Current Affairs February 2021

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

P O R T A B L E P D F B Y G K S E R I E S Current Affairs February 2021 Table of Contents Awards and Honours 7 Economic Development 9 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management 17 History, Art & Culture 20 Important Days & Events 22 International Affairs 24 Polity & Governance 28 Science & Technology 31 Security 35 Society and Social Justice 35 Sports 39 Miscellaneous 39

Awards and Honours 1. Scientist Bhavya Lal appointed Acting Chief of Staff of NASA 2. S.N. Subrahmanyan appointed as Chairman of the National Safety Council 3. Industrial parks and industries in the country 4. CCEA approves grant of ₹100 crore to Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation 5. ISA announces Dr. Ajay Mathur as its new Director General 6. First Female to Head World Trade Organisation 7. Asia Environmental Enforcement Award 2020 8. Ayesha Aziz is emerging as a role model for Kashmir women 9. Pravas Kumar Singh takes oath as Member CERC 10. 10th National Awards for technology innovation in petrochemicals & downstream plastics processing industry Economic Development 1. EPFO net new Enrollments rise 29% to 78.58 lakh in FY21 2. 8th India International Silk Fair 3. Combined Social Sector Expenditure by Centre and States as Per Cent of GDP 4. India’s Sovereign Credit Ratings do not capture its Fundamentals 5. Improved Monetary Policy transmission; Repo Rate cut by 115 BPS 6. Fiscal deficit pegged at 6.8 per cent of GDP 7. FDI limit in insurance sector increased to 74% 8. Govt to introduce single Securities Markets Code 9. Qualitative strengthening of 15,000 schools to include all components of NEP 10. Key initiatives in Petroleum & Natural Gas sector 11. National Research Foundation Outlay to be ₹50,000 crore, over 5 years 12. ₹15,700 cr provided for MSME sector in Union Budget 13. Two PSBs, one general insurance company to be disinvested Page | 1 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

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14. FM proposes increase of 137 per cent in Budget for Health and well-being 15. Govt to rationalise custom duties on gold, silver 16. 34.5 % increase in Capital Expenditure with be of ₹5.54 Lakh Crore 17. Union Budget for 2021-22 gives boost to Public Transport in Urban Areas 18. FM announces key tax benefits to senior citizens 19. Outlay for Ministry of Road and Transport and Highways 20. Record Outlay of ₹1,10,055 Crore for Railways 21. Weak Revenue Flow Combined with High Expenditure on Essential Relief 22. Government to step up Funding for National Infrastructure Pipeline 23. Scheme for Revamped Reforms -based Result-Linked Power Distribution Sector 24. Budget greenlights Maha's Metro Neo project in Nashik 25. Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) has been created under NABARD 26. NITI Aayog study to track economic impact of green verdicts 27. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for 2021-22 28. PM dedicates Haldia LPG import terminal to the nation 29. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) 30. SEBI imposes ₹1 crore penalty on NSE in co-location case 31. Privatisation of two public sector banks 32. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region 33. Nitin Gadkari to launch India's first CNG tractor 34. Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council launched SAKSHAM 35. PM laid foundation stone and inaugurates various projects in Kochi, Kerala 36. PM Modi unveiled key projects in Tamil Nadu 37. PM Modi to launch several key projects of oil & gas sector in Tamil Nadu 38. Hike in petrol and diesel price in India 39. Prime Minister to inaugurate the Pugalur - Thrissur power transmission project 40. PM Modi to launch Kasaragod Solar Power Project in kerala. 41. Cabinet approves PLI scheme for telecom sector 42. Comprehensive Economic cooperation and Partnership Agreement 43. Ground set for LIC IPO 44. Central government issues MSP guidelines for sugar mills 45. Piyush Goyal dedicates series of projects for rail infrastructure in WB 46. RBI released Annual Report of Ombudsman Schemes for 2019-20 47. PM Modi inaugurated important Oil & Gas projects and Engineering Colleges in Assam 48. Centre lifts embargo on private banks 49. Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme for IT Hardware 50. Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Pharmaceuticals 51. PM inaugurated & laid foundation stone of various infra projects in Coimbatore 52. Indian economy to contract by 8% in 2020-21

Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management 1. Disputes on Projects of Krishna & Godavari River 2. Glacial lake burst in Uttarakhand 3. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods 4. Smallest reptile on earth discovered in Madagascar 5. Flash floods and their mitigation Page | 2 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

6. Sadananda Gowda calls upon farmers to use fertilizers based on soil health cards 7. The Koch Rajbongshi vote in Assam and West Bengal 8. Vijayanagara became Karnataka’s 31st district 9. Chamoli rescue ops briefly halted as water level rises 10. Hopes Dim for Three Climbers Missing in Winter K2 Attempt 11. The Farakka ‘lock’ and hilsa 12. Demolition process begins at Vembanad 13. A rare duck created a flutter in Upper Assam 14. The Andhra Pradesh-Odisha dispute over 21 border villages 15. India is putting out its mapping, geospatial data available for general use 16. Leatherback nesting sites could be overrun by Andamans project 17. Dhubri Phulbari Bridge in Assam 18. Hyderabad wins ‘Tree Cities of the World’ title 19. Swachh Tourist Destinations under Phase-IV 20. The caracal now critically endangered

History, Art & Culture 1. PM cites example of Bhagyashree Sahu's efforts in promoting 'Pattachitra' painting 2. PM Modi inaugurated Chauri Chaura centenary celebrations 3. Museum to pride of Kodagu General Thimayya in Madikeri 4. Akashvani names music festival after Pandit Bhimsen Joshi 5. Jamtara turns a new page with public library movement 6. Schools under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to be renamed after Subhas Chandra Bose 7. Preserving and promoting the traditional cultural heritage of India 8. PM recognises India’s youngest martyr after 8 decades 9. Foundation stone of Maharaja Suheldev Memorial 10. 75 years of Shri Ram Chandra Mission 11. What is Saka Nankana Sahib? 12. Preservation of Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara 13. PM Modi inaugurated toy fair

Important Days & Events 1. 45th Raising Day of Indian Coast Guard 2. World Wetlands Day 2021 3. Groundhog Day 2021 4. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Jayanti 5. Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram 6. World Cancer Day 2021 7. World Pulses Day 2021 8. International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021 9. President to Open Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Annual Udyanotsav 10. World Unani Day 2021 11. World Radio Day 2021 12. Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s birth anniversary 13. 11th edition of 'Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav' Page | 3 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

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14. “Mushaira” to be organised by Union Ministry of Minority Affairs 15. Basant Panchami 2021 16. Shri Guru Ravidas Vishva Mahapeeth Rashtriya Adhiveshan 17. 66th Convocation of IIT Kharagpur 18. International Mother Language Day 2021 19. Farmers observe ‘Pagdi Sambhal Divas’ to protest farm laws 20. Saras Aajeevika Mela 2021

International Affairs 1. SJVNL bags 679 Megawatt hydro electric power project in Nepal 2. Special UK visa scheme for Hong Kong residents 3. Antifreeze has made US soldiers fall ill 4. The Colombo port setback for India 5. The ‘Walking While Trans’ ban, recently repealed in New York 6. The South African Covid variant 7. US extends New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty with Russia for five years 8. First India-EU high-level dialogue on trade, investment held 9. Central Bank of Sri Lanka repays swap line facility with RBI 10. Canada designates the Proud Boys a terrorist group 11. Denmark Will Build Artificial Island to House Wind Energy Hub 12. India & Bahrain join hands for Renewable Energy 13. US moves to rejoin UN Human rights council 14. World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 15. Nord Stream 2 pipeline between Germany and Russia 16. MoU for the construction of the Lalandar “Shatoot” Dam in Afghanistan 17. AIM kick-starts India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon 2021 18. Draghi sworn in as Italy's new PM as country hopes to turn page 19. Socialists win but separatists expand majority in Catalonia election 20. UK is set to conduct the first COVID-19 human challenge trials (HCT) 21. Turkey to build Space Port in Somalia 22. India, Maldives signed agreements on wide range of domains including fish processing 23. Dutch Indian Water Alliance for Leadership Initiative (DIWALI) 24. Chinese divorce court ordering ‘housework compensation’ for a woman 25. Japan appoints ‘Minister of Loneliness’ after suicide rates increase 26. Christians, Muslims and Jews to share faith centre in Berlin

