Economy Current Affairs February 4th Week 2021
Grant Of Government Business To Private Banks:
The embargo lifted government business authorizations for private banks.
Highlights:
♦ The government lifted the embargo on banks in the private sector (only a few were previously allowed) to conduct government-related banking transactions, such as tax and other facilities for paying income, pension payments, small savings schemes, etc.
♦ This phase is expected to increase customer convenience, stimulate competition, and boost customer service standards performance.
♦ This step is expected to enable private sector banks at the forefront of the absorption and deployment of the new banking industry technology and innovation to become equal partners in India`s economic growth and social sector initiatives by the government.
♦ The Reserve Bank of India no longer forbids private sector banks (along with public sector banks) from approving Government business, including Government agency business, as a result of the lifting of the embargo.
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Important Days Current Affairs February 4th Week 2021
Central Excise Day is On 24 February:
The Central Board of Excise Customs (CBEC) celebrates Central Excise Day in the nation every February 24th.
Highlights:
♦ The aim of this day is to recognize the contribution to the Indian economy of the Central Committee of Consumption Tax.
♦ Furthermore, the Central Consumption Tax Bureau is the principal tax collection agency of the central government. It also acknowledges and acknowledges the hard work of CBBC officials today and encourages them to carry out their duties with the utmost sincerity.
♦ Furthermore, it was noted that one day, corruption in the goods manufacturing industry was tested and other rules were enforced to provide the best tax service for consumption.
♦ The Central Day of Excise is celebrated primarily in India to promote equality among CBEC ministry officials. It also helps them ensure that tax laws are better complied with. It is also to celebrate the enactment on February 24 of the 1944 Central Consumption Tax Statute.
♦ Celebrations apply to the collection of taxes on commodities and those exceeding the cap, according to the Central Consumption Tax Act 1944. The taxable rate is set out in Schedule I and II, in accordance with the Central Consumption Tax Law of 1985.
###World Pangolin Day is on 20th February
Every year, World Pangolin Day is observed on the 3rd Saturday of February. (The 20th of February, 2021). The lack of adequate data is one of the problems in protecting this species. In their entire range, little is known about the security status and behaviour patterns of Indian pangolins.
Highlights:
♦ In 3 coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, part of the Eastern Ghats, pangolins are commonly found.
♦ In collaboration with Save Pangolins and the US Pangolin Crisis Fund, the Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society (EGWS) launched an immediate security status survey to obtain critical data on the presence of species of pangolins and relevant human threats.
♦ In order to understand their views on the rural communities next to the pangolin habitat, EGWS is collaborating with locals. They hope to convey understanding among all major stakeholders of the threatening status and protective significance of Indian pangolins.
♦ EGWS is a non-profit organisation that, through education, conservation-focused research, public engagement, institutional capacity building and sustainable growth, promotes community-based wildlife protection in the Eastern Ghats of South India. Its vision is to safeguard the Eastern Ghats` biodiversity by bringing the public into harmony with nature.
Pangolins:
It is a small, toothless, sticky animal which lives in hollow trees and caves and thrives on ants and termites. The pangolin can roll into a tight ball when attacked, exposing its scales to prevent predators from attacking. But the reason why pangolins have achieved endangered status has been these scales. These scales are known to have medicinal properties. Therefore, to remove the scales, these pangolins are picked from the forest and boiled to death. This species is legally protected by Schedule I of the 1972 Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act and is also listed by the International Union for Nature Conservation as "endangered" (IUCN). There are 8 pangoline species, including Indian pangolins. These all prove that its population is declining.
###World NGO Day is on 27th February:
On February 27, World Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Day is commemorated to raise public awareness of the NGO sector and to inspire people all over the world to get involved and commit themselves to a better cause.
Highlights:
♦ Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or non-profit organisations (NPOs) face a number of obstacles in today`s society. In different sectors, such as education, culture, science or development, NGOs play a significant role. Today`s aim is to inspire and encourage people to get involved in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in order to better society.
♦ In 2010, World NGO Day was officially acknowledged by the Member States of the Board of Directors of the Ninth Baltic NGO Forum of the Baltic States of Lithuania. Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Norway, and Sweden are members of the Forum.
♦ In Helsinki, the capital of Finland, the first World NGO Day was held on February 27, 2014. The event was organised by Finland`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event in Helsinki attracted hundreds of foreign representatives from non-governmental organisations, the United Nations, UNESCO, and the European Union.
♦ NGO Day is an occasion to demonstrate appreciation for non-governmental organisations. It only acknowledges the way NGOs in our lives change the world.
♦ Mr. Zafar Iqbal has been named the honorary goodwill ambassador of Pakistan for "World Non-Governmental Organization Day" by the International Secretariat of World Non-Governmental Organization Day. He is the founder of the non-profit organisation "NGO Nation." He used this opportunity to celebrate this day for the first time in Pakistan in 2014.
♦ Since then, numerous activities have been held on February 27th with the aim of providing a forum for Pakistan`s social/non-governmental organisation departments to share their experiences, repeat their accomplishments, and develop connections in order to achieve even greater benefits.
♦ World Day of the Non-Governmental Organization plays an important role and is globally recognised. It offers the founders, staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and supporters of NGOs an opportunity to commemorate and pay homage. This day can be commemorated in a number of ways. People participate in group work initiated in the city by non-governmental organisations.
Environment Current Affairs February 4th Week 2021
Black-Footed Ferret Cloned Successfully:
Scientists have cloned an endangered black-footed ferret successfully using frozen cells.
Highlights:
♦ Using frozen cells from dead wild animals, scientists have essentially cloned an endangered black-footed ferret. This is the first time that any endangered native species has been cloned by the United States. The only native ferret in North America is this species. Until seven species were discovered in 1981, the species was regarded as extinct.
Vulture Toxic Drugs Banned in Bangladesh:
Bangladesh has been the first nation to ban ketoprofen, a painkiller. To treat cattle, this painkiller is commonly used. But for vultures, this painkiller is toxic.
Highlights:
♦ Diclofenac was banned by veterinarians as early as ten years ago. This is a groundbreaking move that seeks to save the remaining endangered vultures globally.
♦ In order to save the bald eagle population, experts suggest that India, Pakistan, Nepal and Cambodia also need to take similar action.
♦ Condor from Extinction in Asia`s SAVE study notes that ketoprofen is now commonly used by veterinarians in Bangladesh as a major anti-inflammatory medicine. The key risks to South Asian condors, however, are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac and ketoprofen. A catastrophic decrease of 99.9 percent in the region was caused by these medications.
♦ Diclofenac was banned for veterinary use by the Indian government in 2006. This move, however, is not successful due to the use of other toxic drugs. Oman became the first nation on the Arabian Peninsula to prohibit the use of diclofenac to protect endangered animals, such as baldness, in the animal kingdom in December 2020.
About Indian Vulture:
The vulture`s scientific name is Gyps indicus. Indian vultures of this type are native to India, Pakistan and Nepal. It breeds in central India and the peninsula`s hilly regions. The populations of 3 out of 9 species of vultures in India decreased by 90% in the mid-1990s. These vultures were white-billed vultures, long-bill bald eagles and slender-bill bald eagles. Ever since 2002, the condor has been listed as "critically endangered" on the IUCN Red List.
###New Alpine Plant Species Founded in Arunachal Pradesh:
A new alpine plant in the Tawan region of Arunachal Pradesh was discovered by a group of scientists from three research institutes. In Biodiversity: The Journal of Biodiversity, comprehensive information is written.
Highlights:
♦ The latest plant species belongs to the sunflower family of the Himalayas. Cremanthodium indicum has been named for it. From July to August, this plant typically blooms. It`s special in the Tawang District of Penga-Teng Tso Lake.
♦ This alpine plant species has been listed as a critically endangered species according to IUCN guidelines.
♦ In alpine climates, the plants that emerge. Many species of plants and taxa grow on such alpine tundra as plant communities, including perennial grasses, forbs, sedges, mosses, cushion plants, and lichens. These plants are adapted to harsh climatic conditions in the Alps, such as dryness, low temperatures, wind, drought, ultraviolet rays, poorly nourished soil and short seasons of development.
♦ Typical weather above the forest line in the town. Mountain climate or plateau climate is often referred to.
♦ The edge of the habitat where trees will grow is the tree line. At high altitudes and at high latitudes, tree lines can be observed. Environmental conditions outside this range, such as heavy snow, low temperatures or lack of moisture, can not be tolerated by trees.
♦ Among the 16 administrative districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang District is the smallest district. Its population is 49,977, making the state the eighth zone in India with the least population. This place is where the people of Mongpa live.
###Report by Central Team on Odisha Elephant Deaths:
Six elephants died at the Karapat Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalahandi from January to February. A central team has since been set up by the Ministry of Atmosphere, Forests and Climate Change. The research team highlighted in its preliminary report that elephants died of hemorrhagic septicemia caused by the Pasteurella multoceda bacterium.
Highlights:
♦ The study further stressed that bacteria from cattle living in Tentulipada village may have contaminated elephants.
♦ In Odisha, Tentulipada Village is a small village of 12 families.
♦ To conclude, the team carried out an autopsy and RNA extraction test at the Orissa State Veterinary College, but the sample was sent for final confirmation to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly, UP.
♦ Between January 29 and February 14, 2021, these elephants are due to die. Near a body of water, their bodies were discovered. A total of 7 elephants are present, including 5 adult elephants and 2 calves. They all died, and they were females.
♦ Preliminary testing indicated that they all have high Pasteurella multoceda levels.
♦ A Gram-negative, nonmotile, penicillin-sensitive coccobacillus belonging to the Pasteurella family is Pasteurella multoceda. The strains of this genus, namely A, B, D, E and F, are classified into five serogroups. They are subdivided into five capsule composition based serogroups and 16 somatic serovars. Many diseases in mammals and birds are caused by this bacterium. Fowl cholera in poultry, bovine haemorrhagic septicaemia in cattle and buffalo, and atrophic rhinitis in pigs are some of these diseases. As a result of bites or scratches from domestic pets, it may also cause zoonotic infections in the human body. It is concealed under its natural respiratory microbiota by birds and mammals, such as domestic cats and dogs.
♦ In the Kalahandi town, which is the most popular tourist attraction in the Indian state of Orissa, the Karapat Wildlife Sanctuary is located. Bhawani Patna is 15 kilometres away (regional headquarters). It occupies an area of 175 square km. It is situated in the eastern plateau`s humid deciduous forest. Leopards, lions, sambars, mouse deer, mouse deer, barking deer, etc. in the shelter.
International Current Affairs February 4th Week 2021
India-EU Macroeconomic Dialogue Was Held:
The 11th India-EU Macroeconomic Dialogue was held.
Highlights:
♦ The dialogue involves, inter alia, an exchange of knowledge allowing the two parties to collaborate on a number of topics, including cooperation on the G20`s financial issues, including the implementation of the findings of the G20 Framework Working Group, the G20 Action Plan, debt issues and the international taxation of the digital economy.
♦ Fiscal policy responses and medium-term fiscal plans were also addressed, including goals for financial/structural reform.
♦ India shared its policy response to the Covid crisis and took steps to recover the economy from its effects, including the Indian government`s carefully adjusted stimulus packages announced and vaccination initiatives.
Kala Namak Rice To Be Export From UP to Singapore:
Uttar Pradesh will export to Singapore a batch of 20 tons of Kala Namak rice. This has greatly facilitated the state`s export of agricultural products.
