Important Current Affairs 7th March 2020

NATIONAL NEWS

Chapchar Kut, the biggest and most joyful festival of Mizoram begins:

• In Mizoram, the biggest and most joyful festival of Mizos, Chapchar Kutis being celebrated across the state.

• The Chapchar Kutis also regarded as the most popular spring festival to the people of the state. This festival is a public holiday in the state.

• Traditional bamboo dance – Cheraw and other dances were performed at the main event, attracting thousands of people.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

NPCI doubles UPI transaction limit to Rs 2 lakh for some payments:

• The National Payments Corporation of India or NPCI, the umbrella organization for retail payments systems, has doubled the per transaction payment limit for Unified Payments Interface or UPI to Rs 2 lakh for some payments.

• The committee has approved to increase the current limit of Rs 1 lakh per transaction to Rs 2 lakh. This is to fulfill specific needs, including payments for credit cards, loans, insurance, and mutual fund investments.

• The move will be effective from April 2020 and would boost the transactions for categories such as AMC, B2B collections, mutual funds, insurance, pre-approved disbursements, and credit card payments

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Maharaja Ranjit Singh selected as greatest leader in world history:

• In the survey of BBC World History magazine, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the 19th century ruler of the Sikh Empire in India, has been chosen as the greatest leader ever.

• Five thousand readers participated in this poll. Maharaja Ranjit Singh secured the first place with more than 38 percent of the vote. He is known for creating a tolerant and liberal empire.

SPORTS

Sindhu wins TOISA Sportsperson of Year award:

• World champion shuttler PV Sindhu was named Sportsperson of the Year while India’s starbatsman Rohit Sharma was named the cricketer of the year at the fourth Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2019 in New Delhi.

• Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia was given the Lifetime Achievement award, while hockey legend and three-time Olympic gold medallist Balbir Singh Sr was honoured with the Icon of the Century award.

• National badminton coach Pulella Gopichand won the Mentor of the Year award, while former shooter Jaspal Rana was recognized as the Coach of the Year.

• The Olympic-bound Indian men’s hockey was adjudged Team of the Year while the women’s hockey side skipper Rani won the Inspiration of the Year award.

APPOINTMENT AND RESIGNATIONS

Bimal Julka as new Chief Information Commissioner of India:

• Bimal Julka, a retired IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner of India. President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office and secrecy to Bimal Julka.

• He is retired 1979 IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre. Julka has also been posted as Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

SBI Life re-appoints Sanjeev Nautiyal as MD & CEO

• SBI Life Insurance has re-appointed Sanjeev Nautiyal as managing director and chief executive officer of the company.

• The re-appointment is subject to approval of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and members of the company.

IMPORTANT DAYS

Jan Aushadhi Diwas:

• Jan Aushadhi Diwas celebrated on 7th march of every year.

• The Jan aushadhi Divas aims to provide further impetus and create awareness about the use of generic medicines. The day will also highlight the initiative undertaken by Government in the direction of making quality healthcare for all, like Ayushman Bharat, PMBJY, etc.

• The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojna was launched by Prime Minister with an objective of making high-quality medicines available to all at affordable prices, especially to the poor and underprivileged, through exclusive outlets of Jan Aushadhi Medical Stores.