Garden and Musical Garden.
Obituaries
11. Kenya's longest serving President Daniel Arap Moi passes away
- Former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi (95-years), who ruled the country for 24 years passed away.
- He became the Minister of Home Affairs and President Jomo Kenyatta later named him Vice President in 1967.
- He became Kenya's second president after independence and went on to rule from 1978 to 2002.