{"id":54494,"date":"2020-02-07T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-07T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogadmin.forumias.com\/?p=54494"},"modified":"2020-02-26T18:21:20","modified_gmt":"2020-02-26T12:51:20","slug":"9-pm-current-affairs-brief-february-7th-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/9-pm-current-affairs-brief-february-7th-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"9 PM Current Affairs Brief \u2013 February 7th, 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pib.gov.in\/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1601983\">Cabinet\napproves to give status of Institution of National Importance to 5 IIITs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong> The Union cabinet has approved introduction of the Indian\nInstitutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Indian Institutes of\nInformation Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It amends Indian Institutes of\nInformation Technology Act of 2014 and Indian Institutes of Information\nTechnology (Public-Private Partnership) Act, 2017<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Grants statutory status to five\nIIITs in Public Private Partnership mode at Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agarwal\nand Raichur <\/li><li>Declares them as Institutions\nof National Importance along with already existing 15 IIITs<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The five IIITs will have the powers\nto award degrees and use the nomenclature of B.Tech or M.Tech or Ph.D degree as\nissued by a University or Institution of National Importance<\/li><li>Will enable the Institutes to\nattract enough students required to develop a strong research base in the\ncountry in the field of information technology.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/Economy\/finance-minister-introduces-direct-tax-vivad-se-vishwas-bill-in-lok-sabha\/article30741377.ece\">Finance\nMinister introduces Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Bill in Lok Sabha<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong> Finance Minister introduced Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Bill, 2020,\nin the Lok Sabha<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Direct Tax Vivad Se\nVishwas Bill, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aim:<\/strong> Settle pending cases on direct taxes involving Rs 9.32 lakh crore<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Two main components:<\/li><li>Dispute resolution: Reducing tax\nlitigations pending at various forums.<\/li><li>Amnesty Component: taxpayers given the opportunity to pay the disputed\ntax and be free from any other consequence under the law.<\/li><li>Taxpayers whose tax demands are\nlocked in dispute in multiple forums can pay due taxes by March 31, 2020, and\nget complete waiver of interest and penalty.<\/li><li>Those who avail this scheme\nafter that will have to pay 10% more tax. The scheme will remain open till June\n30, 2020.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional Information:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Indirect Tax, Sabka\nVishwas Scheme<\/strong>: Introduced in 2019, it sought to\nresolve all disputes relating to the erstwhile Service Tax and Central Excise\nActs (now subsumed under GST), as well as 26 other Indirect Tax enactments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pib.gov.in\/newsite\/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=198957\"><strong>7 projects worth Rs. 594 Crores sanctioned\nfor J&amp;K and Ladakh under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Schemes<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong> The Ministry of Tourism, under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan and\nPRASHAD has sanctioned 7 projects worth Rs. 594 Crores for J&amp;K and Ladakh<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Swadesh Darshan Scheme<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Launch: <\/strong>2014-2015<\/li><li><strong>Nodal Ministry<\/strong>: Ministry of Tourism<\/li><li><strong>Aim:<\/strong> Integrated development of\ntheme-based tourist circuits<\/li><li><strong>Thematic Circuits under Scheme<\/strong>: North-East\nIndia Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna\nCircuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural\nCircuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Sufi Circuit\nand Tirthankar Circuit.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"473\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogadmin.forumias.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Picture1-12.png?resize=473%2C444&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Image result for swadesh darshan scheme map\" class=\"wp-image-54500\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pilgrimage Rejuvenation\nand Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) Scheme:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Launch<\/strong>: 2015<\/li><li><strong>Nodal Ministry:<\/strong> Ministry of Tourism<\/li><li><strong>Aim<\/strong>: identifying and developing pilgrim\nsites across India.<\/li><li><strong>Objectives: <\/strong><\/li><li>Harness pilgrimage tourism for\nits direct and multiplier effect upon employment generation and economic\ndevelopment. <\/li><li>Enhance tourist attractiveness in\nsustainable manner by developing world class infrastructure in the religious\ndestinations.<\/li><li>promote local art, culture,\nhandicraft, cuisine<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"513\" height=\"548\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogadmin.forumias.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Picture2-10.png?resize=513%2C548&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54501\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pib.gov.in\/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1602330\">DRDO Signs\nTechnology Development Contract with Rosoboronexport Russia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong> High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) signed contract\nwith Rosoboronexport for development of Advanced Pyrotechnic Ignition Systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>High\nEnergy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It is a lab involved in basic\nand applied research in the area of high energy materials required for\nmissiles, rockets and guns.