VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE TNPSC Current Affairs FEBRUARY - 2021

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01 - 11 HISTORY 01 . Important Days . Defence National Security and Terrorism . World Organisations – Pacts and Summits . Eminent Persons . Sports and Games . Awards & Honours . Latest Historical Events . Cultural Panaroma . India & its Neighbours . Appointments – Who is who?

12 12 - 14 POLITICAL SCIENCE .Problems in Conduct of Public Elections .Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility

15 GEOGRAPHY 15 .Policy on Environment and Ecology

16 - 20 ECONOMICS .New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector 16 21 21 - 25 SCIENCE .Latest Inventions in Science & Technology . Latest Discoveries on Health Science . Mass Media & Communication

26 26 NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENTS

35 35 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

37 TAMIL NADU AFFAIRS 37 Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Important Days History

1.1 Important Days

Date Day Theme / Remark The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is celebrating its 45th Raising Day on 01 February 2021. The ICG was formally established on February 1, 1977, by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India. Indian Coast Guard It operates under the Ministry of 1-02-2021 celebrates its 45th Defence. Raising Day With just 7 surface platforms in 1978, ICG currently comprise of 156 ships and 62 aircraft in its inventory and is likely to achieve targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 80 aircraft by 2025.

The international theme for World 2-02-2021 World Wetlands Day Wetlands Day 2021 is ‘Wetlands and Water’.

On November 3, 2011, UNESCO decided during its 36th conference that 13-02-2021 World Radio day a day will be dedicated to the humble radio and its importance in the forever growing world.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 1 Defence, National Security and Terrorism Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 1.2 Defence, National Security As part of military-to-military exchange programmes, U.S. Army troops will be and Terrorism arriving in India on February 5 for the 16th edition of Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ with Indian Army troops. Tejas Mark II to roll out next year The bilateral training exercise will be A more potent version of the indigenous conducted at the Foreign Training Node Tejas multi-role combat jet featuring a at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges. much powerful engine, greater load- carrying capability and next-generation Defense (MSME) electronic warfare system is expected to A three-day defence expo, which will see be rolled out next year and its first high- the participation of more than 400 micro, speed trials will start in 2023. small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Tejas Mark II is likely to roll out by will be held between March 19 and 21 at August-September of 2022. After that, the Chennai Trade centre the first flight will take some time. The The expo is being organised by Swatantra first high-speed trial of the jet will start Foundation, a Chennai based policy in 2023 and we expect the production to research and advocacy institution, and start somewhere around 2025. the Aerospace Industry Development Association of Tamil Nadull (AIDAT). Indo-U.S. joint military exercise The ‘Defence Expo Empowering MSME ‘Yudh Abhyas’ to begin in Rajasthan ‘21’ is aimed at connecting MSMEs with on February 8 end users in the defence services, Indian The exercise near the India-Pakistan defence manufacturing majors and the border aims at enhancing cooperation various R&D institutions under the and interoperability between the two DRDO and DPSUs armies and will focus on counter- terrorism operations under the United MSME Nations mandate Headquarters: New Delhi The 16th edition of Indo-U.S. joint Founded: 2007 military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ will be Ministers responsible: Nitin Gadkari, held in Rajasthan between February 8 Cabinet Minister, Pradap Chandra and 21. Sarangi, Minister of State The exercise near the India-Pakistan border aims at enhancing cooperation Robust stance led to stability at and interoperability between the two border: Rajnath armies and will focus on counter- India’s robust stance, immediate and terrorism operations under the United calibrated response and its soldiers’ Nations mandate. unrelenting spirit on the border led to the stabilisation of the situation and showed

2 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Defence, National Security and Terrorism

the resolve to defend its sovereignty and ‘Yudh Abhyas’ begins in Rajasthan integrity. The 16th edition of the Indo-US joint “The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence military training exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ Ministers’ conclave would reinforce the commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing relevance of the region and its continued Ranges in the western sector of Rajasthan. importance for stakeholders, from the perspective of trade, security and INS Virat freedom or navigation,”. The Supreme Court stopped further The deal for 83 LCA for the Indian Air dismantling of decommissioned aircraft Force (IAF) to cost around `47,000 crore is carrier INS Virat. set to be signed at Aero India. It served in the British Navy as HMS Hermes from November 1959 to April Rs 48,000 crore Tejas aircraft deal to 1984 and after refurbishment, was be signed commissioned into the Indian Navy. The government is set to formally The centaur-class aircraft carrier, seal on February 3 the Rs 48,000 crore INS Viraat, was in service with the deal to procure 83 Tejas light combat Indian Navy for 29 years before being aircraft from state-run aerospace major decommissioned in March 2017. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force. China and India Border issue The rising footprint of China in India’s 34 CRPf women personnel join CoBRA neighborhood and its attempts to force unilaterally alter the status quo along 34 Women personnel of the Central India’s disputed borders have created an Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Saturday environment of confrontation and mutual joined the Commando Battalion for distrust. Resolute Action (CoBRA), the elite CRPF Army chief- Gen¬eral Manoj Naravane. component specializing in jungle warfare and counter-Naxal operations. PM hands over Arjun Mk-1A tank to The chosen women personnel from the 6 Army Mahila Battalions of CRPF will undergo a The Arjun Mk¬1A has su¬perior strenuous CoBRA pre-induction training firepower, high mobility, excellent of 3 months. protection and crew comfort, with 14 The Central Reserve Police Force (cRPF) major upgrades from Arjun Mk¬1.It also for the first time inducted 34 women uses indige¬nous ammunition. commandos in its elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) National Security Advisor of India- lunit, which was raised in 2009. Ajit Doval

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 3 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 1.3 World Organisations – 1.4 Eminent Persons

Pacts and Summits Modi praises Solo effort at lake clean- up World Organization (UN Human

Rights Council) The untiring efforts of a 69-year-old man, paralysed below his knees, towards U.S. to rejoin UN human rights forum cleaning up Vembanad Lake, have earned The U.S. announced plans to reengage recognition from the highest office of the with the much maligned UN Human country. Rights Council In this month’s edition of this radio UN Human Rights Council programme, Mann Ki Baat, Prime It is an inter-governmental body within Minister Narendra Modi hailed the the United Nations system made up of 47 commitment of S. Rajappan, a differently States. abled man from Kaippuzhamuttu, near It was founded in 2006 as a substitute to Kumarakom, Kottayam. UN Commission on Human Rights. Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. India’s youngest female pilot - The General Assembly elected the 25-year-old Ayesha Aziz from Kashmir following 15 members: Bolivia, China, Ayesha Aziz, the 25 -year-old from Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, France, Gabon, Kashmir who is the youngest female Malawi, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, pilot in the country acts is a source of Russian Federation, Senegal, Ukraine, inspiration and a beacon of empowerment United Kingdom and Uzbekistan. for numerous Kashmiri women. In the year 2011, Aziz became the India accounts for 10% of global youngest student pilot to get a license at road crash victims the age of 15 and underwent training to India, which has one per cent of the fly a MIG-29 jet at Russia’s Sokol airbase world’s vehicles, accounts for 10 per cent the following year. of all road crash victims, the latest World She later graduated in aviation from the Bank report on road safety. Bombay Flying Club (BFC) and obtained Hartwig Schafer, World Bank’s Vice a commercial license in 2017. President for South Asia announced the Indian government in recent years has New acting chief of staff at NASA taken significant steps to address the Indian-American woman Bhavya Lal issues related to road safety. was roped in as the Acting Chief of Staff World bank of the US space agency NASA (National President – David Malpass Aeronautics and Space Administration). Head Quarters - Washington DC Founded - 1945

4 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Eminent Persons

Lal brings extensive experience in 23rd November 2006 as a trust under the engineering and space technology, Indian Trusts Act of 1882. serving as a member of the research staff Commission for Child Rights at the Institute for Defense Analyses The National Commission for Protection Science and Technology Policy Institute of Child Rights (NCPCR) was set up in (STPI) from 2005 to 2020. March 2007 under the Commissions for Lal served as a member of the Biden Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, Presidential Transition Agency Review 2005, an Act of Parliament (December Team. 2005). Serving as the State co-convenor of the Tamil Nadu Child Rights Watch K.S.Thimayya in Madikeri (TNCRW). The President of India ( Ram Nath Govind) inaugurated the General Thimayya Important Acts Museum in Madikeri. The museum National Policy for Children, 1974 has been built at Sunnyside, the former Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 residence of General KS Thimayya. (Amended in 1979). Thimayyal served as the Chief of Child Labour (Prohibition and Army Staff from 1957 to 1961, has been Regulation) Act, 1986. renovated and converted into a museum Protection of Children from Sexual in Karnataka’s Kodagu district. Offences Act, 2012. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Devaneya Bhavanar 119th Birthday Children) Act, 2000. The 119th birthday of Devanaya Bhavanar has been celebrated at Aagara Mudhali Thirumuruga Kirupanandha Variyar Tamil programme. Tamil Nadu Government has celebrated On 1974, Devaneya Bhavanar appointed Thirukuruga Kirupanandha variyar’s as the Director of Tamil Etymology Agra Birthday as its holiday Kugali. He was a Murugan devotee. Variyar, popularly known as Variyar Child rights activist Thomas Jeyaraj Swamigal, was born in 1906 in dead Kangeyanallur village on the bank of Senior child rights activist Thomas Jeyaraj, Palar river. This province is referred to as who was the founder and director of the Thondai Nadu in Sangam literature. Centre for Child Rights and Development Variyar Swamigal received the award (CCRD), died of a massive heart attack. Isai Perarignar in 1967, given to Tamil He was one of the first persons in the musicians every year by the Tamil Isai country to start an organisation that had Sangam of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. child rights in its name. He is the founder Kirupanandha Variyar on a 2006 stamp of THOZHAMAI and it was incepted on of India.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 5 Sports and Games Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Born - 25 August 1906 ,Kangeyanallur, He is mentioned in the 17th century Vellore, India Persian-language historical romance Died -7 November 1993 (aged 87), Other Mirat-i-Masudi. names: Variyar Swamigal, 64th nayanmar Parents - Father : Mallayadasan, Mother : Kanagavalli. 1.5 Sports and Games Annamalai Kavirayar His 130th Remembrance Day observed near Sankarankoil. Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 Final: Annamalai Kavirayar ‘Invincibles’ Tamil Nadu overwhelmed He is particularly remembered for his third-time finalists Baroda by eight Kavadi Chindu, a genre of songs chanted wickets to claim their second Syed by devotees of Lord Murugan while Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title at performing Kavadi Attam. Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad . He was born in Sennikulam, Sankarankoil taluk, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India top medals tally with 11 he studied Tamil under Ramaswami medals at first Asian Online Shooting Pulavar and U. V. Swaminatha Iyer and Championship was later patronised by the zamindar of