Polity & Governance 1. Meghalaya assembly speaker visits Arunachal assembly 2. Government sends notice to Twitter on restoring suspended accounts 3. Sub-categorisation of OBCs 4. What are government securities? 5. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued guidelines for floating structures 6. Gujarat’s two-child policy 7. Parliament passed landmark Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020 8. Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill 2021 Page | 4 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

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9. Devendra Kula Vellalar community not delisted from SC community 10. Kiran Bedi removed as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry 11. Amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 12. Shantanu Muluk gets transit anticipatory bail from Bombay HC 13. Delimitation process of UT of Jammu and Kashmir 14. Shabnam Ali asks President for Mercy 15. Uber drivers are workers not self-employed 16. The Greater Tipraland demand raised by royal scion Pradyot Kishore 17. Khela hobe has become a slogan for both TMC and BJP 18. A renewed debate on court etiquette 19. The conspiracy charge made by Delhi Police against Disha Ravi 20. Tamil Nadu move to utilise excess Cauvery water ‘illegal’

Science & Technology 1. HAL signed MoU with MIDHANI to develop, manufacture composite raw materials 2. Ka-226T utility chopper has 33% indigenous content 3. Square Kilometre Array Observatory 4. HAL LUH (Army Variant) receives Initial Operational Clearance 5. DRDO and IISc signed MoU for Joint Advanced Technology Program 6. Properties of element Einsteinium in the periodic table 7. UAE Hope Probe Nears Mars in First Arab Mission 8. Koo App: India’s alternative to Twitter 9. Excess alcohol intake can irreversibly change DNA 10. A puppet master with a chip in the brain 11. Indian Astronomers Detect Huge Optical Flare from Super Massive Black Hole 12. Detailed genome map of malaria vector 13. Bhima Koregaon suspect’s laptop was hacked to plant evidence 14. Prime Minister hands over indigenous Arjun Mk-1A tank to Army 15. Sandes App: India’s alternative to WhatsApp 16. Online enrollment module for Technograhis under Light House Projects 17. A flurry of Mars missions 18. Raksha Mantri launched E-Chhawani portal & mobile app 19. National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) 20. India emerges key mover of global S&T partnerships 21. Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile 22. National Urban Digital Mission for future smart cities 23. New Material Converts Waste Heat to Electricity for Small Home Appliances & Vehicles 24. Latest Technology Integrated Bamboo Treatment

Security 1. Indian Navy received 3 "made in India" Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

Society and Social Justice 1. Pulse Polio Programme for 2021 2. Strong Positive Impact of PMJAY on Health Outcomes 3. India reaping ‘lockdown dividend’ by saving lives and livelihood 4. Measures for Population Control 5. “Nai Roshni” scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women 6. Gadkari calls for 'all-round' efforts to reduce road accidents by 2025 7. Modifications in Pre and Post Matric Scholarship Schemes 8. Niti Aayog constitutes sub-group to prepare a plan for migrant workers 9. Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission Under VCF-SC 10. TIFAC launches job portal for workers, seawood mission 11. Government took Steps for Child Beggars 12. Inter-caste marriages the way forward to reduce communal tensions 13. Apps and instruction manuals for 5 All India Surveys on Labour 14. Air pollution caused 12,000 deaths in Bengaluru 15. WION launched 'Mission Sustainability - Population v/s Planet' 16. Assam govt increasing daily wage of tea garden workers 17. Rising unemployment is the biggest challenge for India 18. NITI Aayog’s draft national policy on migrant workers 19. 22nd Meeting of the Central Employment Guarantee Council 20. Significance of militants’ surrender in Assam 21. COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped by the COVAX Facility head to Ghana

Sports 1. Renovated football ground, basketball court in President’s Estate 2. 2nd Khelo India National Winter Games

