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 February 20, 2018 (Day by Day Current Affairs)

1. FIA offices in Iran, Greece planned to check human smuggling
   • The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)is planning to establish its offices in Greece and Iran to check the activities of organised criminal networks and illegal movement of Pakistanis.
   • An FIA officer of the deputy director rank with required staff would be posted in Iran and Greece.
   • The move came after a boat with a majority of illegal Pakistani immigrants capsized off the coast of Libya on Jan 31, leaving several people drowned.
2. China in talks with Baloch militants to secure CPEC projects
   • China has been quietly holding talks with Baloch militants for more than five years in an effort to protect the $60 billion worth of infrastructure projects it is financing as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Financial Times.
   • Three people with knowledge of the talks told that Beijing had been in direct contact with militants in Balochistan, where many of the CPEC-related schemes are located.
   • For more than half a century, Beijing has maintained a policy of non-interference in the domestic politics of other countries. But that has been tested by its desire to protectthe billions of dollars it is investing around the world under its Belt and Road Initiative to create a `new Silk Road` of trade routes in Europe, Asia and Africa.
3. Foreign Minister leaves for Russia on official visit
   • Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif left for Russia on a four-day official visit at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
   • During his stay in Moscow, Mr Asif is expected to hold talks with Mr Lavrov on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
4. Pakistan Army kills two Indian soldiers in retaliation
   • Two Indian soldiers were killed when Pakistani troops shelled an Indian army post across the Line of Control (LoC) from where an unprovoked ceasefire violation left a boy dead in the Kotli district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on February 19, 2018.
   • `Pakistan Army troops neutralised an Indian post which targeted a minor along the LoC and as a result two Indian soldiers were killed,` said theInter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a brief statement.
5. Bostan Industrial Estate declared economic zone
   • The Balochistan government on February 19, 2018 declared Bostan Industrial Estate (BIE) an economic zone, making it a part of the western route of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
   • The decision to give BIE the status of an economic zone was taken in a high level meeting chaired by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo.
   • The meeting was informed that the BIE established on 1,000 acres of land would soon have basic infrastructure completed on 200 acres. This would include levelling ofland, construction of roads, and supply of water and electricity. These facilities would also be provided on remaining 800 acres.
6. Australia, US, India and Japan in talks to establish `Belt and Road` alternative
   • Australia, the United States, India and Japan are talking about establishing a joint regional infrastructure scheme as an alternative to China`s multibillion-dollar `One Belt, One Road` initiative in an attempt to counter Beijing`s spreading influence
   • The Australian Financial Review reported on February 19, 2018, citing a senior US official.
   • The unnamed official was quoted as saying the plan involving the four regional partners was still `nascent` and `won`t be ripe enough to be announced` during Australian Prime Minister Turnbull`s visit to the United States later this week.
7. Trump backs improved background checks on gun purchase
   • US President Donald Trump signalled support on February 19, 2018 for a bipartisan ef fort to improve a national system of background checks for gun purchases, as urgent calls for reform swell in the wake of the Florida school shooting.
   • `While discussions are ongoing and revisions are being considered, the president is supportive of efforts to improve the Federal background check system,` White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.
8. Turkey warns Syria against sending troops to defend Kurds
   • Turkey threatened on February 19, 2018 to hit back at Syrian pro-government troops if they deploy in an enclave in northern Syria to protect a Kurdish militia that Ankara is battling there.
   • The warning by the Turkish foreign minister came shortly after Syrian state media said pro-government forces will begin entering the Kurdishcontrolled enclave of Afrin in the country`s northwest `within hours,` after reaching an agreement with the Kurdish militia in control of the region.
9. Three Billboards wins big at BAFTA; women highlight harassment
   • The ferocious female-led tragi-comedy `Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri` was the big winner at the British Academy Film Awards in London.
   • Martin McDonagh`s film about a bereaved mother seeking justice won five trophies on February 19, 2018 including bestfilm, outstanding British film and best actress, for Frances McDormand.
10. Arabia to host its first fashion week next month
    • Saudi Arabia is set to host in March its first ever Arab Fashion Week, the Arab Fashion Council announced on February 19, 2018, overturning decades of draconian policies on arts and entertainment.
    • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful heir to the Saudi throne, has been leading a drive to reform the country`s dependence on oil, including expanding the private sector and empowering women.
    • The Dubai-based Arab Fashion Council said on its website that fashion week would be held in Riyadh from March 26 to March 31, with a second edition already scheduled for October.

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