Uttrumalai. The Indian shooting contingent has topped the medals tally in the first-ever Maharaja Suheldev Memorial Asian Online Shooting Championship, organised by Kuwait Shooting Federation Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will on 29 and 30 January 2021. lay the foundation stone of Maharaja The 24-member Indian shooting Suheldev Memorial and development contingent won total 11 medals, which work of Chittaura Lake on 16th February included four gold medals, two silver 2021 at through video conferencing. and five bronze medals. The event in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh 274 shooters from 22 Asian countries took marks the birth anniversary of Maharaja part in the competition. Suheldev. Maharaja Suheldev Joe Root receives special cap for his Suhaldev or Suheldev is an Indian king 100th Test from Shravasti, popularly known to Joseph Edward Root ( cricketer ) received have defeated and killed the Ghaznavid a cap from team-mate Ben Stokes for general Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud at featuring in his milestone 100th Test and Bahraich in 1034 CE. he marked their 100th Test with a century.

6 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Sports and Games

Runs Oppo- Venue Year with jumps of 5.95m and 5.73m, respectively and finishing Kantinan nent Khumphong (5.50m in T63). It was a Javed 145 Vs. Lahore 1989 combined T44/63 event. Miandad India Bhagyashri Mahavir Jadhav claimed the (Pak) bronze medal in women’s Javelin F34 Inzamam- 184 Vs. Benga- 2005 with a throw of 11.36m. ul-Haq India luru (Pak) India claims four more gold medals Joe Root 128* Vs. Che- 2021 Indian men’s javelin throw¬ers came up (Eng) India nnai with a brilliant show as reigning World champion Sandeep Chaud¬hary (F44), Devender, Nimisha win gold Ajeet Singh (F46) and Navdeep (F41) Para athletes Devender Kumar and won gold on the 12th Fazza International Nimisha Suresh Chakkungalparambil World Para Athletics Grand Prix on UAE. won a gold medal at the 12th Fazza Pranav Prashant Desai in the men’s International World Para Athletics Grand 200m F64, while World champion javelin Prix event by winning six medals. thrower Sundar Singh Gur¬jar (F46) It was held at UAE finished with a bronze. Pardeep, Pranav bag silver; Vinod, Rakshita clinch bronze.

India’s 5 Medals : World Para Atheltics Indian para-athletes continued their good show at the 12th Fazza International World Para Athletics Grand Prix winning five medals, including two golds. Para-athlete Simran got closer to her Paralympic dream as she clinched the gold medal in women’s 100m T13 final, clocking 12.74 seconds. This was her second international medal after the China Grand Prix in 2019. 36-year-old Neeraj Yadav hurled the discus to a distance of 35.49m to take the gold in men’s discus throw F55. In men’s long jump final T44, Praveen Kumar (5.95m) and Pardeep (5.73m) claimed the second and third positions

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 7 Awards & Honours Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 1.6 Awards & Honours Awards for Women entrepreneurs The Working Women’s Forum (India), a social organisation, will be giving away founders day awards to women Tamil Nadu Awards Ceremony entrepreneurs across South India on the occasion of the 89th birth anniversary of The Government of Tamil Nadu Awards Jaya Aruncachalam, a legendary social Ceremony is held annually on the 2nd day worker who spearheaded several women of the month of Thiruvalluvar Thirunal. empowerment initiatives. In this festival, the following awards are A statement by Nandini Azad, president being presented to highlight the Tamil of the Indian Co-operative Network scholars who have been working in for Women Limited (ICNW) and the Tamil all their lives to uphold the pride of Working Women’s forum (India). Tamils and to add pride to Tamils. Awarding the “Tamiltai Award” to the Working Womens Forum best organization for Tamils living in The Working Women’s Forum is a Tamil Nadu and other states and other women’s organisation in southern countries who have set up various India. It was founded in 1978 by Jaya organizations to preserve their cultural Arunachalam in Madras. The WWF aims roots and carry out works on language, to empower poor women in southern literature and art. (Award Rs. 5.00 Lakhs, India by providing microcredit, a trade Eligibility) union, health care and training. Providing traditional Tamil / antiquity, history, civilization, culture etc. to the Turtle conservationist honoured Tamil scholar who invents traditional TREE Foundation’s founder-chairper- poems / poems in a way that is visible son Supraja Dharini has been awarded a and adds team to Tamil. place in the inaugural Explorers Club-50 To provide the scholar who is carrying People Changing the World out the publishing work in such a way TREE Foundation as to enrich the Tamil, after discovering TREE Foundation was founded in the rare manuscripts of inscriptions, 2002 with the aim of protecting marine excavations, manuscripts, texts available turtle population, understanding etc. the interrelatedness between coastal Presenting critiques of Kambar, one of communities and the marine resources the best in the world of Tamil literature, upon which the former survive. critics of Kambar’s works, Poetry Energy Story show character creation and poetry Miss India 2020 writers to spread his fame and other Manasa Varanasi, an engineer from charitable Tamil scholars. Telangana, was named winner of the

8 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Cultural Panorama VLCC Femina Miss India 2020. 1.8 Cultural Panorama Haryana’s Manika Sheokand was declared VLCC Femina Miss Grand India 2020, while Manya Singh was crowned Discovery of the ancient Perumal runner-up of the pageant. Statue Madurantakam Near King temple area Nihal Singh welcomed on receiving behind Srivaratharaja Perumal Temple, President Jeevan Raksha Medal about 4 feet high Ancient Perumal stone Nihal Singh of Chaugan, who saved the statue were found. lives of the people by putting his life on the palm, will get the President’s Survival Discovery of 3,000-year-old stone Medal. monuments near Uttiramerur Edamachchi Village is located near Uttiramerur, Salavakkam. Eema symbols were found, such as stone and stone 1.7 Latest Historical Events circles dating back to 3000 years have been found on the Chinnamalai village. PM Modi to inaugurate ‘Chauri These boulders are a type of monument Chaura’ centenary celebrations on to the dead based on Paleolithic culture. Feb 4 It is usually a structure consisting of three Prime Minister Narendra Modi will or more steep stones and a slab of stone inaugurate the Chauri Chaura Centenary flattened on them. Celebrations at Chauri Chaura, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh through Palaniswami to launch 7th phase of video conferencing. The day marks 100 Keezhadi excavation years of the Chauri Chaura incident, a Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami landmark event in the country’s fight for will inaugurate the seventh phase of independence. The Prime Minister will excavation in Keezhadi and its cluster also release a postal stamp dedicated to villages through video conference. the Chauri Chaura centenary during the The State Archaeology department event. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh got permission to conduct the seventh Yogi Adityanath will also be present on phase excavation in Keezhadi and its the occasion. The centenary celebrations cluster villages - Manalur, Agaram and and various events planned by the State Konthagai - from Centre Advisory Board government will begin in all 75 districts of Archaeology. Among the six phases of of the State from Thursday and will excavations carried out so far, three were continue till 4th February. 2022. conducted by Archaeological Survey of India.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 9 1India and its Neighbours Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 1.9 India and its Neighbours This will be the first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia under the convention. Sri Lanka Currency Swap with India Ramsar Site The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) The Convention on Wetlands, known settled a $400 million currency swap as the Ramsar Convention, is an facility from the Reserve Bank (RBI) intergovernmental environmental treaty of India. established in 1971 by UNESCO, which came into force in 1975. Currency Swap A currency swap is an agreement in which two parties exchange the principal amount of a loan and the interest in one 1.10 Appointments – Who is currency for the principal and interest in who? another currency. RBI Rajeev Ranjan is Chief Secretary Governor - Sir Osborne Smith The Tamil Nadu government named Current Governor ( 25th ) – Shakthikanta senior IAS officer Rajeev Ranjan as Chief Das Secretary. It also appointed the outgoing Head Quarters – Mumbai in Villupuram. Chief Secretary, K.Shanmugam, as its Adviser for one year from February 1. Pangong Lake located between China Mr.Ranjan has held various positions and India in his over three decades of service. He Accord¬ing to the consensus reached at began his over three decades of service. the Chinese and Indian Foreign Ministers’ He began his career as Sub-Colllector in meeting in Moscow and the ninth round Tiruvannamalai (1987-89) and became of commander¬ level talks between the Tiruvannamalai (1987-89) and became two sides, the frontline troops of the Tiruchi Collector in April 1995, a post he Chinese and Indian mili¬taries began held until August 1997. He was one of the to conduct si¬multaneous and planned handful of Collectors who survived the disengagement in the Pan¬gong lake on regime change in May 1996. February 10. Praveen Sinha takes over as CBI Pangong Lake interim chief Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake spanning eastern Ladakh Gujarat cadre IPS officer Praveen Sinha, and West Tibet. currently Additional Director of the CBI, was appointed as its interim chief on The lake is in the process of being Wednesday as current chief R.K Shukla’s identified under the Ramsar Convention two-year tenure ended. as a wetland of international importance.

10 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Appointments – Who is who?

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conservation of forests and other natural is the premier investigating agency of resources. India. Only two Acts- (Wildlife (Protection) Act, Formed under Santhanam committee 1972 and Scheduled Tribes and Other recommendation on 1st April, 1963. Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition CBI derives power to investigate from the of Forest Rights) Act, 2006) have been Delhi special police Establishment Act kept out of NGT’s jurisdiction. 1946. It Operates under the jurisdiction of the Leader of Opposition Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances Veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun and Pensions. Kharge is all set to be the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha following the Current Chairman - Adarsh Kumar exit of another veteran Ghulam Nabi Goel Azad.