Miscellaneous 1. Yoga and ‘Rabindranath’ in Chile 2. Red Fort and Delhi: Symbols and narratives of power down the ages 3. Agriculture Minister informed Lok Sabha about Agri India Hackathon 4. ‘Aatmanirbharta’ chosen Oxford Hindi Word of Year 2020 5. Prime Minister’s ‘Five S’ vision to tackle global challenges 6. 'KAPILA' for patent awareness 7. Andhra Pradesh Becomes the 2nd State to Undertake Power Sector Reforms 8. After oils, FSSAI caps transfats in foods 9. Ministry of AYUSH informed Parliament about Medicinal plants 10. National AYUSH Mission 11. Transforming skilling through strategic partnerships under SANKALP 12. Status of Skilled Youths in India 13. All types of steel to be used for highway construction due to rising steel prices 14. Indian Sign Language dictionary with 10,000 terms released 15. Pariksha Pe Charcha 2021 16. 6th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

17. India is building its own Footwear Sizing System 18. Emergency use approval for Sputnik V vaccine 19. India’s first app to assess one’s carbon footprint 20. LIC of India launches new 'Bima Jyoti' plan 21. 1st country to identify need for action for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease 22. Govt launched National Urban Digital Mission for creating digital infra 23. UPSC adds Leh as exam centre for Civil Services candidates from Ladakh 24. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) 25. World’s largest cricket stadium renames as Narendra Modi Stadium 26. Consecration ceremony of Mahamrityunjayatemple in Naogaon 27. The 2nd edition of Global Bio-India to be organised from 1-3 March 28. E-Daakhil portal for consumer grievance redressal now operational in 15 states

Awards and Honours Scientist Bhavya Lal appointed Acting Chief of Staff of NASA The Indian-American scientist, Bhavya Lal who oversaw NASA’s transition under President Joe Biden’s administration, has been appointed as the Acting Chief of Staff of the U.S. space agency.

As the acting chief of staff, Lal will be responsible for the day-to-day operations at NASA’s headquarters and will work towards shaping the strategic direction of the space agency. S.N. Subrahmanyan appointed as Chairman of the National Safety Council The Ministry of Labour & Employment has appointed Shri S.N. Subrahmanyan, CEO and Managing Director, L&T Ltd, as the Chairman of the National Safety Council for a period of three years.

Shri Subrahmanyan is an eminent engineer who has spearheaded the infrastructure business of L&T for several years making it the country’s largest construction organization and 14th in the world. Industrial parks and industries in the country Ministry of Commerce and Industry informed Rajya Sabha about Industrial parks and industries in the country.

Industrial Park Scheme-2002, applicable for any undertaking which develops and operates, or, maintains and operates, an Industrial Park for the period beginning 1st day of April, 1997 and ending 31st day of March, 2006, was notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade on 1st April, 2002. CCEA approves grant of ₹100 crore to Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has accorded approval to the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for grant-in-aid of Rs 100 crore to Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Limited (BVFCL), Namrup, in Assam to sustain operations of its urea manufacturing units.

BVFCL, Namrup is a Public Sector Undertaking formed as per Companies Act, under the administrative control of the Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Government of India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

ISA announces Dr. Ajay Mathur as its new Director General The International Solar Alliance (ISA) announces Dr. Ajay Mathur as its new Director General following his election at the first special assembly

Dr Mathur replaces Mr Upendra Tripathy, who has served as Director General since the inception of the ISA. First Female to Head World Trade Organisation Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed as the first female and first African head of the beleaguered World Trade Organization, saying a stronger WTO would be vital for the global coronavirus recovery.

The WTO’s 164 members unanimously selected the 66-year-old development economist to serve a four-year term as director general. Asia Environmental Enforcement Award 2020 The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has received the Asia Environmental Enforcement Award-2020 awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

WCCB got the award twice in three years. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has been awarded this year under the Innovation category. Ayesha Aziz is emerging as a role model for Kashmir women Ayesha Aziz, 25, became the country’s youngest pilot when she acquired her flying license at the age of 16.

