KERALA

Early bird, Kerala may not be a major beneficiary

The benefits that may trickle down to Kerala from Bharat Net programme for which the Union finance minister has set apart Rs 6,000 crore in the latest budget may be insignificant if not nil, at least during the current fiscal.

The Rs 6,000 allocation the Union finance minister announced in her budget proposes to ensure internet connectivity to 1 lakh more gram panchayaths in the country. Bharat Net, an ongoing programme, has till date not benefitted Kerala as the state has already established internet connectivity when the programme was rolled out in 2017.

Bharat Broadband Network (BBNL), touted as the largest rural broadband project under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications, is the agency assigned for establishing the broadband network in rural areas. In Kerala, BBNL established the broadband connectivity in gram panchayat level with the assistance of BSNL. However, BBNL later chose a private partner over BSNL for the operation and maintenance of its broadband service.

INTERNATIONAL

US surpasses China to become India’s top trading partner

The United States has surpassed China to become India’s top trading partner.

According to the Commerce Ministry data, the bilateral trade between the US and India stood at nearly 88 billion dollars in 2018-19 fiscal.

During the period, India’s trade with China was at 87.1 billion dollars.

America is one of the few countries with which India has a trade surplus.

The data showed that China was India’s top trading partner from 2013-14 till 2017-18.

India might participate at 2020 Cannes Film Market

The Indian Delegation discussed the participation of India at Cannes Film Market 2020 at Berlin International Film Festival.

Cannes confirmed its collaboration and participation for the 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

The participation of Indian Delegation will pave-forward for more proactive ties between the two nations.

NATIONAL

Central Excise Day is celebrated on 24 February

Central Excise Day is celebrated on 24 February in India. The day recognizes the contribution of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (at present Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs). The day marks the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act in 1944.

PM-KISAN completed the first year on 24 February

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) celebrated the first anniversary of the new Central Sector Scheme on 24 February 2020. The Central Government has released more than Rs.50850 crores so far. The total number of beneficiaries covered under the scheme, based on estimates of the Agriculture Census 2015-16, is about 14 crore.

PM-KISAN scheme:

The scheme was aimed to augment the income of the farmers, with less than 2 hectares of land, by providing income support to all landholding farmers’ families across the country.

The scheme will enable the farmers to take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied activities and domestic needs.

Under the Scheme, an amount of Rs.6000 per year is transferred in three 4-monthly installments of Rs.2000. The amount will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the farmers, subject to certain exclusion criteria relating to higher-income status.

The PM-KISAN Scheme was formally launched on 24 February 2019 by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Namaste Trump to be held at Motera Stadium on 24 February

The mega event Namaste Trump is to be held at cricket stadium Sardar Patel Stadium, also known as Motera Stadium, in Ahmedabad on 24 February 2020.
Namaste Trump event:

The Donald Trump Nagarik Abhivadan Samiti (Citizen Felicitation Committee for Donald Trump) will organize the high-profile public event which will feature cultural performances.

Renowned Indian composer A.R. Rahman along with singers Sonu Nigam and Shaan will give a special performance in the event.

Cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, and Sunil Gavaskar will also be present in the mega event.

Country’s first floating jetty inaugurated in Goa

Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the country’s first floating jetty and an immigration facility at a cruise terminal in Vasco.

The jetty is located in the state port department’s premises on the banks of Mandovi river.

This floating jetty is the first such facility in the country. It is made of cement concrete. It will boost inland waterways.

“Jetty” refers to a walkway accessing the centre of an enclosed waterbody.

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