It is a specialised body set up under the Karke belongs to Gulbarga district of National Green Tribunal Act (2010) for Karnataka. effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 11 Govt – Welfare oriented... Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 POLITICAL 2. SCIENCE 2.1 Problems in Conduct of 2.2 Govt – Welfare oriented Public Elections Govt schemes, their utility Election Commission Collaborated with IIT Madras Water supply, Swachh Bharat 2.0 The Election Commission has collaborated missions for urban areas with IIT Madras to work on a new The government would launch a mission technology which will allow electors to to provide universal water supply to vote from far away cities without going areas under all the 4,378 urban local to the designated polling station of their bodies and the next phase of the Swachh respective constituencies. Bharat Mission focusing on management The “two-way block chain remote of sludge, waste water and construction voting” process would involve voter and demolition waste in cities, Finance identification and authorisation using a Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced multi-layered IT enabled system working in her Budget speech. on the Election Commission. “The World Health Organisation has repeatedly stressed the importance of clean water, sanitation, and clean environment, as a prerequisite to achieving universal health. The Jal Jeevan Mission [Urban], will be launched. It aims at universal water supply in all 4,378 Urban Local Bodies with 2.86 crore household tap connections, as well as liquid waste management in 500 AMRUT cities,”. This mission would be implemented over five years with an expenditure of `2.87 lakh crore.

12 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 GLovt – Welfare oriented...

The Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Krishak Bandhu scheme which is being implemented by the Krishak Bandhu scheme has been Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, increased to Rs 6,000 crore from Rs 5,000 would get a second round. crore for the interest of farmers in West The Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 Bengal. would be implemented over five years National Rural Livelihood Mission – 2021 till 2026 – with an outlay of `1.41 (NRLM) is a poverty alleviation project lakh crore. implemented by Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. This PM KISAN Scheme scheme is focused on promoting self- PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana was employment and organization of rural launched on 24th February 2019. poor. Under the scheme, the government has This programme is supported by the been providing annually Rs. 6000 in three World Bank with a credit of $1 Billion. equal installments to all land holding The scheme was succeeded by Deen Dayal farmers. Antyodaya Yojana on 25 September 2015. The amount has been transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries Jal Jeevan Mission to help revive through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) urban waterbodies mode. The urban water supply mission Scheme announced in the Budget would include The government’s maternity benefit rejuvenation of water bodies as well as scheme, or Pradhan Mantri Matru 20% of supply from reused water, the Vandana Yojana, has crossed 1.75 crore Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. eligible women till financial year 2020. The Ministry said there was an estimated Under PMMVY, pregnant Women gap of 2.68 crore urban household tap and lactating mothers receive `5,000 connections that the Jal Jeevan Mission on the birth of their first child in three (Urban) [JJMU] would seek to bridge in instalments, after fulfilling certain all 4,378 statutory towns. The Mission conditionalities. would also aim to bridge the gap of The scheme was announced on December 2.64 crore sewer connections in the 500 31, 2016, by Prime Minister Narendra cities under the existing Atal Mission for Modi. Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 13 GLovt – Welfare oriented... Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Govt targets 1,000 routes under UDAN Scheme UDAN scheme Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep was launched as a regional connectivity Singh Puri announced ministry has set scheme under the Ministry of Civil a target of operationalising 100 unserved Aviation in 2016. and underserved airports and starting at least 1,000 air routes under the UDAN scheme.

14 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Policy on Environment and Ecology 3. GEOGRAPHY 3.1 Policy on Environment and Ecology

A bullet through an island’s heart city, a residential district and a tourism A plan for the sustainable and holistic SEZ. development of the 680 sq km, fragile Little Andaman Island in the Andaman New plant species with possible and Nicobar group has raised the alarm medicinal properties discovered among conservationists. Chennai based botanists have discovered The Sustainable Development of Little a plant species, Hedyotis sithiravaraiensis Andaman Island – Vision Document’ is (Karumthumbai or Senthumbai or the NITI Aayog’s proposal to leverage the Sakkaraithumbai), a critically endangered strategic location and natural. spe¬cies of the Rubia-ceae family in Pakkamalai in the Gingee Hills, one of the Three Zones ranges of the Eastern Ghats. The proposal is pivoted along three The species had been named after its type development anchors and zones. locality Sith¬iravarai (Sethavarai), an Zone 1 -spread over 102 sq km along the archaeologically important site, as it has east coast of Little Andaman – will be the 3,500 year old rock paintings in natural financial district and medi city and will caverns. The etymological meaning of include and aerocity, and a tourism and the term is Sithiram (painting) and Varai hospital district. (hills). Spread over 85 sq km of pristine forest, Zone 2, the leisure zone, will have a fim

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 15 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

4. ECONOMICS 4.1 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector

`50,000 cr. for National Research Nirmala Sitharaman quotes Foundation Tirukkural Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraraman Union Finance Minister Nirmala earmarked `50,000 crore over five years Sitharaman quoted Tamil poet and for the creation of a National Research philosopher Thiruvalluvar in her Union Foundation (NRF) – an umbrella body Budget 2020 presentation. In her Budget that is expected to fund research across sppech, she mentioned Thiruvalluvar’s a range of disciplines, from science and philosophy on “what a good country is”. technology to humanities. She stated five “jewels” required Ms. Sitharaman had first announced for a “good country” while quoting such a foundation in her 2019 Budget Thirukkural’s ‘Piniyinmai Selvam speech after it was proposed in a draft of Vilaivinpam Emam Aniyenpa Naattiv India’s New Education Policy (NEP). It Vaindhu’ saying, which translates NRF will ensure that the overall research that a country’s jewels are these five: ecosystem in the country is strengthened without epidemic or illness, wealth, with a focus on identified national priority farm productivity happiness and good thrust areas. defence. For these five “Jewels”, Sitharaman e-payments in smaller cities mentioned that the government took The government proposed a Rs.1,500 a Bharat’ and ease of doing business crore-scheme to promote digital rankings while adding that national transactions in the country, a move that security is the Centre’s top priority. the industry believes will drive adoption of e-payment in smaller cities and spur Reserve Bank of India innovation by fintech firms. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established on April 1, 1935 in accordance with the provisions of the RBI Act, 1934.

16 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector

Management of currency is one of the Constitution (101st Amendment) Act, 2016 core central banking functions of the RBI. In order to suitably implement the According to of Section 22 of the RBI Act, GST legislation, this Act resulted in the the Reserve Bank is the sole authority for insertion, deletion and amendment of issue of currency in India. Though the certain Articles of the Constitution. Government of India issues coins, they Article 246A: Special Provision for GST are put into circulation only through the This Article was newly inserted to RBI. This function is carried out by the give power to the Parliament and the Department of Currency Management. respective State/Union Legislatures to The RBI was nationalised on January 1, make laws on GST respectively imposed 1949. by each of them. However, the Parliament of India is given the exclusive power to TN gets GST compensation make laws with respect to inter-state The provisional GST compensation supplies. The IGST Act deals with inter- due to Tamil Nadu for FY2020-21 (till state supplies. November) stands at `15,475 crore, Article 269A: Levy and Collection of GST according to information provided in the for Inter-State Supply Rajya Sabha. While Article 246A gives the Parliament GST the exclusive power to make laws Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a federal with respect to inter-state supplies, the tax. GST is an indirect tax, imposed manner of distribution of revenue from on the sale of goods and services. It is such supplies between the Centre and the implemented throughout the country State is covered in Article 269A. since July 1, 2017. There will be no Article 279A: GST Council distinction between goods and services This Article gives power to the President for the purpose of taxation. GST will be to constitute a joint forum of the Centre a destination-based tax. This implies that and States called the GST Council. all State GST collected will ordinarily The GST Council is an apex member accrue to the State where the consumer of committee to modify, reconcile or to the goods or services sold resides. procure any law or regulation based on GST Compensation: Due to a shift from the context of Goods and Services Tax in origin based to destination based indirect India. tax structure, some States might face drop Article 286: Restrictions on Tax Imposition in revenue in the initial years. To help the This was an existing article which States in this transition phase, the Centre restricted states from passing any law has committed to compensate all their that allowed them to collect tax on sale or losses for a period of 5 years. purchase of goods either outside the state or in the case of import transactions. Present Governor- Shaktikanta Das.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 17 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Amazon CEO Tamil Nadu moved from a “revenue Jeff Bezos, who founded Amazon as surplus” to a “revenue deficit” State after an online bookstore and built it into a 2012-13. shopping and entertainment behemoth, A revenue deficit is the difference will step down later this year as CEO. between the government’s revenue Bezos will be replaced by summer by receipts and revenue expenditure and Andy Jassy. reflects that the government’s earnings are not adequate to meet its day-to-day GDP growth projected at 10.5% in operational expenses. FY22: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Tamil Nadu’s Debt-Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ratio has increased to The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected a GDP growth rate of 10.5 per cent for 22.6% in 2018-19, from 17.2% in 2012-13.

the financial year beginning 1 April. RBI As per the report, Tamil Nadu’s revenue projects GDP at 10.5% in FY22. deficit-fiscal deficit ratio has approached 50% in the recent years, implying that The economy will rebound to 10.5 per cent in the next financial year. most borrowings were being used to finance its revenue deficit. India was hit hard by the pandemic,

suffering the worst contraction in the Capital expenditure-GSDP ratio has June quarter, and the GDP is projected fallen between 2011 and 2019 (except for to contract by a record 7.7 per cent in the 2016-17 when the State joined the UDAY current fiscal ending March 31, 2021. The scheme) Pre-Budget Economic Survey predicted Finance Commission a “V-shaped” recovery, that the Indian The Finance Commissions are economy will rebound, with 11 per cent commissions periodically constituted by growth, in the next financial year. the President of India under Article 280 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has held of the Indian Constitution to define the policy rates at 4 per cent in monetary financial relations between the central policy committee announcement. This is government of India and the individual the first monetary policy announcement state governments. after the presentation of the Union Budget Current Commission- 15th on February 1. 15th Finance Commission led by - N.K.Singh Fiscal indicators deteriorated Formed: 22 November 1951 drastically: Finance Commission Objectives: Financial relations between Tamil Nadu’s fiscal indicators have the centre and the state deteriorated drastically from 2012-13 Headquarters: New Delhi to 2018-19 and most borrowings in the First executive: Kshitish Chandra Neogy recent years have gone to fund its revenue deficit, instead of capital expenditure.