Highlights:
♦ Almost 20 tons of cargo will be sent to Singapore from Siddharth Nagar. The rice is packed in glass jars, and the quality of the rice is also specified.
♦ The rice packaging includes the Mahatma Buddha`s saying: "The unique aroma of rice will remind people of me." Soon, at the Strawberry Festival, the state will start watching the Kalamanak Rice Festival.
♦ The government is also planning to jointly create the Kara Namac Rice Research Center with the Varanasi International Rice Research Center in Siddharth Nagar.
♦ The state government also declared rice to be Siddharth Nagar`s regional commodity. At the same time, the central government declared that it was once the result of the Gorakhpur, Basti, Maharajganj and Sant Kabir Nagar districts.
♦ The production, processing, packaging and branding of rice will be improved by this comment.
♦ Kala Namak Rice - This type of rice is known as Buddha rice, too. It is one of the best varieties of fragrant rice that is grown in India. "Buddha ka Mahaprasad" is also called rice (Buddha dedication).
♦ Rice was supplied to monks in Buddhist countries to promote rice. In Deoria, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Gonda, Maharajganj, Siddharth Nagar, Balrampur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Bahraich, Shravasti, this type of rice (Kala Namak rice) is mainly grown. Geographical indications (GI) claim that similar climates occur in these areas.
###US Seek Re-election to The UN Human Rights Council:
The United States (US) has announced that the United Nations Human Rights Council will seek re-election. This is the latest in a series of steps to reverse the trend of withdrawal from multilateralism peculiar to the Trump administration taken by the Biden administration. The U.S. was taken out of the Council by former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018, saying that he was biased against Israel and its members were human rights violators.
UN Human Rights Council:
♦ Under the United Nations framework, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental body. The UN Human Rights Council`s mission is to foster "universal respect for the protection of the human rights of all people and the fundamental freedoms of all people" and to "resolve and make recommendations on violations of human rights, including serious and systemic violations." It is able to address all the thematic problems and circumstances of human rights that need attention during the year.
♦ The UNHRC was founded in 2006 by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA). It replaced the old Committee on Human Rights of the UN. The UNHCR has its head office in Geneva, Switzerland. It has two main functions: the Council adopts periodic reviews of all 193 UN member states and adopts, while monitoring, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) non-binding resolutions on human rights issues. Expert investigation of infringement. In specific countries/regions (special procedures).
♦ The UNHRC consists of about 47 member states, chosen by direct and secret ballots by a majority of the member states of the United Nations General Assembly. The membership of the UNHRC is focused on the equal distribution of geography. There is a three-year limit for the members of the Council, and two successive terms are not available for automatic re-election.
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National Current Affairs February 4th Week 2021
Worlds Largest Stadium is Inaugurated in Gujarat:
On February 24, 2021, in Motera, Gujarat, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind opened the largest stadium in the world.
Highlights:
♦ Motera Stadium was renamed Narendra Modi Stadium afterwards. The Melbourne Cricket Ground has been surpassed by this stadium to become the world`s largest stadium.
♦ By hosting the second home pink ball test match on February 24 between India and Britain, the stadium will make history.
♦ In 2016, the old Motera Stadium was demolished and at that time it could accommodate 54,000 spectators. Therefore, in January 2018, the foundation was laid for the new cricket stadium. The Gujarat Cricket Association laid the foundation. Its construction was finished in two years` time.
Amenities of the Stadium:
♦ By equipping it with all the latest facilities and technology needed for today`s cricket, the new stadium was built. It consists of four dressing rooms that are now required to host twenty or twenty back to back games.
♦ An region of 63 acres surrounds the stadium. It has a capacity of 1.1 million people, which exceeds Melbourne Stadium`s capacity of 90,000 people. It is projected that its cost of construction is Rs. 8 billion Larsen & Toubro designed it.
♦ 76 business gift boxes that can hold 25 people are also included in the stadium. In addition, it also contains an indoor school, a swimming pool at the Olympic standard, four athletes` dressing rooms, a GCA clubhouse and a food court.
♦ 11 pitches were prepared in the cricket field, consisting of 5 black soil and 6 red soil. As a driving range and main court, this is the first stadium to use coloured clay. One of its key features is that asphalt can dry in just 30 minutes in the rain.
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram States Celebrated their Statehood Day on 20 February:
Northeast Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram are celebrating the nation`s founding anniversary. On February 20, 1987, the two countries were created.
Arunachal Pradesh:
♦ On this occasion, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of the Federal Republic and Minister-in-Chief, wished the States well. In northeastern India, Arunachal Pradesh is a state.
♦ The state borders the states of Assam and Nagaland in the south. With Bhutan to the west and Myanmar to the east, it also has international boundaries.
♦ The Chinese boundary with the northern part of the McMahon Line has also been contested by the military. The Tibet Autonomous Region`s boundary is 1,129 kilometers long.
♦ In northeast India, the state is the largest state among the seven sister states.
♦ The state reported a population of 1,328,611 according to the 2011 census. Its surface is 83,743 square miles. The state is a state that is ethnically diverse. This is the hometown of the people of Mongpa, Tani, Thai and Naga.
Mizoram:
♦ The name of the state is derived in the language of Mizo from the word Mizo, the land. "Mizoram" means "the land of Mizos"
♦ The state is situated in northeast India`s old Assam area. It is the most landlocked state in India. Three of the seven sister states of Old Assam are bordered by it, namely Assam, Tripura and Manipur.
♦ With a total length of 722 kilometers, the state of Mizoram also shares international boundaries with Bangladesh and Myanmar. The state did not become part of Assam until 1972.
♦ The state became a federal territory in 1972. Finally, in 1986, Utah was given the freedom to create a state according to the 53rd Amendment to the Constitution of India. And, on February 20, 1987, Mizoram finally became India`s 23rd county.
Power sector reforms For Five States:
Partial power sector reforms were carried out by the other five states and additional borrowing of Rs. 2,094 crore was obtained.
Highlights:
♦ The States of Bihar, Goa, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand have successfully achieved the objectives set by the Ministry of Power to minimize Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses or to achieve the Average Supply Costs and Average Revenue Realization (ACS-ARR) distance goal reduction.
♦ Reducing AT&C losses and the ACS-ARR gap are two of the three Power Sector reforms identified by the Ministry of Finance`s Department of Expenditure.
♦ Part of the extra borrowing cap of the state is connected to the Power Sector reform.
♦ States are allowed to borrow funds equal to 0.05 percent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in order to meet the state goal of minimizing AT&C losses and to receive an additional 0.05 percent GSDP in order to reach the ACS-ARR distance target.
♦ GOI raised the state`s borrowing cap by 2 per cent of its GSDP in response to the threats presented by the pandemic.
♦ Half of this special allocation is connected to the states` citizen-centric reforms.
The four citizen-centric reform areas identified are:
♦ The One Country One Ration Card Scheme Implementation (completed by 16 states)
♦ Ease of doing business reform (completed by 18 states)
♦ Urban Local body/utility reforms (completed by 6 states)
♦ Power sector reforms (completed by 7 state)
###Karnataka to Host Khelo India University Games:
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has announced that the second Indian Khelo India University Game (KIUG) will be hosted by Karnataka in 2021. The Khelo University Games in India will be hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Highlights:
♦ The game will be held at the University of Ja Na and other state venues. In collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities, this university will organize the Olympic Games (AIU).
♦ Khelo Indian University Game (KIUG) is the largest university multi-sport game at the national level in India.
♦ The event noted the competitive participation in various sporting disciplines of athletes from different universities across the world.
♦ In cooperation with the University Association of India, the Indian Olympic Association and the National Sports Federation, Khelo Indian University Game is organized by the Youth Affairs and Sports and Sports Authority of India (SAI).
♦ After the successful holding of the Khelo Indian Youth Games, the event was launched. The aim of the competition organization is to attract sports talent so that they can represent India in such things as
♦ In February, the first edition of the event was held in Bhubaneswar. A total of 3,182 participants participated in the U-25 age group in the 2020 event. They come from 158 state-wide universities and schools,
♦ KIUG 2021 - Yogasana and Mallakhamb have also been added to the game list in this scenario. The aim of this is to uphold and encourage the century-old sports discipline of India. Organizers believe that the number of participants this year will be increased by this step.
♦ The Sports Authority of India, set up in 1982, is the largest national sports body. It was set up to establish sports in India by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It also manages the High Altitude Training Center of Netaji Subhash in Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh State. Other stadiums, including Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Arena, Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, etc. are also managed by the Indian Sports Authority.
###Khelo India National Winter Games to Begin:
The 2nd Khelo India National Winter Games will open on February 26.
Highlights:
♦ From February 26 to March 2, 2021, the Games will be held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.
♦ The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the J&K Sports Council, and the J&K Winter Games Association are all working together to put on this case.
♦ Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, ice hockey, cycling, icefields, and other sports will be available.
♦ Twenty-seven states, union territories, and boards are sending teams to play in the Khelo India National Winter Games.
♦ Khelo India is a government-initiated national sports development programme aimed at restoring the sports culture of India at the grassroots level, thus making India a sports country.
Science & Technology Current Affairs February 4th Week 2021
Perseverance Rover Successfully Launched in Mars NASA:
Perseverance, NASA`s most advanced Mars rover, successfully landed on Mars surface, which is amazing. This is the first step in discovering signs on Mars of ancient microbial life.
Highlights:
♦ As part of NASA`s 2020 Mars mission, Perseverance, nicknamed Percy, is an SUV-sized Mars probe designed to explore the Jezero Crater on Mars.
♦ It was developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, launched at UTC on July 30, 2020, and confirmed receipt of the rover`s successful landing at UTC on February 18, 2021.
♦ Seven primary payload instruments, 19 cameras and two microphones are fitted with Perseverance. The creativity of a miniature helicopter, an advanced aircraft that will attempt its first powered flight on another planet, carries this wanderer.
Key Facts:
♦ Mission Name: Mars 2020
♦ Rover Name: Perseverance
♦ Main Job of the Rover: For a potential return to Earth, look for signs of ancient life and collect rock and Goliath samples (broken rock and soil).
♦ Launch: July 30, 2020
♦ Landing: Feb. 18, 2021
♦ Landing Site: Jezero Crater, Mars
♦ Tech Demo of the Rover: The Mars Helicopter, hitching a ride on the Perseverance rover, is a technology demonstration.
Go Electric Campaign Was Initiated:
The Minister of Transport initiated the "Go Electric" Campaign.
About the Campaign:
♦ The goal of the campaign is to promote electric vehicles and charging facilities for electric vehicles and to promote the benefits of electric cooking in India.
♦ The concept of the initiative is to promote the use of electric vehicles instead of petrol and diesel vehicles.
♦ The event aims to raise awareness at the PAN-India level and is expected to improve the confidence of manufacturers of electric vehicles.
♦ An significant initiative is the "Go Electric" movement because it will be an important step towards a cleaner and greener future and will help reduce the reliance of my country on imports in the coming years.
♦ Electric fuel is the predominant alternative to fossil fuels and Rs 8 billion is the cost of importing fossil fuels.
♦ Electric fuels have low cost and reduced emissions compared with fossil fuels, and they are also indigenous.
###Microbes from Earth Can survive on Mars:
A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology indicates that on Mars, some microorganisms found on Earth may survive temporarily.