<\/li><li><strong>Objectives: <\/strong><\/li><li>Develop expertise and\ntechnologies relating to High Explosives, Propellants and Pyrotechnics <\/li><li>Transfer the technologies to\nindustry, enhance the infrastructure and scientific understanding to meet the\nfuture challenges.<\/li><li><strong>Parent Organization<\/strong>: Defence Research\nand Development Organization (DRDO)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pib.gov.in\/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1601890\">District Export\nPlan (DEP)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong> The Ministry of Commerce and Industry through Directorate General\nof Foreign Trade (DGFT) has initiated a process to prepare and implement of a\nDistrict Export Plan (DEP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>District\nExport Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Will include the support\nrequired by the local industry in boosting their manufacturing and exports <\/li><li>Will include strategy to\nenhance logistics and infrastructure at the district level and better\nutilization of the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme for inviting foreign\nbuyers<\/li><li>The institutional structure set\nup at the district level for implementation of the District Export Plan will be\nheaded by the Chief\/ District Development Officer<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional\nInformation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Market\nAccess Initiative (MAI) scheme:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>To promote India\u2019s Export on sustained basis;<\/li><li>Focus Product-Focus country approach;<\/li><li>To evolve specific strategy for enhancement of export accessing\n new market or increasing share in existing market.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nodal\nAgency:<\/strong> Department of Commerce, Ministry of\nCommerce and Industry<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Directorate\nGeneral of Foreign Trade<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It is an attached office of the\nMinistry of Commerce and Industry and is headed by Director General of Foreign\nTrade. <\/li><li>It is responsible for\nimplementing the Foreign Trade Policy with the main objective of promoting\nIndia&#8217;s exports.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/longest-spaceflight-by-a-woman-and-why-her-work-matters-6254976\/\"><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/longest-spaceflight-by-a-woman-and-why-her-work-matters-6254976\/\">NASA\nastronaut Christina Koch returns to Earth after record mission<\/a><\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong> NASA astronaut Christina Koch returned to\nEarth from the International Space Station, where she set the record for the\nlongest single spaceflight in history by a woman (328 Days)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>International Space Station<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It is a space station or a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth\norbit.<\/li><li>It is a joint project among five participating space agencies namely NASA\n(USA), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (European Union) and CSA (Canada).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Significance of Christina Koch\u2019s\nspaceflight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Will provide researchers the opportunity to observe effects of\nlong-duration spaceflight on a woman<\/li><li>Vertebral Strength investigation: It defines the extent of\nspaceflight-induced bone and muscle degradation of the spine, and the\nassociated risk for broken vertebrae. This is expected to provide insight into\nthe development of future countermeasures, such as preventative medicine or\nexercise<\/li><li>Microgravity Crystal\u2019s investigation: It crystallises a membrane protein\nthat is integral to tumour growth and cancer survival. Results may support the\ndevelopment of cancer treatments<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.newsonair.com\/News?title=DefExpo-2020%3A-%26%2339%3BLucknow-Declaration%26%2339%3B-adopted-at-India-Africa-Defence-Conclave&amp;id=380974\"><strong>Lucknow\nDeclaration adopted at India-Africa Defence Conclave<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong>India\nand 50 African countries have adopted the Lucknow Declaration at the first\nIndia \u2013 Africa Defence Minister\u2019s Conclave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About\nLucknow Declaration:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Peace and Security:<\/strong>The\ncountries have committed to continue their collaboration in the fields of peace\nand security including conflict prevention, resolution, management and\npeacebuilding.<\/li><li><strong>Terrorism:<\/strong>It\ncondemned the growing threat of terrorism and acknowledge that it constitutes a\nmajor threat to peace and security in the region.<\/li><li><strong>Maritime security:<\/strong>It\nacknowledged the African Union(AU) vision for peace and security in Africa that\ncoincides with India\u2019s vision of Security and Growth for all in the\nRegion(SAGAR).<\/li><li><strong>Defence:<\/strong>It\nrecalled India\u2019s contribution to defence and security in Africa through setting\nup of various Defence Academies in African countries.<\/li><li><strong>AFINDEX<\/strong>:It also\nappreciated the initiation of Africa India Field Training Exercises and agreed\nto further strengthen cooperation in defence preparedness and security.The\nfirst-ever AFINDEX was held in March 2019.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional\ninformation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About\nAfrican Union:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The African Union(AU) is a\ncontinental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries\nof the African Continent.