She now flies GoAir planes and is emerging as a role model among women in the Kashmir valley, who too are eager to break the social barriers of a conservative society to join professions otherwise dominated by men. Pravas Kumar Singh takes oath as Member CERC Shri R. K. Singh, Minister of State for Power (I/C) administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy to Shri Pravas Kumar Singh, Member, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) had been established by the Government of India under the provisions of the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998. 10th National Awards for technology innovation in petrochemicals & downstream plastics processing industry D V Sadananda Gowda, Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers presented the 10th National Awards for technology innovation in petrochemicals & downstream plastics processing industry to the awardees at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

In line with the National Policy on Petrochemicals announced in April 2007, the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC), Government of India has set up an Award Scheme to incentivize meritorious innovations and inventions in the field of polymeric materials, products, process areas of national and social importance.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

Economic Development EPFO net new Enrollments rise 29% to 78.58 lakh in FY21 Net new enrolments with retirement fund body EPFO rose by 28.60 per cent to 78.58 lakh during the financial year 2019-20 compared to 61.1 lakh in the last fiscal, according to the Economic Survey 2021, which also provided a perspective on formal sector employment amid the coronavirus pandemic. 8th India International Silk Fair Textiles Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the 8th India International Silk Fair on Virtual Portal.

The fair is considered to be India’s biggest silk fair, being held under one roof on Indian Silk Export Promotion Council’s virtual platform. Combined Social Sector Expenditure by Centre and States as Per Cent of GDP The Economic Survey 2020-21 states that the combined (Centre and States) social sector expenditure as per cent of GDP has increased in 2020-21 compared to last year.

The expenditure on social services (education, health and other social sectors) by Centre and States combined as a proportion of GDP increased from 7.5% in 2019-20 (RE) to 8.8% in 2020-21 (BE). India’s Sovereign Credit Ratings do not capture its Fundamentals The Economic Survey has called for sovereign credit ratings methodology to be made more transparent, less subjective and better attuned to reflect an economy’s fundamentals.

Never in the history of sovereign credit ratings, has the fifth largest economy in the world been rated at the lowest rung of the investment grade (BBB-/Baa3) except in the case of China and India. Improved Monetary Policy transmission; Repo Rate cut by 115 BPS Monetary policy was significantly eased from March 2020 onwards owing to the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic and remained accommodative in 2020, said the Economic Survey 2020-21.

The repo rate has been cut by 115 bps since March 2020, with 75 bps cut in first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in March 2020 and 40 bps cut in second meeting in May 2020. Fiscal deficit pegged at 6.8 per cent of GDP The Fiscal deficit for the financial year 2021-22 pegged at 6.8 percent. The Total resources being transferred to the states including the devolution of states share, grants, loans and releases under centrally sponsored scheme in budget estimate for the fiscal is 13 lakh 88 thousand 502 crore rupees which shows an increase of 74 thousand 565 crores over revised estimate of 2020-21. FDI limit in insurance sector increased to 74% A key take away from the Union Budget 2021 is that the Centre has proposed to increase FDI cap in insurance sector to 74%. Presenting the Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announced that the government will amend the Insurance Act, 1938 to increase the permissible FDI limit from 49% to 74%.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

Govt to introduce single Securities Markets Code While presenting the Union Budget 2021-22 in Parliament, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Government will consolidate the provisions of SEBI Act, 1992; Depositories Act, 1996; Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 and Government Securities Act, 2007 into a rationalised single Securities Markets Code.

The Government will support the development of a world class Fin-Tech hub at the GIFT-IFSC. Qualitative strengthening of 15,000 schools to include all components of NEP Under the Budget 2021-22 announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, more than 15,000 schools will include all components of the National Education Policy to be qualitatively strengthened, and enable them to emerge as exemplar schools in their regions, handhold and mentor other schools to achieve the goals of the policy. Key initiatives in Petroleum & Natural Gas sector The Government had kept fuel supplies running uninterrupted across the country during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Taking note of the crucial nature of fuel requirement in the lives of people, the Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2020-21, in the Parliament, announced key initiatives in the Petroleum & Natural Gas Sector:

 Ujjwala Scheme, which has already benefitted 8 crore households, will be extended to cover 1 crore more beneficiaries.  100 more districts will be being added to the City Gas Distribution Network in the next three years.  A Gas pipeline project will be taken up in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.  An Independent Gas Transport System Operator will be set up for facilitation and coordination of booking of common carrier capacity in all-natural gas pipelines on a non- discriminatory open access basis. National Research Foundation Outlay to be ₹50,000 crore, over 5 years To strengthen the overall research ecosystem of the country, the Union Budget FY 2021-22 announced a slew of new initiatives to boost Innovation and R&D in the country. While presenting the Budget in Parliament, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, proposed initiatives covering digital payments, space sector and deep ocean explorations. ₹15,700 cr provided for MSME sector in Union Budget Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made a provision of Rs 15,700 crore for the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in the Union Budget 2021-22.