Highlights:
♦ For the success of future MARS missions, this study is of great significance.
♦ Researchers from NASA and the German Aerospace Center tested the endurance of these microorganisms.
♦ They have been checked by sending them into the stratosphere, which reflects some of the Red Planet`s main conditions.
♦ New methods of exposing bacteria and fungi under Martian-like conditions have been tested by the use of scientific balloons to carry experimental equipment to the stratosphere.
♦ Some microorganisms may survive during the journey, particularly black mould spores, even when exposed to high ultraviolet rays.
###First Country to Receive Vaccines Via COVAX Ghana:
The vaccine received through the COVAX programme has become the first country in the world to receive Ghana.
Highlights:
♦ The goal of the COVAX facility is to speed up the production and manufacture of coronavirus vaccines by pooling Member States` resources and ensuring that vaccines are equally distributed among them.
♦ COVAX is led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Coalition for Advances in Disease Preparedness (CEPI) and the GAVI Vaccine Alliance.
♦ By investing in new vaccines and negotiating costs with pharmaceutical firms, COVAX assists in the production of new vaccines. By the end of 2021, the target of COVAX is to administer 2 billion doses, which should be adequate to help countries vaccinate 20 percent of the population and end the acute period of the pandemic.
♦ The CEPI is a global initiative to develop vaccines to stop potential epidemics among public, private, charitable and civil organisations.
♦ The GAVI Alliance (formerly the Global Alliance for Vaccinations and Immunization) was founded in 2000 as a global public-private health partnership committed to creating equity for children living in the world`s poorest countries, offering access to new and underutilised vaccine opportunities. It is a central member of the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, Children’s Fund, the World Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,
♦ By growing immunisation opportunities in developing countries, GAVI`s strategy supports its goal to save the lives of children and protect the health of people.
International Current Affairs February 3rd Week 2021
Cairn Energy Case - New York Convention:
Under the New York Convention, Cairn Energy has filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court to enforce a US$1.2 billion arbitration award won in a tax dispute with India.
Highlights:
♦ One of the essential instruments of international arbitration is the Agreement on the Recognition and Compliance of Foreign Arbitral Awards, also known as the `New York Arbitration Convention` or the `New York Convention.`
♦ Arbitration is a process in which the parties agree to refer a dispute to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute (an independent person/body).
♦ This relates to the acceptance and compliance by the court of international arbitral awards, as well as referral to arbitration.
♦ After an international conference was held in May and June 1958 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Convention was ratified by the United Nations and entered into force on 7 June 1959.
♦ Aim: The key object of the Convention is that international and non-domestic arbitral awards can not be differentiated by the courts requiring compliance.
♦ Parties to Convention: The 166 State Parties to the Convention are (Countries). The Party to the Convention is India.
CECPA Between India and Mauritius:
The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) between India and Mauritius was approved by the cabinet.
Highlights:
♦ The agreement includes Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Trade in Services, Technological Barriers to Trade (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary Steps (SPS), Dispute Resolution, Movement of Natural Persons, Telecommunications, Financial Services, Customs Procedures and Other Areas of Cooperation.
♦ The first trade agreement to be concluded between India and a country in Africa will be the India-Mauritius CECPA.
♦ An institutional framework is established by the CECPA to promote and develop trade between the two countries. It includes more than 310 products in India for export. Preferential market access to India for 615 items would profit Mauritius.
♦ Service providers in India will have access to approximately 115 sub-sectors of 11 major service sectors, such as technical services, computer services, R&D, other business services, telecommunications, construction, power delivery, education, environment, finance, tourism and travel, entertainment, yoga, audiovisual services and transportation services.
###Make Peace with Nature UNEP:
In 2020, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced that despite the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions due to the pandemic, the earth will begin to warm up to more than 3°C in this century. The UNEP has long issued a warning: The per capita stock of natural capital (the resources and services that nature provides to humans) has fallen by 40 percent in just two decades. We already know that nine out of ten people in the world breathe polluted air.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
UNEP is an agency of the United Nations. It manages the environmental efforts of the United Nations. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) assists developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. It was established as a result of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972. Its headquarters are situated in Nairobi, Kenya. The main UNEP reports are the Emission Gap Report, Global Environmental Outlook, Frontier, and Investment in a Healthy Planet.
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Environment Current Affairs February 3rd Week 2021
Elephants Died in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary:
At the Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kalahandi district of Odisha, six elephants died of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS).
Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS):
It is a disease that infects animals through infectious bacteria in contact with contaminated water or soil (Pasteurella multocida). In this infection, the animal`s respiratory tract and lungs are compromised, leading to serious pneumonia. It primarily affects water buffalo, cattle and bison, and among infected animals, it has a high mortality rate. In Kendrapara, Odisha, about 40 buffaloes died because of this infection. The disease usually spreads around the monsoons.
Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary:
Location: It is situated in Odisha`s Kalahandi district, which covers an area of over 175 square kilometers.
Vegetation: Dry Deciduous Forest.
Mammals: Elephants, Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Barking deer, Indian wolf, Malbar giant squirrel, Pangolin, etc.
Birds: Peacock, Hornbill, Red jungle fowl, etc.
Reptilians: Mugger, crocodile, monitor lizard etc.
Flora: Sal, Bija, Bamboo, medicinal plants, etc.
Water Body: Phurlijharan waterfall is located in the sanctuary.
Fossils of Coelacanth Were Found:
The fossils of coelacanth, a giant fish considered an iconic example of "living fossil" were discovered by a group of paleontologists. In the Cretaceous period, the discovered fossil of the Coelacanth is thought to be 66 million years old.
Highlights:
♦ Coelacanths are enigmatic deep-sea creatures which live below the surface of the water at a depth of 2,300 feet.
♦ It is known that 65 million years ago, dinosaurs were extinct. But its discovery in 1938 ignited a discussion about how this lobe-finned fish adapted to terrestrial animal evolution.
♦ Only two species of coelacanth are known: one lives on the east coast of Africa near the Comoros Islands, and the other lives in the waters off Sulawesi, Indonesia.
♦ Living Fossil: A Living Fossil is a creature which, since the early geological period, has remained unchanged and its close relatives are generally extinct. Examples of living fossils are Horsehoe Crab and Ginkgo plants, in addition to Coelacanths.
♦ In their latest study, however, paleontologists discovered that 10 million years ago, the Coelacanth gained 62 new genes from interactions with other animals. This demonstrates that, although slowly, they are still evolving.
♦ IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
♦ CITES Status: Appendix I
###Black Storks Were Seen in Sigur Plateau:
The black stork was living in Nilgris on the Sigur Plateau. Researchers say black storks in the area are extremely rare.
Black Storks:
♦ They are present on several continents, but they mostly migrate to India and South Africa in the winter in the northern hemisphere.
♦ The nest is built on a large tree, generally close to open spaces (slope, clear forest), which makes it easy to reach. They settle in an ancient quiet forest. Their hunting grounds include streams and creeks, low-vegetation swamp ponds and grasslands.
♦ Most of their threats are related to the degradation and hunting of habitats.
♦ As the species of least concern, the IUCN Red List lists the black stork. But, primarily because of deforestation and habitat loss, their population is declining. They even hunted the black stork. Many storks died during the migration when they collided with electric wires.
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Science & Technology Current Affairs February 3rd Week 2021
Bhuvan Portal byIndian Space Research Organization:
In order to create an indigenous geospatial portal named "Bhuvan" the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and MapmyIndia collaborated. This is in line with the latest guidelines mentioned above for the Indian Geo-Spatial Market.
Highlights:
♦ The Geospatial Portal (Bhuvan) is a web portal used on the Internet to locate and access geographical information (geospatial information) and related geographical resources (display, editing, analysis, etc.)
♦ The database of MapmyIndia will be linked to the high-end satellite catalog and earth observation data of ISRO that are produced through its satellite constellation.
♦ This collaboration will allow them to jointly use Earth observation datasets, Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC), Web Services and APIs (application programming interfaces) available in MapmyIndia to define and develop an overall geospatial portal.
♦ Application Programming Interfaces (API) is a software intermediary that facilitates communication between two applications.
♦ It is a computing interface used to describe the relationship between multiple intermediaries of software.
Significance of the Portal:
♦ True Maps: Its services will represent the true borders of the country, according to the information given by the Indian Government.
♦ Protects Privacy: Users can better safeguard their privacy by using MapmyIndia maps & software instead of international map applications. Foreign search engines and businesses claim to offer "free" maps, but in reality, by advertising to the same user, violating user privacy, and auctioning private locations and mobile data, they make money. In MapmyIndia, however, no such advertisements are given.
♦ Atma Nirbhar Bharat: As an Indian forum, it is completely consistent with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat project of the government.
Launch of Technograhis:
Launched the online registration module of TECHNOGRAHIS.
Highlights:
♦ The TECHNOGRAHIS registration module was introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
♦ Students of TECHNOGRAHIS are from IIT, NIT, colleges of engineering, planning and architecture, students, academicians and stakeholders.
♦ At the six Light House Project (LHP) sites, they will register and visit Live Laboratories to study, consult, generate thoughts and solutions, perform experiments, innovate, and increase technical knowledge.
♦ This will allow them to gain first-hand knowledge on the technologies used, so that they can adapt and implement these technologies using the `Make in India` strategy in accordance with the requirements of the construction sector.
About Light House Project (LHP):
♦ LHP is being developed as part of the Global Housing Technology Challenge-India under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) (GHTC-India).
♦ LHP is a model housing project.
♦ Approximately 1,000 houses are being built with associated infrastructure facilities in each place.
♦ This technological revolution is cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, immune to disasters, and can accelerate construction.
♦ This initiative would prove to be a significant driving force for the technological transformation of India.
###PLI Scheme for Telecom and Networking Products:
The Union Cabinet has approved the Telecom and Network Goods PLI scheme.
Highlights:
♦ This scheme forms part of an overall scheme approved by the Cabinet in November 2020 to introduce Linked-Incentives for Production (PLI) for different ministries/departments.
♦ This is a continuation of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" policy, which aims to increase India`s manufacturing capabilities and exports.
♦ Companies/entities engaged in the manufacture of unique telecommunications and networking products in India will be provided with support under this scheme.
♦ In addition, eligibility will be subject to the minimum accumulated incremental investment threshold being met within four years, as well as to incremental sales of finished goods net of taxes (other than traded goods) in the base year 2019-2020.
♦ It is possible to make a cumulative investment at one time, but it must meet the cumulative annual requirement of four years.
###
Important Days Current Affairs February 3rd Week 2021
Valentine`s Day is Designated on 14 February:
Every year, Valentine`s Day is celebrated on February 14th. This day marks the anniversary of St. Valentine`s death. Both lovers in the world share their feelings in order to celebrate this day. People exchange presents, gifts, chocolates, flowers and share their emotions on Valentine`s Day.
Background:
Valentine`s Day commemorates the anniversary of the death of Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr. All over the world, Valentine`s Day is celebrated. People usually celebrate this day in Australia, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Mexico, South Korea, the United States and other places.
International Mother Language Day is on 21st February:
Since 2000, an International Mother Tongue Day has been held on February 21 every year to encourage the plurality of languages and cultures and the use of multiple languages.
Highlights:
♦ The idea of celebrating International Mother Tongue Day is an initiative of Bangladesh. It was accepted at the UNESCO General Conference in 1999 and has been observed all over the world since 2000.