18 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank reports net 91 lakh guarantees issued till Jan 25 profit of Rs 180.81 crore under ECLG scheme Stepping into their centenary 12 months, MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari the Board of the Thoothukudi(Tuticorin)- announced under the Emergency Credit based Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) Line Guarantee (ECLG) Scheme, around has revealed the reviewed outcomes for 91 lakh guarantees have been issued till the quarter ended on December thirty January 25 this year. first, 2020. Under Emergency Credit Line Guarantee The Bank has reported a net profit of Scheme, around 91 lakh guarantees have Rs.180.81cr, with a growth of 95.64%, been issued till 25.01.2021. when in comparison with the 2019-20 The government has announced several determine of Rs.92.42cr. measures under Aatmanirbhar Bharat package to increase availability of credit FDI to develop infrastructure in Tamil to the MSME sector which include `3 Nadu lakh crore collateral free automatic Tamil Nadu accounts for 7% of the FDI loans for business, including MSMEs that comes into India. under Emergency Credit Line Guarantee The Finance Commission also noted that Scheme (ECLGS). forestry and tourism were sectors with significant potential for the State. Crypto bill being finalised, will be sent to cabinet soon FDI Status Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Highest FDI equity inflows to India Affairs Anurag Thakur proclaimed the – Singapore Rajya Sabha that the Reserve Bank of India Largest Recipient ( Country ) of FDI (RBI) and Securities and Exchange Board -USA of India (SEBI) lack a legal framework Largest Recipient ( State ) of FDI – Gujarat to regulate cryptocurrencies which are neither currencies nor securities or Global Investors Meet commodities. The GIM 2015 was officially inaugurated In 2018, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J had banned banks from processing Jayalalithaa at the Chennai Trade Centre. transactions relating to cryptocurrency. On 23 and 24 January 2019, the second However, in March last year, the Supreme Global Investors Meet was held at the Court had lifted the ban. Chennai Trade Centre. Regulatory bodies like RBI and Sebi etc also don’t have a legal framework to directly regulate cryptocurrencies as they are neither currencies nor assets or securities or commodities issued by an identifiable user.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 19 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Inflation down to 4.06 %, IIP rises Consumer Price Index CPI 1% It measures price changes from the Inflation and Deflation - Inflation occurs perspective of a retail buyer. when the prices of goods and services It measures changes over time in the rise, while deflation occurs when those level of retail prices of selected goods and prices decrease. services on which consumers of a defined group spend their incomes. Wholesale Price Index WPI Base Year for CPI is 2012. It is the most widely used inflation indicator in India. Index of Industrial Production

Published by the Office of Economic The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and is an index that indicates the performance Industry. of various industrial sectors of the Indian All transactions at the first point of bulk economy. sale in the domestic market are included. It is calculated and published by the The base year of All-India WPI has been Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) revised from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in 2017. every month.

20 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology 5. SCIENCE

5.1 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology

Garbage-to-power plant in veggie At Aero India, HAL received the Request market gets PM’s pat For Proposal (RFP) from the IAF for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during basic trainer aircraft HTT-40. his rst Mann Ki Baat address for the year, Unmanned fighter made a mention of the garbage-to-power HAL also announced an ambitious plant being commissioned inside the Dr. futuristic project for the development of B.R. Ambedkar Agriculture Market in an unmanned fighter jet, which would Bowenpally. Vegetable and fruit waste be controlled by a manned aircraft called is used to generate power to the extent ‘manned–unmanned’ teaming and be of 500 units a day and 30 kilos of green able to strike deep inside the enemy manure at the plant. territory called Combat Air Teaming This is being done by making use of 10 System (CATS). tonnes of left over market waste. The It would consist of CATS Hunter, CATS power generated is being used to light up Warrior and Alpha-S, all of which the market and also run the canteen in the are unmanned systems and would be premises enabling the market committee controlled by a manned mother aircraft, to make substantial savings in power a fighter jet, being customised around bills. a LCA and Jaguar aircraft. “We will be ready to fly it in four-five years time and HAL planning to export light combat have put in ` 400 crore of our own money air on the CATS warrior.” Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) The CATS warrior would be armed and was actively looking for exports of the be able to strike deep inside the enemy Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas with territory, while the mothership would interest from countries in South East be in the Indian territory. It would Asia and West Asia and each LCA (Light be powered by the HAL engine that Combat Aircraft) MK1A jet would cost ` was powering pilotless target aircraft 306 crore. Lakshya.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 21 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

HAL COVID-19 shows the vaccine is safe and Founder: Walchand Hirachand has 91.6% efficacy. Founded: 23 December 1940 The 93.6% efficacy was seen 21 days after Headquarters: Bengaluru the first dose. Although the study was not designed to assess the efficacy of a single ISRO to launch PSLV-C51 on February dose regimen, the researchers observed 28 with 1 Brazil & 20 Indian satellites a possible partial protective effect of a onboard single dose. The result were published in India’s first space mission of 2021, the The Lancet. Indian Space Research Organization Storage at 2-8oC, a favourable temperature (ISRO) announcef that it would launch 21 profile for global distribution, has been satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space approved by Russia’s Health Ministry. Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota on February 28, subject to weather conditions. Onboard India launched 328 satellites from 33 the PSLV-C51 will be Amazonia-1 of different countries till date Brazil as the primary satellite along with Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced 20 co-passenger satellites at 10:23 AM that `900 crore was allocated to the Indian on February 28, ISRO stated. The launch Space Research Organization (ISRO) for will be the first one to mark the entry of the financial year 2020-21 for developing private players in space after the Indian capacity for the launching of satellites. government brought in reforms in the The total number of satellites launched space sector last year. till date is 328 from 33 different countries The Brazilian satellite, which will be the and the revenue earned till date is 25 primary one on board the 53rd PSLV million US dollars and 189 million Euros. mission, is an optical earth observation ISRO satellite of the National Institute for Space Formed – 15 August 1969 Research (INPE). Headquarters – Bangalore

ISRO’s last mission was the successfull Chairman – Kailasavadivoo Sivan launch of communication satellite CMS- 01 on December 17. CMS-01 onboard Pakistan successfully test-fires Babur the PSLV-C50 was ISRO’s second Cruise Missile launch during the COVID-19 pandemic Pakistan conducted a successful Training and aimed at putting India’s 42nd Launch of Babur Cruise Missile IA communications satellite in orbit. with a range of four hundred and fifty kilometers. Sputnik V vaccine shows 91.6% According to the ISPR, Babar Cruise efficacy Missile is capable of engaging targets at An interim analysis of a Phase-3 trial land and sea with high precision. of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against

22 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Latest Discoveries in Health Science The missile was launched from a state 5.2 Latest Discoveries in of the art Multi Tube Missile Launch Vehicle. Pakistan already tetes a Ghaznavi missile Health Science and its (Hatf-III) a solid-fuel, road mobile, surface-to-surface ballistic missile that CMC did country’s first successful has a range of up to 290km. Kidney transplant 50 years ago It has been 50 years since a team of UAE’s Hope probe: First photo from doctors at the Christian Medical College Mars mission released (CMC) here performed the country’s The image comes from the spacecraft first successful kidney transplant. Since named Hope, or Amal in Arabic, which then, the departments of Urology and swung into orbit around Mars following Nephrology of the CMC have performed a seven-month flight. 3,755 transplants and 188 deceased donor It shows Mars’ north pole, as well as transplants. Mars’ largest volcano, Olympus Mons. Mohan Rao, who was a surgeon at the CMC, recalled the incidents that led to the first transplant on February 2, 1971. In 1965 and 1966, there were three unsuccessful kidney transplantation attempts — two in Mumbai and one in Varanasi.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 23 Mass Media & Communication Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

5.3 Mass Media & for power generation, transmission and distribution. Communication As per the provisions under the section 131 of the Electricity Act,2003 TNEB was restructured on 1.11.2010 into Govt orders internet shutdown in TNEB Limited; Tamil Nadu Generation areas close to farmers protest sites in and Distribution Corporation Limited Delhi (TANGEDCO); and Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation Limited The government ordered shut down of (TANTRANSCO). internet services in parts of Delhi NCR amid protests by farmers in the national CoWIN App capital. CoWIN is a Grand Challenge to strengthen Government has invoked Temporary the COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network Suspension of Telecom Sevices (Public (CoWIN) system. CoWIN is a digital Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 platform that can be used to effectively in the interest of maintaining public promote and expand the mechanism of safety and averting public emergency to the COVID vaccine distribution system suspend internet services in areas closer nationwide. to farmers protest sites. It was launched by the Ministry of Health TANGEDCO takes digital route for and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information ease of business Technology (MeitY). As a step towards ease of doing business for customers, Tangedco has launched an Kerala’s first human milk bank automation and steam-lining procedure Health Minister K K Shailaja inaugurated to assign new services for both domestic the state’s first human milk bank Nectar (low tension) as well as industrial of Life at Ernakulam General Hospital via consumers (heigh tension) without much videoconferencing. human intervention. 3,600 babies are born in the general Tangedco has finalized the procedure hospital a year and out of those, 600 to for making name transfer for electricity 1,000 sick babies are admitted into the connections through online mode. The Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). online facility for domestic consumers is The breast milk from the bank will proposed to be launched on April 1. reduce the risk of infections and boost the TANGEDCO immunity of the newborn babies. Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) was formed on July 1, 1957 under section 54 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1948

24 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Mass Media & Communication