<\/li><li>It was officially launched in 2002\nas a successor to the Organisation of African Unity.It is headquartered in\nAddis Ababa,Ethiopia.<\/li><li>The objective of union is to\nachieve greater unity and solidarity between and defend the sovereignty,\nterritorial integrity and independence of its Member States.<\/li><li>The African Union\u2019s theme for 2020\nis &#8220;Silence The Guns: Creating conducive conditions for African\nDevelopment\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/how-the-old-aryan-dravidian-tussle-played-out-in-an-iconic-tn-temple-6253168\/\"><strong>Brihadeshwara\nTemple<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong>The\nconsecration(Kumbhabhishekam) ceremony was recently held at the Brihadisvara\nTemple after 23 years in Thanjavur,Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Background:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The ceremony was held after the\nMadras High Court settled argument over the ritual purification process by\naddressing the struggle for supremacy between the Sanskrit and Tamil\ntraditions.<\/li><li>The court allowed the consecration\nto be performed in both Tamil and Sanskrit.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About\nBrihadisvara Temple:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Brihadeshwara Temple (Raja\nRajeswara Temple) is dedicated to Shiva and is located in Thanjavur,Tamil Nadu.<\/li><li>The temple is an example of\nDravidian architecture built during the Chola period by emperor Raja Raja Chola\nI.<\/li><li>The temple is part of the UNESCO\nWorld Heritage Site known as the Great Living Chola Temples with the other two\nbeing the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara\ntemple.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Characteristics\nof the temple:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The temple consists of a pyramidal\nspire and is adorned with sculptures and paintings inside as well as outside.<\/li><li>The entire temple structure is made\nout of granite.The Vimanam(temple tower) is 216 ft high and is said to be the\ntallest in the world.<\/li><li>The Kumbam(the apex or the bulbous\nstructure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-what-is-female-genital-mutilation-6254573\/\"><strong>International\nDay of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation(FGM)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong>International\nDay of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) is observed everyday\nyear on February 6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About\nFemale Genital Mutilation(FGM):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) is\nthe name given to procedures that involve altering or injuring the female\ngenitalia for non-medical or cultural reasons.It is mostly carried out on young\ngirls between infancy and age 15.<\/li><li>It is recognised internationally as\na violation of human rights and the health and integrity of girls and women.<\/li><li>According to WHO, more than 200\nmillion girls and women alive are estimated to have undergone the practice\nacross 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is\nconcentrated.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Female\nGenital Mutilation(FGM) in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In India, FGM is practised\npredominantly within the Bohra Muslim community which are a subsect of Shia\nMuslims.<\/li><li>It is practised as an old\ntraditional practice adhering to religious edicts, controlling women\u2019s\nsexuality and abiding by the rules stated by the religious clergy.<\/li><li>In 2017, a Petition was filed in\nthe Supreme Court seeking a ban on FGM as it violates a woman\u2019s right to life\nand dignity.This has been referred to a nine-judge bench headed by CJI.<\/li><li>However,the Dawoodi Bohra community\nstill maintains that the practice should be allowed since the Constitution\ngrants religious freedom under Article 25.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.business-standard.com\/article\/pti-stories\/madhya-pradesh-tourism-to-hold-3-day-cultural-festival-namaste-orchha-120020501789_1.html\"><strong>Madhya\nPradesh Tourism to hold 3-day cultural festival &#8221;Namaste Orchha&#8221;<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong>The\nMadhya Pradesh government is organizing a multi-cultural festival to promote\ntourism in the heritage city of Orchha,Madhya Pradesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About\nNamaste Orchha:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Namaste Orchha aims to celebrate\nthe cultural diversity, natural beauty and the architectural heritage of the\nOrchha town by showcasing music, dance, heritage walks, local cuisine, arts and\nhandicrafts.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About\nOrchha:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Orchha is located in Niwari\ndistrict of Madhya Pradesh situated on the banks of the Betwa River.It was\nbuilt by King Rudra Pratap Singh of Bundela dynasty in the 16th century.<\/li><li>Orchha architecture has a blend of\nBundelkhandi and Mughal influences. The structures are not only appreciated for\ntheir mesmerizing beauty but also for their intelligent engineering.<\/li><li>The ancient town is famous for its\nOrchha Fort Complex.The Complex is divided into three mesmeric sections namely\nJahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.It is also known for chaturbhuj\ntemple.<\/li><li>The town is also the only place in\nIndia where Lord Ram is being worshipped as a king with a dedicated temple in\nhis name called Sri Ram Raja Mandir.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.business-standard.com\/article\/pti-stories\/us-announces-launch-of-international-religious-freedom-alliance-120020600165_1.html\"><strong>US\nannounces launch of International Religious Freedom Alliance<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong>The\nUnited States has announced the launch of the International Religious Freedom\nAlliance(IRF Alliance).