♦ UNESCO celebrates "Language Without Borders" on Universal Mother Tongue Day 2020.
♦ The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages. 40 percent of the global population cannot access education in a language they speak or understand.
♦ However, in multilingual education based on mother tongue, particularly in early education, people have gained more and more understanding of its value, and progress is currently being made.
♦ The Ministry of Human Resources and Development celebrates this day with educational institutions and language institutions because Matribhasha Diwas is in the region.
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Memorandum of Understanding Current Affairs February 3rd Week 2021
MoU Between India and Japan on Training of Skilled Workers:
On February 12, 2021, in Rajya Sabha`s written reply, Raj Kumar Singh, Minister of State for Technological Growth and Entrepreneurship, reported that the Government of India and the Government of Japan had signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for the training of skilled workers in January 2021.
Highlights:
♦ The fundamental structure of the relationship was signed by the Ministry of Commerce. The agreement was signed in order to allow normal operation of the "designated skilled worker" scheme.
♦ Skilled Indian workers from 14 industries have been listed to increase job opportunities in Japan, according to the regulations of the Japanese Ministry of Commerce.
♦ These qualified Indian workers are selected from the following sectors: building cleaning, treatment, manufacturing of industrial machinery, manufacturing of materials, construction, electrical and electronic information industries, automotive repair, industry related to shipbuilding and shipbuilding, aviation, agriculture, accommodation, manufacturing of food and beverages, fisheries and food service industries.
♦ In November 2016, a 10-year "Manufacturing Skills Transfer Promotion Program" memorandum of cooperation was signed by India`s Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Japan`s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (MoC).
♦ India-based Japanese Industry has introduced 13 Japanese Institute of Manufacturing (JIM) and 5 Japanese Chartered Courses with regard to production line transition (JEC).
♦ In addition, MSDE signed a MoC with the Ministry of Justice of India, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan in October 2017, and invited Indian candidates to Japan under the Technical Internal Training Programme (TITP).
♦ The signing of this MoC on TITP aims to broaden bilateral skills development cooperation between India and Japan. By sending and accepting technical interns from India to Japan, it seeks to shift the skills ecosystem in India.
♦ Under TITP`s leadership, India sent 220 candidates to Japan in the areas of construction, agriculture, manufacturing and healthcare.
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National Current Affairs February 3rd Week 2021
APEDA upgrades the GrapeNet:
In order to ensure a stable, scalable and cost-effective interface in the export value chain, APEDA updates GrapeNet.
About GrapeNet:
♦ GrapeNet is a web-based software certification and traceability system used to track fresh grapes shipped to the European Union from India.
♦ This is an online electronic service offered by APEDA to stakeholders to facilitate the testing and certification, on the basis of negotiations with exporters, of grapes exported from India in compliance with the standards defined by NRC Pune.
♦ GrapeNet gathers, stores and records data from stakeholders on forward and backward monitoring and quality assurance (ie, exporters, laboratories and PSC authorities in the Indian grape supply chain).
♦ In India, GrapeNet is the first such initiative. An end-to-end system has been developed to track pesticide residues, standardize products and encourage traceability through the different stages of sampling, testing, certification and packaging from retail shelves to the Indian farmer`s farm.
♦ Now, APEDA has implemented GrapeNet`s Blockchain and cloud migration technologies to ensure network security safety for its traceability program.
Digital Insurance Policies to be Issued by Digilocker App:
In order to issue digital insurance policies, the Insurance Regulatory Authority of India (IRDAI) has recommended that all insurance companies use the government`s Digilocker app.
Highlights:
♦ Publishing policies would offer a better user experience through the Digilocker app. Claims processing and policy settlement would be quicker using this application. It would also minimize conflicts and reduce fraud through this procedure.
♦ IRDAI recommends that all insurance companies allow their IT systems to communicate with Digi Locker facilities in order to facilitate Digi Locker`s adoption in the insurance industry. It would also encourage policyholders to maintain all of their policy articles.
♦ The required technical guidance and logistical support will be provided by the Digilocker team of the National Department of E-Government (NeGD) under MeITY to encourage the adoption of Digi Locker.
♦ Under the Digital India program, the Digilocker Project is an initiative. The Electronic Information Management Department manages the software (MeitY). Citizens may receive real documents or certificates in digital format under this initiative. Certificates can be generated from these certificates` original issuers.
♦ The purpose of starting the program is to abolish or decrease the use of physical records. By making the service worry-free and welcoming to people, it aims to enhance the efficacy of service delivery.
♦ An independent and legislative body in India is the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The regulation and promotion of the insurance and reinsurance industry is the responsibility of this organization. It was created pursuant to the Insurance Management and Development Authority Act 1999. It is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is a body of 10 members, consisting of a chairman, 5 full-time members and 4 part-time members.
###Oil & Gas Projects In Tamil Nadu:
On February 17, 2021, the Prime Minister of India laid the foundation for main oil and gas sector projects in Tamil Nadu.
Highlights:
♦ The natural gas pipeline at Ramanathapuram-Thoothukudi will be inaugurated.
♦ This pipeline is part of the Natural Gas Pipeline Ennore- Thiruvallur- Bengaluru- Puducherry- Nagapattinam- Madurai- Tuticorin.
♦ Benefits: It would help to use natural gas from the ONGC Gas field and provide industrial and other commercial customers with natural gas as a raw material.
♦ At Chennai Petroleum Co., Ltd. in Manali, the Gasoline Desulfurization Unit will be built.
♦ It will produce environmentally friendly gasoline with low sulfur (less than 8 pm), which will help minimize pollution and lead to a healthier climate.
PM to Hold Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog:
On February 20, 2021, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the NITI Aayog Council meeting.
Highlights:
♦ Problems related to agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and human resource growth will be addressed during this conference. This will be the Council`s 6th meeting.
♦ For the first time, the newly added UT Ladakh will attend the conference. This year, Jammu and Kashmir would also take part as Joint Territories. The Conference would also be attended by other Union territories headed by the Administrator.
♦ The meeting will also be attended by ex-officio members of the Council; the Vice-Chairman and Minister of the Union. The meeting will also be attended by a member and CEO of NITI Aayog and other senior officials of the Indian government.
♦ Niti Aayog, founded in 2015 to replace the planning committee, is India`s policy think tank. In order to achieve sustainable development goals through cooperative federalism, the institution was created. Some of the initiatives of Aayog include: "15-year roadmap", AMRUT, "7-year vision, strategy and action plan" Atal innovation project, Indian digitization, reform of medical education, agricultural reform, and a series of lectures on Indian transformation.
♦ Member of NITI Aayog: The prime minister is Aayog`s chairman. It also consists of a council comprising the chief ministers of all states and the territories of the union and the deputy governors of the territories of the legislature and the union. Delhi and Puducherry are not included, however. It also has a regional committee consisting of the Head of State and federal municipality governors.
♦ The Governing Council is NITI Aayog`s sole authority. Both chief ministers, deputy governors of the federal territories, other trade union ministers and senior government officials are members of the council. Regularly, the council meets. On February 8, 2015, the first meeting of the council was held.
###Puducherry Lieutenant - Governor Orders Floor Test:
The newly named Tamilisai Soundararajan (Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry), ordered the Assembly Secretariat to convene the House on February 22. A press release issued by Raj Nivas said the single agenda of the session should be to decide whether the Chief Minister enjoys the confidence of the House.
Floor test:
♦ The minimum requirement is primarily to understand whether executives enjoy the confidence of the legislature. This is a constitutional framework in which the chief minister appointed by the governor can be expected to prove a majority in the state legislative assembly.
♦ According to the Constitution, the chief minister is appointed by the governor of the country. When a party gets a majority in the House of Representatives, the governor appoints the leader of the party as its chief minister.
♦ If the majority is challenged, the leader of the party advocating the majority must shake the vote of confidence and show the majority of those present and voting. If the chief minister cannot show that they have a majority in the House of Representatives, they must resign. This happened both in Parliament and in the State Legislative Assembly.
Important Days Current Affairs February 2nd Week 2021
World Unani Day is Designated on 11th February:
Celebrate Unani World Day on 11 February 2021. Through the Unani medical system, the aim of World Unani Day is to spread awareness of health care.
Highlights:
♦ Including its prevention and treatment principles, the purpose of World Unani Day is to spread the consciousness of health care through the Unani medical system.
♦ World Unani Day is observed every year to mark the anniversary of the birth of Hakim Ajmal Khan.
♦ Unani System Principle: This means that the body has four kinds of humor: dam (blood), Bowham (phlegm), safra (yellow bile) and sauda (black bile).
♦ The wellbeing and sickness of the body would be influenced by the consistency and sum of the four kinds of laughter.
♦ Greece is the origin of Unani. In India, sometime around the 11th century, Arabs and Persians introduced it.
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Environment Current Affairs February 2nd Week 2021
A Buffer Zone Around the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
Kerala`s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, is seeking the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to alleviate the concerns of the citizens of Wayanad about the draft notice from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which is planned in Wayanad to create a Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) buffer zone.
Highlights:
♦ The 118.59 square kilometers around WWS are notified as ESZ by the draft released by MOEFCC.
♦ Kerala, however, hopes that the ESWS around WWS would have an area of 88.2 square kilometers. When notifying ESZ, the government claims that heavily populated areas should be excluded.
♦ The lives of thousands of farmers who live on the edge of shelters in the six villages of Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery taluks would be seriously affected by such a change.
♦ All development in ecologically sensitive areas, including the building of roads and homes, would be affected, and without the permission of forest officials, farmers will not be able to cut down the trees they plant on the property.
♦ Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (5,520 square kilometers) is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and an important part of South India`s Seventh Elephant Sanctuary. This is the only sanctuary in Kerala where, supposedly, four-horned antelopes have been spotted.
♦ There have also been records of the presence of Egyptian vultures, Himalayan lion riffs and gray-black vultures in the reserve. The two bald eagles that were once common in Kerala (red-headed vultures and white-backed vultures) are now restricted to the Wayanad plateau.
♦ The forest base of Nagarhole-Bandipur-Mudumalai-Wayanad is also one of the nation`s most important tiger habitats. Latest surveys of tigers using camera traps show that the reserve has 79 tigers. The largest catchment area of the Kabani River tributaries constitutes the forest of the wildlife division.
♦ The Ecological Sensitive Zone (ESZ) or Ecological Fragile Zone (EFA) is the MoEFCC-notified area covering protected areas, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Earthquake on Border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh:
The first geological proof of an earthquake at the junction of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, which was historically recorded as the Sadiya earthquake, was discovered by scientists. This discovery will contribute to the eastern Himalayan earthquake disaster map, thereby helping to develop and prepare the region.
Highlights:
♦ The site is close to the suture zone of the Tudin-Tidding-main portion of the eastern Himalayas, where the Himalayas bend south and merge with India`s Burmese mountains.
♦ In Himebasti village in Arunachal Pradesh, scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) conducted a large trench excavation. It has been studied by geological technology.
♦ WIHG is an autonomous entity under the Government of India`s Department of Science and Technology (DST).
♦ At the exit of the Subansiri River (Sadiya Town is about 145 kilometers southeast of the Subansiri River), scientists found large tree trunks in the youngest flood sediments, suggesting that the river encountered a series of aftershocks up to six months before the earthquake occurred.
♦ In geology, catchment is a term used for sediment deposition to raise the elevation of land.