Oxford names Aatmanirbharta as was launched on September 7 by SJE Hindi Word of 2020 Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on Aatmanirbharta in the wake C-DAC of the novel coronavirus pandemic, this Cybercrime investigations are set to scale particular word has been named by new heights in Tamil Nadu with the Oxford Languages as its Hindi Word State police identifying as many as 185 of the Year 2020 as it validated the day- young sub-inspectors, mostly graduates to-day achievements of the countless in Electronics and Communications Indians who dealt with and survived the Engineering, and hundreds of graduate perils of a pandemic. police constables for deployment in Previous Hindi words of the year are cybercrime police stations in all cities/ Aadhar (2017), Nari Shakti (2018) and districts. Samvidhaan (2019). C-DAC C-DAC was created in November 1988, Ambitious BharatNet all set to be originally as the Centre for Development rolled out of Advanced Computing Technology The ‘BharatNet Project’ will be rolled out (C-DACT). to one-third of the revenue villages in This was in response to issues purchasing Tamil Nadu by March 31, 2021, and to supercomputers from foreign sources. the remaining villages by November 30, Centre for Development of Advanced 2021. Computing (C-DAC) is the premier R&D This was announced by Governor organization of the Ministry of Electronics Banwarilal Purohit in his customary and Information Technology (MeitY) for address to the State Assembly. carrying out R&D in IT, Electronics and The Rs 1,815-crore project will benefit associated areas. 12,524 villages, which will be connected through optical fiber network and will Koo App be provided with not less than 1 GBPS Koo is an app like Twitter which was high speed network connectivity in each launched on March 2020. village. It had won the Aatmanirbhar App challenge. Kiran Service Helpline The app was developed by Aparameya The ‘Kiran’ service was set up by the Social Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka. Justice and Empowerment Ministry. The app is available in several languages, The Kiran helpline (18005990019) of the including Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Department of Empowerment of Persons Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati, with Disabilities (DEPwD) of the Ministry Marathi, Punjabi, Odiya and Assamese.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 25 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 6. NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENT

Centre likely to postpone Census to The reply furnished by the ministry 2022 on January 29 stated that “as per the The Centre is on track to push the provision of the Official Language Act, 2021 Census to 2022 on account of the 1963, and the Official Language Rules, country’s continuing pre-occupation 1976, the provision of bilingual policy with the COVID-19 pandemic. is applicable in the offices of the Central The Census exercise was to be conducted government”. in two phases-House Listing and Housing Home Minister Amit Shah laid the Census from April to September 2020 and foundation stone for the 97th battalion of Population Enumeration from February 9 the Rapid Action Force in Bhadravati on to February 28, 2021. January 16. The first phase of the Census and the updating of the National Population India delivers 2 cranes for Chabahar Register (NPR) were intiallly to be rolled In its latest push to develop Iran’s out in some States on April 1, 2020, but Chabahar port project, India handed were postponed due to the pandemic. over two 140-tonne cranes for loading and unloading equipment to the Iranian 3-language policy is not applicable to government. Central govt. offices The cranes, part of a full consignment of The Union Ministry of Home Affairs six Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHC) worth has announced that the three language about $25million were sourced from Italy policy is not applicable to offices of the and formally released at a ceremony at Union government. The ministry gave Chabahar’s Shahid Beheshti port after this response to a question filed under official talks between India and Iran. the Right to Information (RTI) Act on India’s plans to invest further in the port the recent CRPF event at Bhadravati in project are seen as an indicator that the Shivamogga district, where the plaques government expects some easing up in unveiled to mark the foundation stone- U.S. sanctions in the upcoming months, laying ceremony were only in English once the new Biden administration and Hindi. begins to address its policy on re-entering the Iran nuclear deal.

26 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 National – Diary of Event

Vasuki Train companies manufacturing and trading The South-East Central Railways silk and silk blended products. (SECR) zone in Chhattisgarh breaks its India is the only country in the world own previous record by successfully which produces all the four major operating the longest ever freight train by varieties of silk, which are Mulberry, Eri, amalgamating five rakes of goods trains Tassar, and Muga. as one unit of around 3.5 km. Named as ‘Vasuki’, it covered the distance Uttarakhand sets up Botanical Garden of 224 km between the railway stations of to conserve 210 species of trees of Bhilai and Korba and took about seven Shivalik range hours. In Nainital district of Uttarakhand, The ‘Vasuki’, comprising of 300 wagons a first of its kind botanical garden of long haul rake of five goods trains, ran named ‘Shivalik Arboretum’ has been with the help of one pilot, one assistant inaugurated, for conserving over 210 loco pilot and a guard. species of trees found in the Shivalik The nation’s most profitable railways range of Himalayas. zone SECR had earlier operated 177 Shivalik Arboretum aims to spread loaded wagons “Super Anaconda” of nature education among people so that 2 km long freight train on 29 June 2020, they are able to feel an emotional connect then connecting three goods trains using with the trees, and make them more the latest technology of Distributed active towards conservation. Power Control System (DPCS). The facility will showcase information like scientific information about particular Textile Minister Smriti Irani species, cultural significance, medicinal inaugurates 8th India International use, country of origin, type of habitat in Silk Fair which it is found and all possible uses The Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani including as timber, dyes or any other inaugurated the 8th India International peculiar use. Silk Fair on Virtual Portal on 31st January 2021. Maharashtra tops 2nd India Justice The five days event is being held on Indian Report for delivering justice to people Silk Export Promotion Council’s virtual Maharashtra has retained its top rank in platform due to COVID-19 pandemic. the second edition of the India Justice The fair is considered to be India’s biggest Report – 2020, which judges states in silk fair. terms of delivery of justice to people. More than 200 overseas buyers and Maharashtra retained its number one equal number of their representatives in position among 18 large and mid -sized India are participating to interact with states (where population is over one crore more than 100 renowned and big Indian each).

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 27 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Tamil Nadu and Telangana were second NDTL and NIPER-G had signed a and third respectively in the same memorandum of understanding (MoU) category. in August 2020 to synthesize 20 rare RMs Among the 7 small states (where the over three years. population is less than one crore each), Tripura has topped the list followed by ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme Sikkim and Goa. in 32 states, UTs The India Justice Report (IJR) is launched ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme by Tata Trusts in collaboration with of the Union Government is being Centre for Social Justice, Common Cause, implemented by 32 States and Union Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Territories, reaching about 69 crore DAKSH, TISS–Prayas, Vidhi Centre for beneficiaries, announced Finance Legal Policy and How India Lives. Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while announcing the Union Budget. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju launches The Finance Minister informed that the first Reference Material synthesized scheme has covered 86 per cent of the by NDTL and NIPER to strengthen beneficiaries, adding that the remaining anti-doping measures four states and UTs will be integrated The Union Minister of Youth Affairs & into the scheme. Sports Kiren Rijiju recently launched a Reference Material, for use in the anti- India has highest number of new doping field for chemical testing. leprosy cases annually: WHO This RM is jointly synthesized by the India needs to take special measures to National Dope Testing Laboratory ensure economic security for people with (NDTL) and the National Institute of leprosy as situations like the ongoing Pharmaceutical Education and Research COVID-19 pandemic have jolted the (NIPER), Guwahati. ostracised community, making them rely merely on handouts to survive. About RM People with leprosy had been ignored This first-of-its kind RM is a rarely during these trying times and not many available substance globally and while had come forward to check on their well- testing of a sample, the RM will provide being, Sasakawa, who was awarded the identity confirmation for prohibited Gandhi Peace Prize in 2019 for his fight substances which do not have threshold against leprosy, especially in India. limits. According to the World Health This would be used to strengthen anti- Organisation (WHO), India has the doping measures in all World Anti- highest number of new cases of leprosy Doping Agency (WADA) accredited labs. in the world annually, followed by Brazil It is one of the 20 RMs, that will be and Indonesia. produced by NDTL and NIPER-G.

28 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 National – Diary of Event

India reported 1,35,485 new cases district is receiving a steady flow of in 2016, which is 63 per cent of the students and helping them turn a new 2,14,783 new cases reported globally. page. The district love for books assumes First Ultraviolet ray to sanitize train huge significance as it has the dubious coaches distinction of being the “phishing capital Lucknow Metro has become the first of India”. metro in India to use ultraviolet (UV) rays Public library movement to sanitise train coaches, a senior official The public library movement began in of the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation mid-nineteenth-century New England, (LMRC) said on Friday. building upon a wide range of enabling For this, the LMRC has procured UV social conditions and individual sanitization apparatus from M/s FB motivations. TECH, an Indian firm in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Indian Air Force (UPMRC) has taken inspiration from the Founded: 8 October 1932 New York Metro’s experiment to sanitise Headquarters: New Delhi trains with UIV lamp rays. Commander-in-Chief: President Ram The apparatus, which was certified by Nath Kovind the Defence Research and Development Current Air Chief Marshal - Rakesh Organisation (DRDO) in October 2020, Kumar Singh Bhadauria sanitizes the entire coach in just seven minutes. National Investigation Agency The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Apollo Hospitals launches hand print was constituted under the National campaign Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008. Apollo Hospitals decided to recognize It’s objective is also to combat terror in this effort and celebrate the work put in India. by patients, cancer survivors and doctors. It acts as the Central Counter-Terrorism World Cancer day 4th February. Law Enforcement Agency. The objective of the event was to Headquarters: New Delhi encourage all agencies involved and Branches: Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kochi, show appreciation to all in the process of Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, Raipur and treatment and care. Jammu. Governing body: Ministry of Home Jamtara turns a new page with public Affairs library movement Chief: Yogesh Chander Modi A library movement developed in a short span of time in Jharkhand’s Jamtara

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 29 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Association For Democratic Reforms The Minister providing data in his written (ADR) reply to the Rajya Sabha. Under the Mega The contribution reports of only 78 (3.39%) Food Park Scheme, the government had of the total 2,301 registered unrecognised given approval for 42 mega food parks in political parties are available in the public the country. domain for 2018-19, while the reports of The Ministry ahs accorded final approval only 82 such parties (3.56%) for 2017-18 to 37 mega food parks and in-principle are uploaded on the respective State Chief approval to two mega food parks in the Electoral Officers’ websites, according to country under the Mega Food Parks the Association For Democratic Reforms Scheme. (ADR). IIT-M’s ‘Saarang’ to be held as online The number of these parties increased two-fold in the last 10 years, from 1,112 in event 2010 to 2,301 in 2019. ‘Saarang’, the Indian Institute of There are 2,360 political parties registered Technology-Madras’s annual cultural with the Election Commission of festival, will be an online event this India and 2,301 or 97.50% of them are year. ‘Vintage Vogue’ is the theme of unrecognised. the festival that is slated to be held from February 4 to 7. ADR The Association for Democratic Metro transport live heart for Reforms is an Indian non-partisan, non- transplant governmental organization which works For the first time in Telangana, the in the area of electoral and political Metro Rail was used to transport and reforms. organ from one hospital to another for Founded: 1999 transplantation. The Hyderabad Metro Founders: Rajesh Agarwal, Ajit Ranade, Rail (HMR) created a green corridor to Brij Kothari facilitate the nonstop transport of a heart from the Kamineni Hospitals to save a Mega Food Parks patient admitted to the Apollo Hospital, About 22 mega parks are operational A special train was arranged at Nagole, out of 37 approved across the country, which picked up the heart at around Minister of State for Food Processing 3.30-4 p.m., and raced through the entire Industries Rameshwar Teli informed stretch of 21 km and crossing 16 stations. Parliament. It took less than 30 minutes for it the The operational mega food parks are reach Jubilee Hills, at an average speed of located in 15 states including Assam, 40 kmph. Punjab, Odisha, Mizoram, Maharashtra, among others.

