1. National Deworming Day being observed across the country today
- The National Deworming Day is being observed across the country today.
- Children and adolescents in the age group of 1 to 19 years are being administered a single dose of a safe medicine Albendazole in all states and Union Territories on the occasion.
- The objective of the day is to deworm children and adolescents to reduce the prevalence of parasitic worms in the intestine.
State Affairs
2. Chhattisgarh Govt decides to impose permanent ban on hookah bars
- In the Cabinet meeting of the Chhattisgarh chaired by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, the state govt. has decided to cancel licenses issued for running hookah centres.
- The decision comes in the wake of complaints that school students, children and youth are getting attracted towards tobacco use and other addictions.
- The State Cabinet has also decided to close 49 liquor shops as part of its declared policy of gradually moving towards prohibition.
Obituaries
3. Renowned thinker, writer P Parameswaran passes away in Kerala
- Renowned thinker, writer and the founder-director of Bharatiya Vichara kendram P Parameswaran passed away at Ottapalam in Kerala.
- He was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2018 and Padma Shri in 2004.
State Affairs
4. Cauvery delta to be declared a protected agriculture zone
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy has said, the Cauvery Delta Region in the state will be declared a protected special agricultural zone.
- The foundation stone for what is touted as Asia’s largest livestock farm at Thalaivasal village near his hometown Salem.
- The Cauvery delta region is an important agriculture region in Tamil Nadu and farmers continue to do agriculture, despite climate challenges.
National Affairs
5. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat campaign starts across country today
- Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Campaign (18-day) gets underway across the country, organised by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
- In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mooted the idea of a cultural connection between different regions.
- The objectives of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat include celebrating the Unity in Diversity of our nation and promoting the spirit of national integration through engagement between all states and UT.
Arts & Culture
6. MP Governor Lalji Tandon inaugurates Hunar Haat in Indore
- Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon inaugurated Hunar Haat in Indore, organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
- Hunar Haat is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans from the Minority communities.
- Hunar Haat is organized under USTTAD-Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development scheme.
Honours & Awards
7. Oscars 2020: Joaquin Phoenix wins best actor trophy
- Hollywood star Joaquin Phoenix has won the best actor trophy for his performance in "Joker" at the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony at Dolby Theatre in Los Angles, United States.
- Renee Zellweger won the best actress for her poignant portrayal of yesteryear actor-singer Judy Garland in Rupert Goold's “Judy”.
- Director Bong Joon Ho ed has won best director Oscar for his sensational class satire "Parasite".
Summits & Conferences
8. 5th Dhaka Art Summit inaugurated in Bangladesh
- Dhaka Art Summit ( biennial art extravaganza of Bangladesh) was inaugurated by State Minister for Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh K M Khalid.
- More than 500 artists, sculptors, architects and art professionals from various countries are participating in the Summit.
- The Summit will also featuring live events, panel discussions and puppet shows among other things.
Sports
9. Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Red wins Khelo India Ice Hockey tournament
- The Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC) Red won the first Men’s section Khelo India Ice Hockey tournament 2020, by defeating Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) team.
- Around 6,800 athletes across 37 (states and union territories) teams competed in a total of 20 sports events.
- Khelo India is an initiative taken by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to aware people about the importance of sports and fitness.