♦ Aftershocks are earthquakes following an earthquake series, with the greatest effects. They are smaller than the mainshock and from the mainshock, within 1-2 break distances.
###Lakhs of Migratory Water Birds Arrived at The Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary:
More than 100,000 migrant waterfowl will arrive at the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Reserve in Himachal Pradesh in the winter of 2020-21. Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Himachal Pradesh`s Kangra District.
Highlights:
♦ In 1975, on the opposite bank of the Bis river, the Pang Dam was constructed. It is also named Maharana Pratap Sagar or Pong Reservoir.
♦ The government of the Himalayas declared the entire reservoir a wildlife sanctuary in 1983.
♦ "In 1994, it was designated a "wetland of national significance" by the Indian government. Pong Lake was designated a Ramsar Wetland in November 2002.
♦ The sanctuary is capable of hosting 220 bird species out of about 54 species. Migratory birds from the Hindu Kush Himalayas to Siberia come here in the winter.
♦ The Beas River and its perennial tributaries including Gaj, Neogal, Binwa, Uhl, Bangana and Baner feed the lake. The lake has about 22 species of fish, including rare fish like Sal and Gad.
♦ The lake has about 22 species of fish, including rare fish like Sal and Gad. The lake`s ample level of water makes it a perfect destination for water sports. Tropical and subtropical forests, where many wild Indian species live, cover the reserve.
Other National Parks in Himachal Pradesh:
Greater Himalayan National Park: In the Banjaar district of Kullu District, the Greater Himalayas National Park is located and was officially declared a national park in 1999. The Great Himalayan National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 for its outstanding contribution to the conservation of biodiversity.
Pin National Park: In 1987, Pin Valley National Park, located in the districts of Lahaul and Spiti, was born. Different endangered species will find their natural habitats, such as snow leopards and Siberian ibex.
Inderkilla National Park: Inderkilla National Park is located in the Himachal State district of Kuru and was established in 2010. The types of insects are also different and can be seen from time to time in the Himalayas, such as leopards, deer and birds, and even rare birds in the summer.
Khirganga National Park: The National Park of Khirganga is located in Kuru and was established in 2010. The national park is situated at an altitude of approximately 5500 meters and occupies an area of approximately 710 square kilometers.
Simbalbara National Park: In the Panta Valley of Sirmour District, Simbalbara National Park is situated. It was formed in 1958 as the Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 19.03 km2.
###Mandarin Duck Spotted in Assam After 118 Years:
Almost 118 years later, a duck from Assam, a colorful duck from East Asia, was discovered. Mandarin`s discovery gave people hope for this wetland, which in 2020 would be threatened by blow-outs of natural gas and hell.
Highlights:
♦ A team of avian specialists found the Mandarin Duck in the Maguri-Motapung Beel in the Tinsukia area of eastern Assam.
♦ In eastern China and southern Japan, Duck is a village. It also landed in Assam accidentally. From time to time, ducks come to India. But some ducks may merge and follow their migration routes with other migratory birds.
♦ A group of Indian spotted ducks, migrating to China or Japan, are followed by spotted ducks. In 1902, it was in Assam that the last Mandarin was discovered.
♦ The duck`s scientific name is Aix galericulata. It is a genus of duck living in the Eastern Paleo-North Atlantic. The duck is medium-sized, 41-49 cm long, with a wingspan of 65-75 cm.
♦ Ducks are closely related to wood ducks from North America. In East Asia, ducks were once common. But they were exported on a wide scale, so that the population declined in eastern Russia and China.
♦ Moreover, the loss of its forest habitat has further intensified the decrease in population, reducing the population of Russia and China to less than 1000 pairs. Japan`s population is estimated to be around 5,000 couples.
♦ Normally, ducks prefer thick breeding grounds. It typically breeds in low-lying areas on the edges of thick forests of rivers and lakes. At an altitude of 1500 m, it can also breed in valleys.
♦ It also breeds in swamps, flooded land and open rivers in winter. Ducks prefer freshwater, but in coastal lagoons and estuaries, winter can be seen as well.
Economy Current Affairs February 2nd Week 2021
RBI to Conduct OMO of Rs. 20,000 Crores:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that 4 government securities (G-Secs) worth 20,000 crore rupees will be purchased. On February 10, 2021, the central bank will purchase a commodity focused on Open Market Operations (OMOs).
Highlights:
♦ After the yield rose to a recent intraday high of 6,1634 percent, the move was announced . The Indian Reserve Bank is concerned about higher borrowing from the government.
♦ The yield of the benchmark 10-year G-Sec fell by 3-4 basis points after the announcement of the OMO purchase. Now, relative to the previous closing yield of 6.1283 percent, its coupon rate is 5.77 percent.
PMFBY: Government allocates Rs.16,000 crores:
For the upcoming 2021-22 financial year for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the Central Government has allocated Rupees 16,000 crores (PMFBY).
Highlights:
♦ This allocation is made in order to increase the protection of crops for farmers. This sum would also ensure that farmers benefit from crop insurance to the full.
♦ Compared to the 2020-21 fiscal year, the budget has increased by approximately Rs 305 Crore this year.
♦ This therefore demonstrates that the government is committed to the growth of the agricultural sector of the country.
Beneficiaries:
♦ According to the framework, to get the incentives, more than 5.5 crore farmers requests are received on an annual basis.
♦ 84 percent are small and marginal farmers among all registered farmers. The program therefore ensures that the most needy farmers are provided with financial assistance.
###DGCA Announces Raise in The Domestic Airfares:
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has declared that on February 11, 2021, it will increase air travel fares. The fare was raised to 5600 rupees.
Highlights:
♦ The government stressed that it was appropriate to raise tariffs because of the opening up of the aviation market.
♦ The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has confirmed that a routine adjustment is the fare increase. Aviation experts say, however, that prices have risen because of rising fuel prices.
♦ The highest price range rose by 30 percent on the 180-210 minute flight. The price went up to Rs 5,600. The price rose from Rs 18,600 to Rs 24,200 as a result.
♦ The price level of the shortest path has been increased by 10% . This is equivalent to a Rs 200 rise.
♦ It has also expanded the choice of domestic fares. For domestic flights, the lower price range was increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,200, while the higher price range was increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,800.
♦ The lowest fare has been raised from Rs 6,500 to Rs 24,200 for the highest fare range, while the highest fare has been increased from Rs 18,600 to Rs 24,200.
♦ The Ministry of Civil Aviation put a fixed limit on air travel when the Covid-19 pandemic reached its height. The price limit has been abolished since the market opened. In March 2020, as the government announced a strict national lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the government announced the suspension of all commercial passenger flights.
♦ By implementing the 2020 Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is a statutory body created. The investigation of aviation accidents and incidents is the responsibility of this department. All aviation-related regulations are also preserved. The agency is based in New Delhi.
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Science & Technology Current Affairs February 2nd Week 2021
Aero India - iDEX Start-up Manthan:
iDEX – Start-up Manthan to promote defense innovation organised at Aero India 2021.
About iDEX Start-up Manthan:
♦ Every year, Start-up Manthan is organized under iDEX.
♦ The Prime Minister launched iDEX in April 2018, and its core objective is to create a business model that meets the defense needs of India and enables start-ups to take advantage of the defense market.
♦ Since its launch, iDEX has become a national ecosystem that brings startups, innovators and entrepreneurs together with military users and operators.
♦ This event offers a rare opportunity for DIO-iDEX-related companies to demonstrate market leaders and business decision-makers their skills, products and services.
FSSAI Caps Trans Fats in Foods:
Laws to limit trans fatty acids (TFA) in food products have been amended by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This decision was taken a week after the regulations for oils and fats were amended.
Highlights:
♦ According to the new regulations, in foods containing edible fats and oils, the total quantity of industrial trans fats shall not exceed 2% of the total quantity of fats and oils found in the product.
♦ The regulation will be applicable from January 1, 2022.
♦ In December 2020, the FSSAI will restrict the amount of TFA content required for oils and fats to 3% in 2021, and will also limit the existing 5% to 2% by 2022.
###Russia to Launch 40 Satellites in 2021 of March:
The Russian Aerospace Industry has announced that in March 2021, Russia will launch 40 satellites from 18 different countries in the world into orbit.
Highlights:
♦ Using the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle, the satellite will be launched. It was also discovered in November 2020 that Soyuz-2.1 will be bombed on March 20, 2021 by the aerospace industry.
♦ The Soyuz 2.1 is a launch vehicle with boosters from Fregat. Together with a Korean compact Advanced Satellite 500 spacecraft named CAS500-1, it will be launched.
♦ Along with Soyuz 2.1 and CAS500-1, payloads from 18 nations will also be sent to space. The list of satellites has not been finalized yet, however.
♦ The Alliance 2.1 payload will launch satellites from Russia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Israel, Thailand, Germany, Brazil, Canada, Italy, Hungary, Argentina, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, Tunisia and the United Kingdom.
♦ Soyuz: It is a Soviet expendable launch systems family. It was developed by OKB-1, and the Space Center Progress Rocket was designed in Samara, Russia. In 1966, it launched its first satellite. It has launched over 1,700 flights so far. In the world, it is the most widely used launch vehicle.
###Arka Shubha - New Marigold Variety Developed:
A new variety of marigold named Arka Shubha has been established by the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR).
Highlights:
♦ Arka Shubha`s carotene content is approximately 2.8 percent (maximum 1.4 percent for all marigolds), the highest of all plant sources.
♦ Even if it deteriorates after blooming, which is distinct from other varieties, this new variety of marigold can be used to extract crude carotene.
♦ Ornamental and carotene extraction: Not only does this new variety have ornamental uses, it is also a good source of crude carotene.
♦ Poultry Feed: Its petals can be used to acquire high-quality egg yolks as poultry feed.
♦ Reduce Import Dependency: Most of the carotene imported by India comes from other nations, including China. This creation will dramatically reduce reliance on imports. The field of cultivation and investment in carotene extraction should therefore be expanded.
♦ Key Facts About Carotene: Carotene is a non-oxygen-containing carotenoid pigment. They are usually unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain only carbon and hydrogen. The colors vary from yellow to red to orange. The color is due to the chain of single and double alternating bonds. Carotene is responsible for the orange color of carrots. Examples of carotene include alpha carotene, beta-carotene and lycopene. Carotene is used in the pharmaceutical industry and the demand for it has been high.
Schemes Current Affairs February 2nd Week 2021
Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata (HSS) Yojana For Handloom Weavers:
For the welfare of handloom weavers, the government has launched the Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata (HSS) Yojana.
About HSS Yojana:
The government has introduced Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata (HSS) Yojana for the welfare of handloom weavers. The scheme was launched in 2015-16 and was renamed Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata Yojana in December 2016. The scheme was introduced to promote technological upgrading in the field of handlooms by providing 90% of subsidies to weavers to purchase looms and accessories.
Scheme objectives:
♦ Promote the upgrading of loom unit technology.
♦ Encourage the growth of the opportunity to generate employment in emerging areas of technology.
♦ The scheme is under the Ministry of Textiles.
♦ Technical upgrades are aimed at improving the quality of fabric and improving the efficiency of handloom weavers.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana:
The goal of the launch of Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) is to enable employers, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to create new jobs as well as social security benefits and restore lost jobs.
About the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY):
♦ For new workers recruited between October 1, 2020 or later, and up to June 30, 2021, the Indian government will provide a two-year subsidy.