30 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 National – Diary of Event

Impact on Green Verdicts Current CEO - Shri Arun Singhal.

The NITI Aayog the government’s apex Head Quarters- New Delhi. think tank has commissioned a study that seeks to examine the unintended KurubasTribes economic consequences of judicial Kurubas seek ST tag At Karnataka leaders decisions that have hindered and stalled of the Kuruba community urged the State big ticket projects on environmental government to recommend to the Centre grounds. inclusion of the Kuruba community in the ST list. NITI Aayog The word Kuruba means “warrior.” NITI Aayog was established on 1st They live in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil January 2015, which was a replacement Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. of the Planning Commission. Traditionally they have been farmers and It serves as an advisory body or a “Think shepherds. In addition to farming, they Tank” of the government of India to weave rough blankets made of wool. advice on social and economic issues. They are not vegetarians, and they eat Chairperson:-Shri Narendra Modi ( grains such as rice and wheat. Prime Minister ) Vice Chairperson:-Dr. Rajiv Kumar Assam Capital- Dispur FSSAI Chief Minister (CM)- Sarbananda The Food Safety and Standards Authority Sanowal ( 14th ) of India (FSSAI) has amended its rules Governor- Jagdish Mukhi to cap transfatty acids (TFAs) in food Important National Parks (NP)- Kaziranga products. Food products in which edible NP, Manas NP, Dibru Saikhowa NP, oils and fats are used as an ingredient Nameri NP, Orang NP shall not contain industrial transfatty acids more than 2% by mass of the total Glacial burst in Uttarkhand oils/fats present in the product, on and Seven persons were killed and over 125 from 1st January, 2022. reported missing after a “glacial burst” on Nanda Devi triggered an avalanche Trans fatty acids and caused flash floods in Rishiganga and Trans fatty acids (TFA) or trans fats are a Dhauliganga rivers in Chamoli District of form of unsaturated fat and come in both Uttarakhand. natural and artificial forms. Tapovan hydel project was washed away FSSAI after the glacial burst in Uttarakhand. The Food Safety and Standards Authority Rishiganga River – Originates from of India (FSSAI) was established in 2008 Vasundhara Tal and its located on Nanda under the Food Safety and Standards Act, Devi. Vasundhara Tal is the largest glacial 2006 as a statutory body. lake in Uttarakhand.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 31 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Dhauliganga River - The Dhauliganga Allopathy, Siddha, Homeopathy, is one of the six source streams of the Ayurveda, Unani Medicine, Yoga, Ganges river. It meets the Alaknanda Naturopathy and Herbal Cultivation are River at Vishnuprayag at the base of the major projects of this project Joshimath mountain in Uttarakhand.It emerges from Deovan Himani Glacier. Sustainable Development (SDG) In January 2015, the General Assembly Nanda Devi began the negotiation process on the post- Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain in India after Kangchenjunga 2015 development agenda. The process and the highest located entirely within culminated in the subsequent adoption the country. of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with 17 SDGs. It is part of the Garhwal Himalayas,

and is located in Chamoli district of It has three main goals. That are Uttarakhand, between the Rishiganga Universality, Integration and valley on the west and the Goriganga Transformation.

valley on the east. SDG 3rd Goal - To ensure health and well-being for all, including a bold Tributaries of Ganga – commitment to end the epidemics of The important tributaries of Ganga are AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other the Ramganga, the Gomati, the Ghaghara, communicable diseases by 2030. the Gandak, the Kosi , Mahanada and the Yamuna. Five Indian colleges in top 100 FT Global MBA ranking 2021 Undersea Metro Rail To see Five Indian business schools including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s four Indian Institutes of Management memorial (IIMs) have found a place in the top 100 Maharashtra’s Public Works Department schools in Financial Times’ Global MBA (PWD) is exploring the option of building Ranking 2021. an undersea metro rail for Chhatrapati According to the rankings released on Shivaji Maharaj Memorial in the Arabian Monday, Indian School of Business Sea to reach the memorial site. (ISB) has been ranked 23 in the world, The work on the 212-metre-tall IIM Bangalore 35, IIM Calcutta and IIM Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial in Ahmedabad 44 and 48, and IIM Indore the Arabian Sea commenced in 2016. 94. While IIM Indore entered the top 100 Medicity list for the first time, ISB improved four Medicity is being setup at a cost of 2000 positions and IIM-A climbed 13 places. crore in Karaikkal. But IIM Calcutta dropped two spots and IIM Bangalore dropped eight spots.

32 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 National – Diary of Event

Govt’s helpline for women from Apr- It is also known as ‘Lifeline of Kerala’ as Jun 2020 it is one of the few perennial rivers in the Over 2.47 lakh phone calls were registered state. by the government’s women helpline Periyar River originates from Sivagiri from April to June last year when the hills of Western Ghats and flows through country was under lockdown due to the the Periyar National Park. coronavirus pandemic, the Women and The main tributaries of Periyar are Child Development Ministry. Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Women and Child Development Minister Perinjankutti. Smriti Irani announced the scheme of ‘Universalisation of Women Helpline Parliament House: 100 Years Ago, On (WHL)’ through toll free number 181 This Day, Foundation Stone Was Laid is operational in 33 states and Union Exactly a hundred years ago, on 12th Territories. February, the foundation stone of Parliament House was laid. 26 years Mullaperiyar dam is protected from before India became Independent, quakes Britain’s Duke of Connaught laid the The Mullaperiyar dam is located on the foundation stone and said it would stand confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar “as the symbol of India’s rebirth to yet rivers in Kerala’s Idukki district. higher destinies”.

Mullaperiyar dam was Constructed The building, with a diameter of 560 between 1887 to 1895 by John Pennycuick ft and circumference of one-third of a It is operated and maintained by the mile, was designed by Sir Herbert Baker, Tamil Nadu for meeting the drinking who along with Sir Edwin Lutyens was water and irrigation requirements of five chosen to design the new imperial capital of its southern districts. in Delhi in the Raisina Hill area.

According to a 999-year lease agreement The architectural masterpiece, which made during the British rule the was originally called Council House, was operational rights were handed over to inaugurated six years later in 1927, 20 Tamil Nadu. years before India attained its freedom on The dam intends to divert the waters of August 15, 1947, by then Viceroy, Lord the west-flowing river Periyar eastward Irwin. to the arid rain shadow regions of the The sprawling edifice covering an area of Tamil Nadu. nearly six acres and its creamy sandstone colonnade of 144 pillars on the first floor Periyar River is one of the most distinctive parliament The Periyar River is the longest river in buildings anywhere in the world. In the state of Kerala with a length of 244 1929, Bhagat Singh hurled a bomb into its km. chambers.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 33 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Koozhangal wins Tiger Award cruise terminal, Sagarika at Cochin Director PS Vinothraj’s Koozhangal Port and Marine Engineering Training (Pebbles) won the coveted Tiger Award Institute of Cochin Shipyard Ltd. at the 50th International Film Festival Prime Minister announced Thanjavur and Rotterdam 2021. Koozhangal becomes Pudukkottai will be specially benefited the first Tamil film to win the prestigious after the foundation for the extension, award at the film festival. renovation and modernization of six hundred and thirty six kilometre long Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Grand Anicut Canal System was laid.

The Ministry of Tourism’s Dekho Apna It will improve irrigation facilities for 2.27 Desh Webinar series held its 76th webinar lakh acres of land in the delta districts. titled “Vocal for Local : Empowering Local Communities : Gujarat Experience” Tesla Selects Karnataka for Electric on 13th February 2021. Vehicle Plant Tesla Inc. chose the state of Karnataka India’s first full-fledged international for its first plant in India as the electric cruise terminal in Kerala vehicle maker sets its sight on Asia’s The Prime Minister also inaugurated the third-biggest economy. country’s first full-fledged international Head Quarters - USA

34 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 International Affairs 7. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Myanmar: Military stages coup, WEF declares a state of emergency for one Current President - Borge Brende year Headquarters - Cologny, Switzerland Myanmar’s military staged a coup on February 1, 2021, detaining de-facto Iran’s President Rouhani rules out leader Aung San Suu Kyi and declaring changes to nuclear deal it had taken control of the country for President Hassan Rouhani ruled out one year under a state of emergency. changes to Iran’s nuclear accord with The military recently made allegations of world powers and dismissed calls to fraud in general elections by the civilian broaden the terms of the deal and include government. Suu Kyi’s National League regional countries. for Democracy (NLD) party won the Iran’s Capital – Tehran elections held in November 2020 easily. Along with Suu Kyi, President Win Israel Myint has also been detained in capital Capital – Jerusalem Naypyidaw. Preseident - Reuven Rivlin Geographical Importance - Israel is located World Economic Forum at the eastern end of the Mediterranean The World Economic Forum is a non- Sea in Western Asia. It is bounded to the governmental organization, which was north by Lebanon, the northeast by Syria, founded in 1971. The forum aims to the east by Jordan and the West Bank, improve the state of the world by bringing and to the southwest by Egypt. together key leaders from political, business and academic backgrounds to India’s vaccine lands in Caribbean redefine global, regional and industry island agendas. The forum comprises some of Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt the world’s largest corporations. Skerrit showered praises on Prime The World Economic Forum holds its Minister Narendra Modi and the people annual meeting in January every year at of India for New Delhi’s swift response to Davos. This year is its 50th meeting. his request for 35,000 Covid-19 vaccines that can shield nearly half his country’s