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About the\nalliance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Aim:<\/strong>To bring\ntogether senior government representatives to discuss actions countries can\ntake together to promote respect for freedom of religion or belief and protect\nmembers of religious minority groups worldwide.<\/li><li>Around 26 Countries from around the\nworld have joined the alliance. Some of the prominent countries are Austria,\nBrazil, the United Kingdom, Israel, Ukraine, the Netherlands and Greece.<\/li><li>The members of the alliance have\npledged to uphold the Declaration of Principles which commits countries to\nobject and oppose, publicly and privately, all abuses or violations of\nreligious freedom.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/defence\/china-pakistan-economic-corridor-is-illegal-india\/articleshow\/73974996.cms\"><strong>China-Pakistan\nEconomic Corridor is illegal:India&nbsp;<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong>Indian\nGovernment has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),a flagship\nproject of the Belt and Road initiative(BRI) is illegal as it impinges the\nsovereignty and territorial integrity of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About CPEC:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>China-Pakistan Economic\nCorridor(CPEC) is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and\nRoad Initiative (BRI),a pet project of Chinese President.<\/li><li>It aims at linking the city of\nGwadar in South Western Pakistan to China\u2019s North Western region Xinjiang\nthrough a vast network of highways and railways.<\/li><li>The corridor also seeks to expand\nand upgrade infrastructure across the length and breadth of Pakistan.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>India\u2019s\nObjections on CPEC:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>CPEC passes through\nPakistan-Occupied Kashmir(Gilgit-Baltistan). This undermines India\u2019s strategic\ninterests and territorial integrity.<\/li><li>India also shares a great deal of\ntrust deficit with China and Pakistan and has a history of conflict with both.<\/li><li>China\u2019s increasing footprints in\nthe South Asian region is detrimental to India\u2019s strategic hold in Indian\nOcean.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional\ninformation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About Belt\nand Road Initiative(BRI):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>One Belt One Road(OBOR) or Belt and\nRoad Initiative(BRI) is an ambitious project announced in 2013 by the Chinese\nPresident.<\/li><li>It aims to connect the East Asian\neconomic region with the European economic circle and runs across the\ncontinents of Asia, Europe and Africa.<\/li><li>The project consists of two parts\nnamely the Silk Road Economic Belt which is land based and is expected to\nconnect China with Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Western Europe.<\/li><li>The second part is the Maritime\nSilk Road which is sea-based and is expected to connect China\u2019s southern coast\nto the Mediterranean, Africa, South-East Asia and Central Asia.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"689\" height=\"374\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogadmin.forumias.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Picture3-4.png?resize=689%2C374&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54502\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.newsonair.com\/News?title=Prez-Ram-Nath-Kovind-presents-International-Gandhi-Awards-for-Leprosy&amp;id=380932\"><strong>International\nGandhi Awards for Leprosy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong>The\nPresident has conferred the International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy to Dr NS Dharmashaktu\nin the individual category and the Leprosy Mission Trust under the\ninstitutional category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About the\nPrize:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The International Gandhi Award for\nLeprosy was constituted by the Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation in\n1950.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Since then, it has been leading the\nefforts to completely eradicate the disease and erase the stigma surrounding\nit.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About\nLeprosy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Leprosy also known as Hansen\u2019s\ndisease(HD) is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae\nand Mycobacterium lepromatosis.<\/li><li>Leprosy is not highly infectious.It\nis transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent\ncontacts with untreated cases.<\/li><li>Leprosy is curable with the\ncombination of drugs known as Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>World\nHealth Organisation\u2019s Global Leprosy Strategy(2016):<\/strong>The\nkey interventions as provided in the Strategy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Detecting cases early before\nvisible disabilities occur with a special focus on children as a way to reduce\ndisabilities and reduce transmission;<\/li><li>Targeting detection among higher\nrisk groups through campaigns in highly endemic areas or communities; and<\/li><li>Improving health care coverage and\naccess for marginalized populations among others.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Initiatives\nby India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SPARSH\nLeprosy Awareness Campaign:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In 2017,the Indian Government had\nlaunched the Campaign to promote awareness and address the issues of stigma and\ndiscrimination against Leprosy.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>National\nleprosy elimination Programme<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Launched in 1983 to eliminate\nleprosy through early detection, effective treatment and increased awareness.