♦ The Indian government will pay workers 12 percent of employee dues and 12 percent of employer dues for new employees in companies hiring up to 1,000 employees, which is 24 percent of the salary paid by EPFF ( two years).
♦ The Indian government will pay only the EPF contribution share of workers, which is 12% of 12% of salaries for new employees in establishments employing more than 1,000 employees for two years.
♦ The monthly employee compensation is less than Rs. 15000/-If you have not served before October 1, 2020 in a company registered with the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) and you do not have a Universal Account Number or an EPF Member Account before October 1, 2020, you are entitled to receive this benefit.
♦ EPF members who left their job during the Covid pandemic and have a Universal Account Number (UAN) with a monthly wage of less than 15,000 rupees and have not joined any EPF-protected organization until September 30 will also be liable for benefits from March 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020.
###Institutional deliveries Under JSY Increased:
Under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), institutional deliveries have grown.
Janani Suraksha Yojana:
♦ The National Rural Health Mission`s Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a safe motherhood action (NHM).
♦ The aim of this scheme is to reduce maternal and infant mortality through the promotion of pregnant women`s institutional delivery.
♦ In April 2005, Janani Suraksha Yojana was founded by revising the National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS).
♦ JSY is a centrally funded scheme that integrates distribution and post-delivery care with cash assistance.
♦ The program focuses on vulnerable pregnant women and offers special grants for low institutional delivery rates for states.
♦ The scheme also provides women`s health volunteers with performance-based rewards called ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) to facilitate institutional delivery of pregnant women.
###
International Current Affairs February 2nd Week 2021
India-EU High-Level Dialogue Held:
The first India-EU High-Level Trade and Investment Dialogue was held.
Highlights:
♦ The dialogue is the culmination of the 15th Summit of India-EU Leaders, held in July 2020. The aim is to direct ministerial-level bilateral trade and investment ties.
♦ The ministers have agreed to hold meetings over the next three months with the goal of finding consensus on a range of issues relating to bilateral trade and investment cooperation, for example. Bilateral Regulatory Dialogue; India-EU Multilateral ♦ Dialogue to explore more collaboration possibilities, etc.
♦ In an important move forward, the relaunch of daily relations between bilateral trade and investment agreements was also discussed, and an interim agreement was also discussed, to begin with.
US Plans to Reengage with UN Human Rights Council:
The United States has announced intentions to rejoin the United Nations Human Rights Council, which was withdrawn three years ago by former President Donald Trump.
Highlights:
♦ To help resolve the "credibility flaws" of the previous body, the UN Human Rights Commission was reorganized from its predecessor, the UN Human Rights Commission.
♦ The headquarters of UNHCR is in Geneva, Switzerland.
♦ The Office of the United Nations Human Rights Commission for Refugees has 47 members who work at any time to ensure regional representation according to the distribution of the world`s regions, and elections are held every year to fill seats.
♦ There is a three-year term for each elected member. Countries are not eligible to hold more than two seats in succession.
♦ Regular reports of all 193 UN member states have been passed by the UN Commission on Human Rights and non-binding resolutions on human rights issues have been passed, which is called the Universal Periodic Review.
♦ It is responsible for overseeing specialist inquiries (special procedures) in particular countries involving infringements.
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National Current Affairs February 2nd Week 2021
Ease Of Doing Business Reforms:
The "Ease of Doing Business" changes were completed by four other states to receive further borrowing permits.
Highlights:
♦ "The "Ease of Doing Business" reform prescribed by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has been carried out by the four states of Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
♦ These states are now entitled to mobilize more financial capital and, through Open Market Borrowings, are allowed to collect an additional Rs.5,034 crore.
♦ The total number of states that have implemented the necessary reforms to promote the ease of doing business has reached 12.
♦ The other states are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
Samagra Shiksha - Funded School is Renamed as Netaji:
Under the Samagra Shiksha program, which has been renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Ministry of Education has agreed on schools and hostels.
Highlights:
♦ Renaming the scheme would help generate awareness of the services in challenging areas of these residential schools and hostels.
♦ These schools would also be inspired to achieve a high-quality education.
♦ An integrated scheme for school education is the Samagra Shiksha Scheme. From pre-school to class XII, the scheme extends.
♦ Ensure the provision of quality education that is inclusive and equal at all levels of school education.
♦ After the inclusion of three schemes, namely Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Teacher Education (TE), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan Abhiyan, the scheme was introduced (RMSA).
♦ Under the scheme, from pre-kindergarten to grade 12, school education is seen as a continuum.
♦ By concentrating on two T`s, namely Teachers and Technology, the scheme stresses improving the standard of school education.
♦ In addition, under the scheme, the Ministry of Education provides financial assistance for the opening and operation of residential schools and hostels in hilly areas in the states and union territories.
♦ It also offers financial assistance to open schools and houses for children who need shelter and treatment in rural, underpopulated areas.
###Beneficiaries of Anganwadi Dropped by 2 crores in 7 years:
According to data submitted by the Parliament`s Ministry of Women and Child Development, the number of beneficiaries under the `Anganwadi` government programme has been reduced by almost 20 million.
Highlights:
♦ Approximately 1,045 billion pregnant women, lactating mothers and children between 6 months and 6 years of age were recruited by the Anganwadi Center during 2014-2015 at approximately 1.4 million grams. By March 2020, the amount had decreased to 85.5 billion.
♦ The number of children also fell to 6.86 million in March 2020, from 8.49 million in 2014-2015.
♦ In March 2020, the number of pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers drops from 19.95 million in 2014-15 to 16.68 million. The reasons for this decline were not stressed by the government.
♦ In India, Anganwadi is a kind of rural childcare center. In 1975, the Indian government founded these centers. These centers were developed to eradicate child hunger and malnutrition under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program.
♦ In 1975, the Comprehensive Child Development Program was implemented. Even though the Morarji Desai government suspended the plan in 1978, in the Tenth Five-Year Plan it restarted the plan.
♦ The scheme involves a bundle of six facilities that are operated at various centers in Anganwadi. Services provide immunization, additional nutrition, non-formal pre-school education, health inspection, health education, and referral services.
###Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB):
Under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006, PNGRB was created. The Act provides for a Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board to be formed to protect the interests of consumers and organizations engaged in specific petroleum-related activities.
About Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board
♦ Under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006, PNGRB was created.
♦ In order to protect the interests of customers and companies engaged in particular activities relating to petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas and to encourage fair markets and related matters, the Act provides for the establishment of a Regulatory Board on petroleum and natural gas.
♦ The Board`s duties also include controlling the refining, manufacturing, storage, transport, distribution, marketing and selling of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas (excluding the output of crude oil and natural gas) in order to ensure that the supply of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas throughout the country is uninterrupted and sufficient.
♦ The Statutory Board shall register the organizations that sell reported petroleum and petroleum products, set up and operate LNG terminals, etc.
Studies on Border Area Development Programme:
Two assessment studies on the Border Area Development Program were carried out in 2020 by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and NITI Aayog (BADP).
About the Border Area Development Programme (BADP):
♦ The International Land Boundary has been enforced by the Border Area Development Program (BADP) in 17 states (including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal).
♦ BADP`s key objective is to address the unique development needs and well-being of people living in remote and inaccessible areas close to the international border and to achieve a saturation strategy by incorporating central/state/BADP/local schemes and a participatory approach to the border areas and the entire basic infrastructure.
Memorandum of Understanding Current Affairs February 1st Week 2021
MoHUA Signed MoU with Zomato:
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Zomato to join street food vendors on its food technology platform.
Highlights:
♦ A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Zomato to join street food vendors on its food technology platform. This will enable street food vendors to access online access to thousands of customers and help these vendors grow their companies.
♦ A similar agreement with Swiggy, another online food ordering and distribution site, was reached by MoHUA in October 2020.
♦ MoHUA launched a Mobile Application for PM SVANidhi se Samriddhi.
♦ For socio-economic analysis of PM SVANidhi recipients and their families, this mobile application will enable city officials to conduct door-to-door data collection.
♦ This will be done as an additional portion of PM SVANidhi in 125 selected cities.
♦ This application will enable socio-economic profile analysis activities of ULB field functionaries to be conducted even without any Internet connection.
♦ The mobile application was developed by the Indian Quality Council implementing partner and MoHUA.
♦ The objective of the program is to map the socio-economic profile of the beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi and their families, to determine their possible eligibility for participation in different central welfare schemes, and to foster relations with them in order to promote their overall growth and socio-economic development.
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Science & Technology Current Affairs February 1st Week 2021
Space X Announced First All-Civilian Mission to Space
Elon Musk`s SpaceX recently announced the launch of the first all-civilian space flight.
Highlights:
♦ On Falcon 9, SpaceX plans to launch Inspiration4.
♦ This will be the first fully commercial astronaut flight worldwide.
♦ In the fourth quarter of this year, the spacecraft will begin orbiting.
♦ The mission will be launched at NASA`s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, from the 39A Launch Complex.
About the mission
♦ The mission is named Inspiration4.
♦ The name is in recognition of the mission of four crew members who inspired support for the Children`s Research Hospital of St. Jude.
♦ It also seeks the possibility of sending humanitarian messages.
♦ The multi-billion dollar expansion initiative by Jude seeks to drive advancement in science and save children around the world.
♦ For the Inspiration4 crew on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, SpaceX will have commercial astronaut training.
♦ It will also include instruction by orbital mechanics, zero gravity, microgravity function and other stress testing for the Dragon spacecraft.
♦ Every 90 minutes, the mission will orbit the earth along a personalized flight path.
###
Stardust 1.0: The First Rocket To Use Biofuels:
Stardust 1.0 was launched from the Loring Commerce Center, a former Maine, USA, military base, on January 31.
Highlights:
♦ This is the first biofuels-driven commercial space mission. Biofuels are non-toxic to the atmosphere compared with conventional rocket fuels.
♦ Stardust 1.0 is ideal for students and for budget payloads as a launch vehicle.
♦ The rocket has a height of 20 feet and a mass of around 250 kg.
♦ The rocket`s full payload mass is 8 kg.
♦ These rockets can help launch small CubeSats satellites into orbit in a way that is comparatively cheaper and less environmentally toxic than conventional rocket fuel use.
Kerala to Open its First Human Milk Bank:
On February 5, 2021, Kerala will inaugurate the first Human Milk Bank (HMB). This is a state-of-the-art facility, and at Ernakulam General Hospital, Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja will open its doors.
Highlights:
♦ With the help of the Rotary Club of Cochin Global, a milk bank was created.
♦ The breast milk bank will ensure that breast milk can be obtained by newborn babies who are not sick or deceased or who are not breastfed due to inadequate breast milk production.
♦ Around 3,600 babies are born every year in general hospitals. Among them, 600 to 1,000 sick children join the Intensive Neonatal Care Unit (NICU).
♦ However, mothers cannot properly feed them due to the low weight of premature babies or babies separated from their mothers.
♦ Pasteurized breast milk from the milk bank would also reduce the risk of infection and help to reinforce its immunity.
♦ Thirty-two years ago, the idea of a milk bank emerged in India, but so far, Kerala has no milk bank.
♦ In compliance with government guidelines, milk will be obtained in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures, stored and distributed to children in need.
♦ For 6 months, the milk collected will be securely deposited in the bank. Initially, the milk would be supplied to babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit free of charge.