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 35 International Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

72,000-strong population from the deadly Discovery of the world’s oldest virus. distillery

Capital – Roseau Archaeologists have unearthed a distillery in Egypt that dates back 5,000 years. The Italy’s new PM distillery may have been built during the Prime Minister - Mario Draghi reign of King Naom, who created the first President - Sergio Mattarella empire from 3150 BC to 2613 BC. Capital-Rome

36 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Tamilnadu Affairs 8. TAMILNADU AFFAIRS

The Mutharaiyar community members City’s first Miyawaki forest are mostly farmers who feed the people As the first Miyawaki forest in Chennai of the State. turns one this week, the Greater Chennai The government had introduced several Corporation wants the residents’ pro-farmers schemes, including the associations to notify details about ‘kudimaramathu’ scheme. unused spaces in their neighbourhood for raising a similar forest. CM launches free internet data card The Corporation aims at raising 1,000 scheme such plantations. It has already raised Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami Miyawaki forest in about 20 locations in launched the distribution of free 2 the last one year in the city. GB internet data cards to students The first Miyawaki forest was created in of government, aided colleges and Kotturpuram near the MRTS station after polytechnics across the State to help them clearing 1,600 tonnes of debris one year attend online classes till May this year. ago. Operation Smile to rescue missing Govt. will form a Valaiyar Reclamation kids Board A special camp Operation Smile aimed Tamilnadu Stated Government will take at rescuing missing children was steps to establish a Valaiyar Reclamation inaugurated at Trichy railway junction. Board, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Superintendent of police, government Palaniswami. railway police (GRP), Trichy T PM announce, the government was also Senthilkumar proclaimed that the camp taking steps to protect the memorials for will be held under the jurisdiction of 24 the rulers of the Mutharaiyar community. government railway police (GRP) stations The government, as announced in and six outposts in Trichy railway police the Assembly, laid the foundation for limit from February 1 to 15. the statue of Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar in Tiruchi.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 37 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Tamil Nadu drops disciplinary action personnel, who have been functioning and cases against govt employees, under a scheme called ‘Thozhi’ in the city teachers since its launch last year.

Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi ‘Thozhi’ was launched as a special wing K Palaniswami announced dropping last November to provide counselling to of disciplinary proceedings initiated victims and their parents and guide them against 7,898 government employees and through legal procedures. teachers and 408 cases registered against CM GIVES `75 lakh cheque to CIFF 17,686 staff and teachers for holding indefinite protests in 2019. organisers The government employees and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. teachers’ associations held indefinite Palaniswami handed over a cheque of agitation in January last year urging a `75 lakh to the organisers of the Chennai charter of demands, including pending International Film Festival (CIFF) 21-month arrears as per the Seventh Pay The 18th edition of the film festival is Commission recommendations, reverting scheduled to be held from February 18 to to the old pension scheme, elimination of 25, 2021 wage discrepancies, regular pay for all In 2019, the State government had handed those under consolidated and special time over `75 lakh to conduct the film festival. scale pay and revoking a government order setting up staff rationalisation APEDA opens regional office in committee. Chennai The facility in the premises of the Tamil Metro Lite Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board The Finance Minister added that the was jointly inaugurated by Gagandeep government will raise the share of public Singh Bedi, Tamil Nadu Agriculture transport in urban areas through the Production Commissioner and M expansion of the metro rail network and Angamuthu, Chairman of APEDA. the city bus service will be strengthened. APEDA has provided financial assistance A new scheme will be launched at a cost of to the State department of Agriculture ` 18,000 crores to support the expansion and Marketing for setting up of common of public bus transport services. infrastructure facility (cold storage, sorting and grading facility) at Dindigul, `400 victims of sexual assault Villupuram and Coimbatore districts to benefited from Thozhi scheme’ facilitate exports of fresh vegetables. City Police Commissioner Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal announced around 400 victims of sexual assault were given counselling and other support from women police

38 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Tamilnadu Affairs

Supreme Court to examine plea The State government signed an MoU against T.N.’s 69% quota in colleges, with Universal Service Obligation Fund govt. jobs and Bharat Broadband Network (BBNL) The Supreme Court agreed to examine in 2017, for implementing the BharatNet a petition seeking an immediate stay on project. the implementation of a Tamil Nadu law TANFINET that allows 69% quota in educational State Legislative Assembly under Rule institutions and government jobs in the 110 that “BharatNet” scheme will be State. implemented in Tamil Nadu through A three-judge Bench led by Justice Ashok State led model and a Special Purpose Bhushan issued notice and gave the Vehicle (SPV) namely Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu government two weeks to FibreNet Corporation (TANFINET) will file its response to a writ petition filed be incorporated for the same. by a student, C.V. Gayathri, through her BharatNet project ensures connecting father, S. Vaitheeswaran, challenging the Gram Panchayat to block-level offices constitutionality of the Tamil Backward situated within the district. Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled It was started on 14.7.2017. Tribes (Reservation of seats in Educational Institutions and of appointments or posts Tamil Nadu to soon have five more in the Services under the State) Act of airports being built under UDAN 1993. scheme Section 4 of the Act provides 30% Union Minister for Civil aviation reservation to the Backward Classes, Hardeeep Singh Puri told Rajaya Sabha 20% for Most Backward Classes and de- (February 3) that five airports in Tamil notified communities, 18% for Scheduled Nadu — Salem, Neyveli, Vellore, Ramnad Castes and 1% for Scheduled Tribes. Thus, and Tanjore — are being built under the a total of 69% reservation is provided. ‘Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik’ (UDAN) programme of the Modi government. TN BharatNet tender re-jigged in October 2020 UDAN Scheme It was started on 2017 at Shimla, Himachal The Centre has not cancelled the Pradesh. implementation of the `1,950-crore UDAN-RCS (Regional Connectivity BharatNet project in Tamil Nadu but the Scheme), UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam tender was re-floated in October 2020, Naagrik) is a regional airport development clarified Sanjay Dhotre, Minister of State and “Regional Connectivity Scheme” for Communications, Education and (RCS) of Government of India, with the Electronics and IT in the Rajya Sabha. objective of “letting the common citizen of the country fly”.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 39 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

CM inaugurated marriage assistance the coast on which the project is to be scheme located is eroding at 8.6 m/year due to 95,000 peoples get benefits under the existing Kattupalli and Kamarajar Marriage assistance Scheme. Ports.

Under this scheme 1,791 crore 5 lakhs The project is prohibited under the fund has been allotted for 12, 50,705 Environmental Protection Act 1986. peoples. Kattupalli Port is a large shipyard/port Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar project in Tamil Nadu, India. It was built Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme, by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in 2013. 1989 Kattupalli is located in between Ennore, Objective : To improve the educational Pazhaverkadu and Minjur in North of status of the poor girls (only one girl from Chennai. a family is eligible). CRZ Annual income limit : `72,000 The coastal areas of seas, bays, creeks, Age limit rivers, and backwaters which get Bride – 18 years. influenced by tides up to 500 m from the Bridegroom – 21 years high tide line (HTL) and the land between Educational Qualification: Minimum – the low tide line (LTL) and the high std. X pass or fail; For ST – Std. v. tide line have been declared as coastal Time for submitting application: Within regulation zone (CRZ) in 1991. 40-45 days before the date of marriage. The coastal regulation zones have been declared by the Ministry of Environment, TN CM announces ₹12,110 crore crop Forest and Climate change under the loan waiver Environment Protection Act 1986. Chief Minister Edapadi K Palaniswami announced a major decision to waive CM opens cancer centre at Tirunelveli `12,110 crore farm loans from cooperative hospital banks to relieve farmers of the state. Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami The AIADMK government in Tamil unveiled various infrastructure projects Nadu has stated that 16.43 lakh farmers through video conference. will benefit from the farm loan waiver He opened the new regional cancer and the decision was taken as farmers centre set up at the Government Medical suffered huge losses due to Cyclone College Hospital in Tirunelveli at a cost Nigar and Burevi and also due to the of `24.35 crore and also the new buildings novel coronavirus pandemic. constructed at a cost of `31.78 crore. The Chief Minister launched work on the Kattupalli port expansion project radiology oncology block in the Mohan According to the company’s own Kumaramangalam Government Medical environment impact assessment (EIA), College Hospital in Salem.

