NEWS 02/02/2020. NEWS FOR 3-FEB (MONDAY) 1. A Squadron of Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets was inducted by the Indian Air Force in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu to counter the Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. The squadron has been named “Tiger Sharks”. 2. India test fired K4, a 3,500 km range nuclear capable missile successfully from Arihant-class submarine. It will enhance the strength Indian Navy in Indian Ocean. 3. The Govt of India will acquire around 200 aircrafts. Of these 200, 83 fighter jets are LCA Tejas Mark 1A and are to be procured from HAL. The rest are to be procured based on Request for Proposals. 4. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas successfully landed on INS Vikramaditya. With this achievement, the LCA becomes the first aircraft to make an arrested landing on a naval ship. 5. China and Pakistan have launched a naval drill in North Arabian Sea called the Sea Guardians. The aim of the drill is to increase inter-operability between the two navies. 6. The Indian Army will sign MoU with Russia to procure AK-203 assault rifles. According to the deal, around 1 lakh rifles are to be received directly from Russia and the rest will be manufactured in India. 7. General Bipin Rawat was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff. He recently retired as Chief of Army Staff and was succeeded by General Manoj Mukund Naravane. 8. The World Health Organization declared International Health Emergency over Corona Virus. The organization has declared emergency as the disease has spread to 18 other countries apart from China where it originated. Also, the disease is spreading through human-to-human contact. 9. The President of Brazil, Mr Jair Bolsonaro visited India to take part in Republic Day celebrations. During his visit, the two countries signed several agreements. Alongside, the fifth session of India-Brazil Trade monitoring mechanism was also held.10. The United Nations had set the target of reducing carbon emissions from shipping industry by 50% by 2050 as compared to the levels in 2008. A study of London based Energy Institute suggest that in order to achieve the target, the world has to spend 1 trillion USD. 11. China and Myanmar signed 33 new deals under BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) to implement China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Also, a concession agreement was signed by the countries to implement the deep seaport project called Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone. 12. Russia announced that the production of S-400 air defence missile system for India has begun. The missiles are to be delivered by 2025. Russia also anounced that the foreign Ministerial meet of Russia, India and China is to be held in March 2020. 13. The Statue of Unity which is the monument of Sardar Vallabhai Patel has been included in 8 wonders of SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization). 14. The US army killed Iran’s most powerful military commander General Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad airport. 15. In the US, Kobe Bryant, 41 years old National Basketball Association legend and his 13 years old daughter, Gianna died in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California. 16. India bagged the series by winning the third consecutive T20I after a thrilling super over. 17. India won ODI series against Australia by 2-1. Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been awarded as man of the tournament for his outstanding performance throughout the series. < < Back