♦ Plans to create a hospital network for multiple collection and secure distribution points will be made at a later date.
♦ In the hospital, the milk will be donated by the delivery mother. All health statistics in the hospital will be obtained by these mothers.
♦ A pasteurization machine, a deep freezer, a refrigerator, disinfection equipment, effluent treatment equipment and a computer were part of the human milk bank.
♦ The cost was 3.5 million rupees after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the State Health Department with the Rotary Club of Cochin Global in 2020.
♦ Professional nursing staff will be provided to run the milk bank by the Association of Pediatricians (IAP).
###Green Tax Impacts the Sale of CNG Car:
Recently, two automotive industry executives insisted that Maruti Suzuki India Co., Ltd. would benefit most from the proposed green tax on gasoline and diesel vehicles proposed by the government.
Highlights:
♦ Maruti is the top automaker in India and has the largest portfolio of compressed natural gas (CNG) car products among all domestic car manufacturers. By 2022, Suzuki Motor Company is also aiming to increase its annual CNG car sales to 200,000 or more.
♦ Maruti delivered a record 106,443 CNG vehicles in the fiscal year 2020. On average, sales of this type of vehicle are rising by 15.5 percent annually. Maruti further promotes CNG vehicles as an environmentally friendly alternative compared with diesel.
♦ Maruti has stopped selling diesel cars and has formulated ambitious plans to extend its portfolio of CNG models. Maruti has agreed to partner with Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea, which also sells CNG vehicles.
♦ Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has declared that a green tax will be imposed on certain types of vehicles from 1 April 2022. When a registration certificate is renewed, the government proposes to impose a green tax on personal vehicles.
♦ Fifteen years later, 10 per cent to 25 per cent of the road tax on gasoline or diesel vehicles would be imposed. Similar taxes will also be imposed on transit vehicles or private vehicles above eight years of age while renewing the registration certificate and health certificate.
♦ Hybrid cars, hybrid vehicles and automobiles operating on renewable alternative fuels (such as CNG, ethanol and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)) will be exempted from the green tax under the Green Tax Guidelines. Higher taxes will apply to gasoline or diesel cars.
♦ Higher taxes on petrol and diesel cars would push individuals to turn to CNG. This will, in turn, support businesses such as Maruti and Hyundai. Moreover, green transactions and increased purchasing costs can be used by businesses and dealers as marketing tactics to encourage consumers to purchase CNG vehicles.
National Current Affairs February 1st Week 2021
NITI Aayogs Proposal for Little Andaman:
"A proposal called the "Sustainable Development of Little Andaman Island Vision Paper" was created by NITI Aayog. The environmentalists were vigilant about the sustainable and holistic creation of the 680 sq km, fragile Little Andaman Island in the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands.
Highlights:
♦ A plan by NITI Aayog to use the strategic location and natural features of the island is the "Sustainable Development of Little Andaman Island-Vision Document".
♦ This will be done by developing Greenfield, a new coastal area, which will develop into a free trade zone and compete with Singapore and Hong Kong.
♦ The proposal is developed around three development anchor points and zones.
Zone 1:
♦ It extends over 102 square kilometers along Little Andaman`s east coast.
♦ It will be a financial district and a medical metropolis that can serve the districts of aerocity, leisure, and hospital.
Zone 2:
♦ Spread over 85 square kilometres of the primitive forest.
♦ It is a recreational area that can have metropolises for movies, suburban districts and a special economic tourism zone (SEZ).
Zone 3:
♦ Spread over 52 square kilometres of the primitive forest.
♦ The nature zone can be divided into three districts: a special forest resort area, a natural therapeutic district and a natural retreat area, all of which are situated on the west coast.
Waghai-Bilimora Heritage Line Continues the Service:
The Western Railway has agreed not to interrupt the operation of three trains, including the 107-year-old narrow gauge heritage train between Vaghai and Bilimora, permanently parked in Gujarat. Between Miyagam, Choranda, Malsar and Choranda Junction and Moti Karal, the other two narrow gauge trains run. The spacing of the rails on the railway track is the track gauge for rail transport.
Highlights:
♦ A legacy of the Gaekwad dynasty, the Waghai-Billimora Train started in 1913 and ruled the princely state of Baroda. Tribal people regularly take this train from inside. The train has a range of 63 kilometers.
♦ Britain has laid railways at the level of Gaekwad rulers and is run by the Gaekwad Baroda State Railway (GBSR) owned by Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
♦ The jurisdiction of Gaekwad spans Saurashtra, Mehsana in Gujarat`s north, and Bilimora in Gujarat`s south.
♦ Damaji I, who came to power in 1740, was the father of the dynasty. Sayaji Rao III, the last Gaekwar, died in 1939.
♦ Trains were powered by steam engines for around 24 years and were replaced in 1937 by diesel engines.
♦ The original steam engine was shown in Mumbai at the Churchgate Heritage Gallery in 1994.
♦ This was as early as 1951, before the Western Railway was formed, when the Bombay, Baroda & Central India Railway, Saurashtra, Rajputana and Jaipur State Railways were merged.
♦ The 63-kilometer-long Billimora-Vaghai and the 19-kilometer-long Choranda-Moti Karal route are among the five routes proposed to be retained as` industrial heritage` by the Indian Railways in 2018.
###Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK) by Youth Affairs Ministry:
The Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Scheme is a Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Central Sector Scheme.
Highlights:
♦ The Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Scheme is a Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Central Sector Scheme and has been continuing since the "Twelfth Five-Year Plan"
♦ The goal of the scheme is to develop young people`s personalities and leadership skills and encourage them to engage in nation-building activities.
♦ Young people in the 15-29 age group are the winners of this program. In the case of the unique focus program for young people, the age range is 10-19 years old.
♦ This is an overall scheme that includes the following sub-schemes:
♦ Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan The Sangathan (founded in 1972, one of the largest youth organizations in the world)
♦ National Youth Corps
♦ National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development
♦ International Cooperation
♦ Youth Hostels
♦ Assistance to Scouting and Guiding Organisations
♦ National Youth Leadership Program
Portal Gobardhan Scheme Was Launched:
The Gobardhan Unified Portal was jointly launched by the Union Ministers to promote the Gobardhan scheme and to monitor real-time progress.
Gobardhan Scheme:
♦ The Gobardhan Scheme (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Capital - DHAN) was initiated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
♦ It is being introduced as part of the Mission to Swachch Bharat (Gramin).
♦ The scheme tries to protect animal and biodegradable waste and also aims to increase the income of farmers.
♦ The focus of the GOBAR-DHAN scheme is to keep the villages clean, increase rural household income and generate energy from cow dung, which is an important part of the Swachch Bharat mission`s ODF-plus strategy.
♦ The goal of the scheme is to help villagers to manage their livestock and biodegradable waste effectively.
♦ Gobardhan will begin in early 2018 to manage the widespread issue of biological waste in villages, including cow dung, and turn it into biogas and organic fertilizers to enhance the lives of villagers by providing farmers and families with economic and resource benefits.
♦ The newly launched portal will ensure close collaboration for the smooth implementation of biogas schemes/initiatives and their real-time monitoring with stakeholder departments/ministries.
###
Environment Current Affairs February 1st Week 2021
Periyar Tiger Reserve Training the Cubs:
For the first time in the world, the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Kerala received training for tiger cubs to enable them to naturally hunt in a forest environment.
Key Facts:
♦ Breaks in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala (located in the southern region of the Western Ghats).
♦ It was declared in 1950 as a protected area and in 1978 as a Tiger Reserve. Its name comes from the River Periyar, which originated within the reserve.
♦ The Mullayar and Periyar rivers are the principal rivers flowing through the reserve.
Flora:
♦ Tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forest and grassland are included in the protected area.
♦ There are approximately 1966 flowering plant species that grow in this reserve.
♦ About 516 of them are endemic to the Western Ghats.
♦ The sanctuary is a medicinal plant warehouse, with about 300 species in number.
♦ Some species, such as Syzygium periyarensis (a tree), Habenaria periyarensis (an orchid) and Mucuna pruriense thekkadiensis, are endemic to the region (a climber)
Fauna:
♦ Mammals: Tiger, Elephant, Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Tahr etc.
♦ Birds: Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongos.
♦ Reptiles: Monitor Lizards, Python, King Cobra etc.
♦ There are six tribal communities in the reserve, such as Mannans, Paliyans, Malayarayans, Mala Pandarams, Uralis and Ulladans.
###Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance Started a Global Campaign
A global initiative to increase understanding of the welfare of fishing cats has been initiated by the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance.
Highlights:
♦ The Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance is a team of conservationists, researchers and enthusiasts who are dedicated to ensuring the survival of fishing cats by establishing a working floodplain and coastal ecosystem. It`s twice the size of a household cat.
♦ There are nocturnal fishing cats. Cats also feed on frogs, crustaceans, rodents, birds and the oesophagus of large animal carcasses, in addition to fish. All year round, this species reproduces. They spend the majority of their lives by the water in thick vegetation and are exceptional swimmers.
♦ In the Eastern Ghats, fishing cats are distributed in patches. They abound in estuarine floodplains, marine freshwater ecosystems and coastal mangroves.
♦ Fishing cats also inhabit the Chillika Lagoon in the mangroves of Odisha, Coringa and Krishna and the adjacent wetlands, in addition to the Sundarbans in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
♦ Prionailurus viverrinus is the scientific term for cat-fishing. IUCN Fishing Cat Status is Insecure. Despite facing numerous threats, "fishing cats" have recently been listed as "endangered" as "vulnerable" in the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List species assessment.
♦ In the unprotected and human-dominated landscape northeast of the Western Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, the Catching Cat Conservation Alliance has begun to research the biogeographical distribution of cats captured.
♦ The government of West Bengal officially declared the fishing cat as a national animal in 2012, and the Kolkata Zoo has two wide fences dedicated to it.
♦ Many NGOs and organizations for the conservation of wildlife have engaged in the study and protection of "fishing cats" in Odisha. Launched in 2010, the `Fishing Cat Initiative` started to raise awareness of West Bengal cats.
###
International Current Affairs February 1st Week 2021
Facts of Bhashan Char Island:
Recently, the Bangladesh Authority relocated about 1,750 Rohingya Muslims to a disputed island called "Bhashan Char Island" in the Bay of Bengal. This move was opposed by refugees already residing on the island in Bangladesh.
Key Facts:
♦ The island is also called Char Piya. It is in Hatiya Upazila, Bangladesh.
♦ The island is situated 6 kilometers from Sandwip Island and 60 kilometers from the mainland, in the Bay of Bengal. Its area is 40 kilometres square.
♦ Bhahan Char island was formed in 2006 by Himalayan silt.
♦ In southern Bangladesh, Cox`s Bazar is a town, fishing port, tourist centre and regional headquarters. The city is renowned for its long beaches of natural sand. It is named Panowa, too.
♦ Sandwip Island is an island in the Chittagong District on Bangladesh`s southeast coast. The Sandwip Upazila is part of the island.
Recent development by Bangladesh on Island:
The Bangladesh government is preparing to construct 1,440 buildings on the island. The building will have 120 shelters for cyclones as well. The goal of constructing these buildings is to move 100,000 Rohingya refugees from the mainland camps of Cox`s Bazar. The Ashrayan project (Ashrayan-3) was extended in August 2019 to build 100,000 houses on the island.