40 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Tamilnadu Affairs

The Chief Minister unveiled the new Spread over 25 acres of land on an outlay building in Saidapet, built at a cost of of `314 crore, the terminus will achieve `27.79 crore, to house the Tamil Nadu the twin objectives of easing traffic Information Commission. He also congestion in Koyambedu and provide inaugurated new buildings for the Hindu the much-needed public transport facility Religious and Charitable Endowments to nearly 40,000 people working in the Department. industrial complexes, including SIPCOT. First Cancer Institute ` The Cancer Institute (WIA), also known TIIC to get fresh capital of 1,000 as the Adyar Cancer Institute, is a non- crore over three years, Governor profit cancer treatment and research announces in Assembly centre based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The The registration fee was reduced to 0.1% Cancer Institute (WIA) was established in from 1% for agreements for micro and the year 1954 under the leadership of Dr. small enterprises. To further ease access Muthulakshmi Reddy. to formal credit, the government will amend the Registration Act, 1908, to Dr.J.Jayalalithaa University in permit online registration of agreements Villupuram relating to the memorandum of deposit The Tamil Nadu assembly passed the of tittle deeds for term loans and working Dr.J.Jayalalithaa University Bill 2021 to capital loans and do away with the need establish a new university. The Bill would for the physical presence of borrowers give effect to chief minister Edappadi and lenders for the execution of such K Palaniswami’s announcement on deeds. September 16 last year that Thiruvalluvar University would be bifurcated and a Segregate waste, win gold and silver new university would be established in coins Villupuram. Segregate waste and get a chance to win gold and silver coins. This is the City to get fourth integrated bus latest initiative taken by the Vellore City terminus soon Municipal Corporation. The industrial belt of the Chennai- Bengaluru Highway beyond Poonamallee Thekkampatti elephant camp from is set to become busier in the coming years February 8 once the Thirumazhisai bus terminus is The annual rejuvenation camp for temple thrown open to the public. elephants for the year 2021 is being The Chennai Metropolitan Development held at the banks of Bhavani river in in Authority (CMDA) is planning to build Thekkampatti. The camp was started the integrated mofussil bus terminus from 2003. at Kuthambakkam village, near Thirumazhisai.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 41 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Sorkkuvai Thittam Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve It has been very well received among (KMTR) lies in Tirunelveli and the World Tamilans. The ‘Sorkuvai Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu.] Student Ambassador’ training program Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) for college students from Chennai was is located at the confluence region of held under Agara Mudhali Programme Western and Eastern Ghats. Movement. Aanaimalai Tiger Reserve is located between Valparai to Udumalaipettai Megamalai Tiger Reserve (Pollachi) in Tamil Nadu. The SrivilliputhurMegamalai Tiger Reserve is officially the fifth tiger reserve e-challan system inaugurated in Tamil Nadu. Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife The Chief Minister inaugurated the Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur, and the system of paying money through Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary have been e-challan and obtaining e-receipts under combined to create the reserve. Integrated Finance and Human Resource Periyar and Kalakkad Mundanthurai Management System (IFHRMS). Tiger Reserves, the water needs of several E-receipts can be obtained from www. southern districts have mostly been taken karuvoolam.tn.gov.in care of. With the new Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve. CM opens 30.5 km Nemilichery- In Tamil Nadu, the Anamalai Tiger Minjur section of ORR Reserve provides one of the largest The road forms the second phase of habitats for the tigers and other co- Chennai Outer Ring Road project in predators. Tiger reserves in Tamil Nadu. which the road from Nemilicheri connects 4 Tiger Reserves viz. Anamalai, Padiyanallur, Tiruvottiyur, Ponneri and Kalakkad-Mundanthurai, Mudumalai Panjeti. and Sathyamangalam. These Protected Areas have been Kudi Maramathu Scheme established under Wildlife (Protection) It aims to restore the water bodies of Act, 1972. Tamil Nadu such as dams, lakes and Further Tamil Nadu also has the reservoirs with the help of local farmers. distinction of having 3 Biosphere It was Launched on 13 March 2017 by Chief Reserves viz. Nilgiris, Gulf of Mannar Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami at and Agasthiar malai. Manimangalam village in Kancheepuram Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in district. the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state It included maintenance works in canals, at the tri-junction of three states, viz, tanks, shutters and reconstruction works. Kamalaka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It has been allocated an amount of 100 crores in its first phase.

42 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Tamilnadu Affairs

The scheme has also received financial 365 goods had been added to the list as of assistance from the World Bank. May 2020. Recently Kashmir saffron and It aims to remove weeds from water black rice Manipur got this GI tag. bodies and strengthen their water-banks. Tamil Nadu Salem Fabric Slavery abolition Day Feb 9 Kancheepuram Silk Chennai Promising to eradicate bonded Kancheepuram Silk labour for good, the southern Indian Madurai Sungudi state of Tamil Nadu announced it would Coimbatore Wet Grinder ensure strict enforcement to root out Thanjavur Paintings a form of slavery that persists, despite Temple Jewellery of Nagercoil being banned 45 years ago. Thanjavur Art Plate East India Leather GI tag sought for fragrant ‘Madurai Salem Silk known as Salem Venpattu marikolunthu’ Kovai Kora Cotton Sarees

Geo¬graphical indication (GI) tagfor Arani Silk the famous ‘Madurai ma¬rikolunthu’ Swamimalai Bronze Icons (davana), tradi¬tionally used during Eathamozhi Tall Coconut reli¬gious ceremonies and to make Thanjavur Doll garlands, has been submitted by the Nilgiri (Orthodox) Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Virupakshi Hill Banana Malar Motha Vyabarigal Na¬la Sangam. Sirumalai Hill Banana

Karnataka has the highest number of GI Madurai Malli tags i.e. 47 products followed by Tamil Pattamadai Pai (“Pattamadai Mat”) Nadu (39). Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku (“Nachiarkoil GI Tag Lamp”) A GI or Geographical Indication is a name Chettinad Kottan or a sign given to certain products that Toda Embroidery relate to a specific geographical location Thanjavur Veenai or origins like a region, town or country. Thanjavur Art Plate (Logo) The GI tags are given as per the Swamimalai Bronze Icons (Logo) Geographical Indications of Goods Temple Jewellery of Nagercoil (Logo) (Registration and Protection) Act,1999. Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture GI tags are issued by the Geographical Erode Manjal (Erode Turmeric) Indication Registry under the Department Thirubuvanam Silk Sarees of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Kodaikanal Malai Poondu Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Palani Panchamirtham Darjeeling tea was the first product that Dindigul Locks got GI tag in 2004–05 in India, since then Kandangi Saree

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 43 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

Srivilliputtur Palkova Govt. seeks Rotary Club’s support for Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai vaccination drive

Thanjavur Pith Works The Rotary Club of Madras (RCM) will be Arumbavur Wood Carvings partnering with the State government in its COVID-19 vaccination drive. Tamil Nadu sets up TALMEDCO under The Rotary Club of Madras will serve Companies Act as the nodal agency in Tamil Nadu and The State government has set up the coordinate with the State government on Tamil Na¬du Linguistic Minorities Social behalf of Rotary Clubs in the State and as and Economic Development Corporation a channel for raising CSR funding for the (TALMEDCO) under the Companies Act, vaccination drive. 2013, to cater to the require¬ments of notified linguis¬tic minorities who are High level committee approves not included or covered by the religious ₹3,113 cr for 5 states as disaster minorities. relief

It is aimed at benef¬iting linguistic A high-level committee headed by Union minorities in Tamil Nadu groups of Home Minister Amit Shah approved people whose mother tongue is different around Rs 3,113 crore to five states that from the principal language of the State faced natural disasters and pest attacks in - Telugu,Kannada, Malayalam,Urdu and 2020. Saurashtra speakers, among others. The states and union territory that will As per the 2011 Cen¬sus, the population get the additional central assistance from of linguistic minorities in Tamil Nadu is the National Disaster Risk Management 83.84 lakh,which is 11.63% of the State’s Fund (NDRMF) are Andhra Pradesh, population. Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Madhya Pradesh. Washermenpet-Wimco Nagar stretch The committee, under the chairmanship of Chennai Metro Phase 1 Extension of the home minister, has approved the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will additional central assistance to the five inaugurate Washermenpet-Wimco Nagar states and UT, which were affected by stretch on Feb 14, 2021. This 9-km stretch floods, cyclones (Nivar and Burevi) and of Chennai Metro Rail’s phase I extension pest attack during 2020. has been built at a cost of `3,770 crore. 143 federal Government Awards in Tab for school students 10 Years

6th to 8th standard school students The Tamil Nadu Local Government will get Tab and its was announced my Department has received 143 Central Education Minister Senkottaiyan. Government Awards in the last 10 years. Of these, the Department of Rural

44 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021 Tamilnadu Affairs Development alone has received 122 2021. The Bengaluru-based start-up has awards. already begun deliveries of its electric Based on the Rural Cleanliness Survey, scooters in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Tamil Nadu emerged as the best state Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and in the overall category in 2019 and was Hyderabad with more deliveries planned awarded by Prime Minister Narendra in a phased manner across 21 other cities Modi. by Q1. Under the Department of Municipal Administration and Drinking Water PM Modi Quoted Avvaiyar and Supply, Trichy Corporation has won Bharathiyar Quotes the National Electricity Saving Award Quoting Tamil poet Avvaiyar, Mr. for Power Saving, the Clean City Award Modi underscored the need for water 5 times and the Digital India Award conservation. “When water levels rise, Coimbatore and Madurai Corporation. cultivation rises, people prosper and the The Metropolitan Corporation of state prospers. We have to do whatever Chennai has received national awards we can to conserve water. This is not only from 5 departments namely, Central a national issue. It is a global subject. Government’s Progressive Capital, Always remember the mantra of ‘per drop Central Housing and Rural Development more crop’ and also he quoting Tamil Poet Corporation, Ministry of Rural Bharathiyar “Aayudham seivom nalla Development, Central Department of kaakidham seivom aalaigal seivom kalvi Housing and Rural Poverty Alleviation saalaigal vaippom, ooyudhal seiyom and Somigu City Council. thalaisayudhal seiyom “.

Tamil Nadu CM launches helpline PM Modi lays stone for IIT Madras’ Rs no ‘1100’ for redressing people’s 1,000-cr scientific discovery campus grievances The Indian Institute of Technology Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Madras (IIT Madras) is setting up a Palaniswami launched a helpline service Discovery Campus at a cost of around Rs for expeditious redressal of people’s 1,000 crore near Chennai. grievances under which public may The institute aims to develoo the facility register their complaints by calling a toll as a key destination for global scientific free number ‘1100.’ discovery. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid Ather Energy announces Rs 635 crore the foundation stone of the Discovery investment Campus of IIT Madras, which will be located at Thaiyur near Chennai, to Ather Energy started operations at its accommodate the growing research new 1,23,000 sq ft production facility in infrastructure requirements of students Hosur, Tamil Nadu starting 2nd January and faculty.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 45 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, February - 2021

IIT Madras allotted 163 acres of land in According to a Corporation source, 66 2017 at Thaiyur, which is located about 36 Corporation schools have Montessori km from the main campus at Guindy. classes now. To create new Montessori environments in 44 more Corporation Operation Smile plan Completed schools. ‘Operation in collaboration with the With the newest addition, the Corporation Department of Social Security to help will have 100 Montessori classes. roadside children, missing children and The new Montessori classes would be children in need of care and maintenance developed at a cost of Rs 9 crore under in Chennai. City Investments to Innovate, Integrate The ‘Operation Smile’ project is nearing and Sustain (CITIIS) initiative, which is a completion. More than 300 children have part of Smart City Mission. been rescued and placed in orphanages in Smart City Mission Chennai due to the formation of special The Government of India has launched forces. the Smart Cities Mission on 25 June 2015. The objective is to promote sustainable 44 more Corpn schools to get and inclusive cities that provide core Montessori classes infrastructure and give a decent quality of The Chennai Corporation schools will life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable have 100 Montessori education classes environment and application of ‘Smart’ as the civic body has decided to create Solutions. more such facilities under the Smart City Mission.

46 Vetrii IAS Study Circle