Notes:
‘SAMPRITI’ is a joint military training exercise between India and Bangladesh. The ninth edition of the exercise -SAMPRITI-IX is set to be conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya from February 3 to 16, 2020.
The exercise, which is a part of the Indo-Bangladesh defence cooperation, is annually hosted by both countries alternately. Last year, the exercise was conducted in Tangail, Bangladesh. During the exercise, the troops of both the countries will work together to tackle Counter Terrorist Operation in a simulated environment, as per the United Nations Charter. Several exercises including Command Post Exercise, Field Training Exercise and joint tactical exercise are also scheduled.

Notes:
‘Martyrs’ Day’ is observed across the country every year on January 30. The day is observed to pay homage to the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the sacrifices of other Indians who laid down their lives for the country.
This year India observes the 72nd death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. All national leaders including President, Vice President, Prime Minister and the heads of defence services paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and other martyrs of India. March 23 is also observed as Martyrs’ day to pay tribute to the three freedom fighters -Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.

Notes:
Veteran Indian journalist Yusuf Jameel, was chosen for and awarded the ‘2019-2020 PEN-Gauri Lankesh Award for Democratic Idealism’. The award was presented to him, for his revolutionary journalism in Jammu and Kashmir, during the insurgency period.
PEN International is a global association of writers, which was founded in 1921. PEN South India and PEN Delhi have instituted the annual award to cherish and honour the assassinated journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh. The award is offered to an individual or organisation, whose work demonstrates courageous and democratic journalism, on birth anniversary of Gauri Lankesh.

Notes:
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) recently released its latest round of Economic Outlook Survey. As per the survey, the annual median GDP growth forecast for 2019-20 is estimated at 5.0%.
The survey also revealed that the GDP growth is likely to improve to 5.5% in 2020-21. The median growth forecast for Agriculture and allied activities and the industry are predicted at 2.6% and 3.5% respectively for 2019-20. The services sector is expected to grow at 7.2% during the current year. A median forecast of 4.7% for GDP growth has been estimated for the third quarter of 2019-20.

Notes:
As per the recent order issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of M. Ajit Kumar as the next Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
The announcement has been made just two days ahead of the Union Budget, which is to be presented on 1st February 2020. M. Ajit Kumar is a 1984-batch Indian Revenue Service Officer, who is presently a member of CBIC. Pranab Kumar Das was the previous Chairman of CBIC.