UK Special Visa Scheme for Hong Kong Residents:
The United Kingdom is opening a special visa scheme that will give residents of Hong Kong the chance to immigrate and ultimately apply for British citizenship.
Highlights:
♦ Visas will be issued to residents of Hong Kong and their immediate family members holding British National (Overseas) passports and will provide UK citizenship with fast-track entry.
♦ Applicants who have received a visa are allowed to live and work for 5 years in the United Kingdom, after which they may apply for settlement. They are eligible to apply for citizenship after twelve months.
♦ Since the arrival of new EU people in 2004, this change is considered to be the UK`s most generous welcome to foreign workers.
♦ The move came a few months after China adopted Hong Kong`s comprehensive national security laws and intends to target pro-democracy demonstrations that have drawn worldwide attention since 2019.
###India and US Joint Military Exercise - Yudh-Abhyas
The 16th joint India-US "Yudh Abhyas" military exercise will begin in Rajasthan on February 8 and end on February 21, 2021. The exercise will be held near the India-Pakistan border.
Highlights:
♦ The goal of this meeting is to improve cooperation and interoperability between the powers of India and the Americas.
♦ The exercise will also concentrate on the conduct, in compliance with the United Nations mandate, of counter-terrorism operations.
♦ The exercise between India and the United States will take place during a five-day exercise conducted in Rajasthan in January 2021 by the Indian and French air forces.
♦ Bilateral training exercises between the two armies will take place at the International Training Node at the Mahajan field shooting range.
♦ The 11th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, part of the Southwest Command, will represent the Army of India.
♦ Troops are going to represent the U.S. The Second Infantry Regiment`s Army and the Third Infantry Regiment. These units belong to the 1-2 Stryker brigade`s fighting team. The headquarters of each brigade would also, along with the soldiers, serve the army.
♦ A holy war has been waged between the two armies since 2004. The purpose of this exercise is to facilitate coordination between the two armies. The two sides share their expertise in training, their culture and develop traditional fighting skills.
♦ For the security threats (such as terrorism) faced by both nations, global terrorism, Yudh Abhyas, between the Indian and American forces, is of great significance. The aim of this exercise is to improve the level of cooperation in defence between the two armies.
♦ This, in turn, would facilitate bilateral ties between the two countries as well. India`s crucial position in the Indo-Pacific region was also marked by the exercise. This work also plays an important role in the recent construction of the border with northern China.
###
Awards Current Affairs February 1st Week 2021
Republic Day Parade 2021 Awards Presented by Sports Minister:
The Parade Tableaux Republic Day Memorial Award 2021 was given by Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. 32 people participated in the performance during the 72nd Republic Day parade. These Tableaux were chosen from 17 states and territories of the Union (UT).
Highlights:
♦ The Ministry of National Defence includes six members of the National Defence Forces, while nine other ministries, agencies and paramilitary forces are present.
♦ 32 best table awards were won by the Uttar Pradesh table. Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh"Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh"
♦ The picture of Tripura was chosen to be the second-best image. To achieve self-reliance on social and economic criteria, the Tripura screen demonstrates an eco-friendly tradition.
♦ Third place went to the Best Viewing Award in Uttarakhand. The theme of "Dev Bhoomi-Land of the Gods" was exhibited at Tableau in Uttarakhand.
♦ The Biotechnology Department won the highest award among the 9 awards from different ministries, agencies and paramilitary forces. The department added "Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Development of a COVID Vaccine" to Tableau.
♦ Furthermore, a special award was also received by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) monitor. CPWD has been praised for paying tribute to the armed forces heroes. `Amar Jawan` is the theme of the CPWD display.
♦ Students from the Delhi Abu Hill Public School and the Rodini Vidya Bharti School were given the Best Cultural Success Award. They illustrated India`s vision of self-reliance in their performance—Atmanirbhar Bharat.
♦ For the Republic Day parade, the Ministry of National Defence chose this scene. The Ministry of National Defence formed an expert committee consisting of exceptional individuals from diverse artistic fields in order to be shortlisted for the exhibition.
♦ The expert committee is made up of outstanding people from the fields of fashion, painting, history, music, design, choreography and sculpture. On the basis of rotation, give national representation.
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Important Days Current Affairs February 1st Week 2021
Chauri Chaura Centenary Celebrations to be on 4 February:
On February 4, 2021, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold the opening ceremony of the Centennial Celebration of Chauri Chaura. The celebration will take place in Uttar Pradesh and will be hosted by the PM.
Highlights:
♦ To mark the 100th anniversary of the Chauri Chaura incident, the Prime Minister will also issue a stamp on this occasion. The festival will also be attended by families of martyrs and freedom fighters.
♦ There will also be a statewide celebration. It starts on the 4th of February and the celebration lasts for one year.
♦ On February 4, 1922, the Chauri Chaura incident happened in Chauri Chaura, British India. Chauri Chaura is a location in modern Uttar Pradesh`s Gorakhpur district.
♦ A large number of demonstrators involved in the non-cooperative campaign clashed with the police in the incident, who opened fire on them. The protesters, in return, assaulted and set the police station on fire.
♦ This incident resulted in all the residents being killed. Three civilians and 22 policemen were killed in the incident. Based on the "uncooperative movement" started by Mahatma Gandhi, these demonstrators protested. On February 12, 1922, after the incident, Mahatma Gandhi halted the uncooperative movement.
♦ On September 4, 1920, Mahatma Gandhi began a non-co-operation campaign. The beginning of the sport was to achieve total freedom and autonomy, or Purna Swaraj.
♦ Following the Rollat Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Indian National Congress (INC) scrapped funding for the British reforms. To suspend the freedom of political prisoners in seditious courts, the Rowlatt Act of March 1919 was passed. This conduct led Mahatma Gandhi to pursue Satyagrahaha (truth).
World Cancer Day is on 4th February:
The International Union for Cancer Control (UICC) organizes World Cancer Day, which is celebrated every year on February 4th.
Highlights:
♦ "I Am I Will"-all about personal stories and efforts to fight cancer-is the theme for World Cancer Day 2019-2021.
♦ The goal of World Cancer Day is to reduce the premature mortality of non-communicable diseases by one third through prevention and care, and to encourage mental health and well-being by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-3.4).
♦ The international community has been found to unite to bring an end to the preventable injustice of cancer.
♦ This day`s aim is to raise awareness and encourage governments and individuals around the world to take action every year to save millions of preventable deaths.
♦ Cancer: For a broad number of diseases, cancer is a common term that is characterized by the growth of abnormal cells beyond their natural limits, and these abnormal cells can then invade body parts and/or spread to other organs. Malignant tumor and tumor are other generic expressions used for cancer. Cancer is a disease that is becoming the world`s second leading cause of death. It is estimated that 9.6 million people will die in 2018. International
♦ Union for Cancer Control (UICC): The International Union for Cancer Control (UICC) is a membership organization designed to accelerate the fight against cancer by supporting the global health community. It was founded in 1933 and has its head office in Geneva.
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Economy Current Affairs February 1st Week 2021
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Organized a Workshop:
A "Creditor Committee: An Institution of Public Trust" workshop was organized by the Indian Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board.
Highlights:
♦ This is the fifth such workshop in this series, and its aim is to support financial creditors established under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, by the Committee of Creditors (CoC) (IBC).
♦ Indian Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI): In 2016, IBBI was set up under the IBC. It is the regulator in charge of supervising insolvency proceedings. It is responsible for enforcing the IBC, which merges and amends the laws relating to the reorganization and insolvency settlement of corporations, companies and individual partnerships.
♦ It has regulatory oversight of: insolvency practitioners, professional insolvency organisations, professional insolvency bodies, information utilities,
♦ Formulate and execute the following rules: resolution of corporate insolvency, liquidation of corporations, individual resolution of insolvency, individual bankruptcy.
The MSP Scheme includes 14 Minor Forest Products:
The Government has agreed to include 14 new Minor Forest Products under the Minor Forest Products Marketing System through the Minimum Support Price Scheme.
Highlights:
♦ This new system would help provide tribal collectors of forest products with remuneration and fair prices.
♦ Tasar cocoons, bamboo shoots, dried elephant apples, wild dried mushrooms and malkangani seeds are among the products included in the program.
♦ Minimum Support Price (MSP): As fixed by the Indian Government, this is the price of agricultural products purchased directly from farmers. By statute, MSP is not enforceable.
♦ When the open market price is lower than the cost incurred, it is agreed to use the MSP ratio to keep the profits of the farmers to a minimum.
♦ Set prices for 23 commodities twice a year.
♦ Centered on the Commission`s Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommendations since 2009.
Minor Forest Produce (MFP):
Both non-wood forest items of plant origin are included. Bamboo, fodder, leaves, cane, wax dyes, gums, resins, and various food sources, such as nuts, honey, wild fruits, lac, and tusser, are also included. For individuals living in or near the forest, MFP offers living and cash income.
###Key Facts of Moodys GDP:
Rating agency Moody`s recently predicted that in fiscal 2021, India`s nominal gross domestic product (GDP) will rise by almost 17%.
Highlights:
♦ Furthermore, the US-based rating agency projected that India`s fiscal deficit forecast will be higher than expected.
♦ It is of the opinion that slower integration would restrict the financial strength of India in the medium term.
♦ The growth rate forecast by Moody`s is higher than the growth rate proposed in the league budget for 2021. In the budget, the GDP projection is 14.4% . Furthermore, the overall outlook for the deficit is higher than anticipated.
♦ The report also indicated that the 2021 budget focuses on growing capital investment, changes in the financial sector and sales of properties. This will help stimulate production. By the end of March, India is forecast to have a fiscal deficit of 9.5 percent of GDP.
♦ The credit rating agency therefore stresses that greater transparency in off-balance sheet food subsidies and conservative income projections would raise the fiscal deficit of the government in 2020.
♦ Moody`s Corporation, founded by John Moody in 1909, is an American business and financial services firm. It is a Moody`s Investor Services (MIS) and Moody`s Analytics holding firm (MA).
###Expansion of National Agriculture Market (e-NAM):
In the 2021-22 budget, the government declared that it would extend e-NAM to incorporate over 1,000 mandis.
About e-NAM:
♦ In April 2016, the Prime Minister of India launched the National Agricultural Market (NAM) e-NAM, or e-trading network (online trading portal).
♦ A pan-India electronic trading platform is the e-National Agricultural Market (e-NAM). It formed a link with Mandis, the then common Committee on the Market for Agricultural Products (APMC), in order to create a single national market for agricultural products.
♦ The e-NAM project will operate in each state through an online portal linked to the Mandis (wholesale market). The e-NAM applications (website and mobile application) will be given free of charge by all participating states.
Defence Current Affairs February 1st Week 2021
Decommisioning of IN FAC T-81:
Decommissioned T-81 IN FAC. With a maximum speed of 45 knots, the ship is built for shallow waters.
IN FAC T-81:
For more than 20 years, the Super Dvora MK II-class Indian Naval Fast Attack Craft (IN FAC) T-81 has been successfully serving the nation. A 25-meter-long vessel with a displacement of 60 tons was designed at Goa Shipyard Ltd in collaboration with Israel`s M/s Ramta. It was commissioned in 1999 to become part of the Indian Navy. With a maximum speed of 45 knots, the ship is built for shallow waters, and has day/night surveillance and reconnaissance, search and rescue, beach insertion, extraction of marine commandoes and high-speed interception of intruder craft.
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