<\/li><li>In 2005,India achieved the goal of\nelimination of leprosy as a public health problem defined as less than 1 case\nper 10,000 population.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndtv.com\/business\/rbi-policy-live-updates-shaktikanta-das-led-mpc-s-6th-bi-monthly-review-policy-statement-feb-6-2020-2175746\"><strong>RBI\nreleases bi-monthly policy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong>TheReserve Bank of India released its bi-monthly monetary policy\ncommittee(MPC) report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key\nHighlights from the report:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Repo Rate:<\/strong>It\nis the rate at which the RBI lends money to the banks for a short term.It\nremains unchanged at 5.15%.<\/li><li><strong>Reverse Repo Rate:<\/strong>It\nis the short term borrowing rate at which RBI borrows money from banks.It also\nremained unchanged at 4.9%.<\/li><li><strong>Marginal Standing facility:<\/strong>It\nis a window for banks to borrow from the Reserve Bank of India in an emergency\nsituation when interbank liquidity dries up completely.It has been kept at\n5.4%.<\/li><li><strong>Growth:<\/strong>The GDP\ngrowth for the financial year 2020-21 is projected at 6%.<\/li><li><strong>Inflation:<\/strong>The\nestimation for the consumer price index-based inflation has been kept at\n5.0-5.4% for the first half of 2020-21.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional\ninformation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About\nMonetary Policy Committee(MPC):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The Monetary Policy Committee(MPC)\nis a committee of the Reserve Bank of India.<\/li><li>The MPC is made up of six members\nwith three nominated by the Union government and three representing the RBI.<\/li><li>The MPC is mandated by law to\nensure that retail inflation stays within a band of two percentage points of\nthe target inflation rate of 4%<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/navy-to-get-third-scorpene-submarine-in-december\/article30744577.ece\"><strong>Navy to\nget third Scorpene submarine- INS Karanj<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong>The\nthird Scorpene submarine, INS Karanj will be delivered to the Indian Navy by\nDecember 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About INS\nKaranj:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>INS Karanj is a part of\nProject-75I.It is the third submarine of the first batch of six Kalvari-class\nsubmarines for the Indian Navy.<\/li><li>The submarine has been designed by\nFrench naval defence and energy group and manufactured by Mazagon Dock\nLimited,an Indian shipyard in Mumbai.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About\nProject 75I:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The Project 75 is a programme by\nthe Indian Navy that entails building six Scorpene-Class attack submarines<\/li><li>The six submarines are (a)INS\nKalvari (b)INS Khanderi (c)INS Karanj (d)INS Vela (e)INS Vagir and (f)INS\nVagsheer.<\/li><li>These submarines have advanced\nAir-independent propulsion(AIP) systems to enable them to stay submerged for\nlonger duration and substantially increase their operational range.&nbsp;<\/li><li>They also feature advanced stealth capabilities\nsuch as a greater ability to suppress noise and acoustic signatures.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pib.gov.in\/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1602322\"><strong>National\nConference on e-Governance (NCeG),2020<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>News:<\/strong>The\n23rd National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG), 2020 is being held in Mumbai<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facts<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About the\nconference:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The conference is being organised\nby the Department of Administrative Reforms &amp; Public Grievances(DARPG) and\nMinistry of Electronics &amp; Information Technology(MeitY) in association with\nthe State Government of Maharashtra.<\/li><li>Theme:India 2020: Digital\nTransformation.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Themes:<\/strong>During\nthe conference,the discussion will be held on the following themes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Digital Platforms and Digital\nEconomy<\/li><li>Improving Service Delivery<\/li><li>Building Digital Trust- Transparency,\nSecurity and Privacy<\/li><li>Digital Payments and Fintech<\/li><li>National e-Governance Service\nDelivery Assessment (NeSDA)\/ Digital Service Standard (DSS)<\/li><li>Skilling and Capacity Building.<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cabinet approves to give status of Institution of National Importance to 5 IIITs News: The Union cabinet has approved introduction of the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 Facts: Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 It amends Indian Institutes of Information Technology Act of 2014 and Indian Institutes of&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/9-pm-current-affairs-brief-february-7th-2020\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">9 PM Current Affairs Brief \u2013 February 7th, 2020<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":48116,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-54494","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-9-pm-brief","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/9-PM-Brief.png?fit=1000%2C500&ssl=1","views":{"total":0,"cached_at":1700810170,"cached_date":1704941062},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54494","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/61"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54494"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54494\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54494"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54494"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54494"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}