It is proposed to take up decriminalisation of the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act, 2008 on similar lines of the decriminalising of the procedural and technical compoundable offences under the Companies Act, 2013, which is now complete. Two PSBs, one general insurance company to be disinvested The government has pegged its target for disinvestment for FY 2021-22 at Rs 1.75 lakh crore. A major announcement made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was that the government

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021 will privatise two public sector banks other than IDBI Bank. One general insurance company will also be privatised in the coming fiscal. FM proposes increase of 137 per cent in Budget for Health and well-being Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman presented the Union Budget for the year 2021-22 in the lower house of the parliament. The Health and Wellbeing have found sharp focus and central positioning in the Union Budget 2021-22 presented in Parliament.

They form the basis of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. There is a steep increase of 137 per cent in the Budget outlay for Health and Wellbeing. Govt to rationalise custom duties on gold, silver Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2021 in Parliament. The finance minister provided a major boost to healthcare and infrastructure in Union Budget 2021. However, there was no change in Income Tax slabs this year.

The forthcoming Census could be the first digital census in the history of India and has been allocated Rs. 3,768 crore in the year 2021-2022. 34.5 % increase in Capital Expenditure with be of ₹5.54 Lakh Crore While presenting the Union Budget 2021-22 in Parliament the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced a sharp increase in capital expenditure with BE of Rs 5.54 lakh crore which is 34.5% more than the BE of last financial year (Rs. 4.12 lakh crore).

It is expected that the total capital expenditure during 2020-21 will be at around Rs 4.39 lakh crore. Union Budget for 2021-22 gives boost to Public Transport in Urban Areas Public transport system in urban areas got a major boost in the Budget for the year 2021-22, tabled in the Parliament by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs. Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

A new scheme will be launched at a cost of 18,000 crore to support augmentation of public bus transport services. FM announces key tax benefits to senior citizens In the Union Budget 2021-22, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeks to further simplify the Tax Administration, Litigation Management and ease the compliance of Direct Tax Administration.

To further reduce litigation of small tax payers, Smt. Sitharaman proposed to constitute a Dispute Resolution Committee. Anyone with a taxable income upto Rs. 50 lakh and disputed income upto Rs. 10 lakh, shall be eligible to approach the Committee. Outlay for Ministry of Road and Transport and Highways The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced several measures to augment road infrastructure in the Union Budget 2021-22 presented in the Parliament.

An enhanced outlay of 1,18,101 crore has been provided for Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, of which 1,08,230 crore is for capital, the highest ever.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

Record Outlay of ₹1,10,055 Crore for Railways Indian Railways has received a record outlay of 1,10,055 crore, of which ` 1,07,100 crore is for capital expenditure. This record outlay was announced by the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2021-22 in the Parliament.

Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan for India – 2030. The Plan is to create a ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030. Weak Revenue Flow Combined with High Expenditure on Essential Relief The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman drew the attention of the Parliament on the fact that the pandemic’s impact on the economy has resulted in a weak revenue inflow.

This was combined with high expenditure to provide essential relief to vulnerable sections of the society especially the poor, women, SCs and STs. Government to step up Funding for National Infrastructure Pipeline While presenting the Union Budget 2021-22 in Parliament the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced that in order to achieve the target of National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) in the coming years the Government proposes following three steps:

Creation of institutional structures Scheme for Revamped Reforms -based Result-Linked Power Distribution Sector Expressing serious concern over the viability of power distribution companies, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech of 2021-22, proposed an outlay of Rs 3,05,984 crore over 5 years for a revamped reforms- based result-linked power distribution sector Scheme.

The Scheme will provide assistance to DISCOMS for infrastructure creation, including prepaid smart metering and feeder separation, up gradation of systems, etc. tied to financial improvements. Budget greenlights Maha's Metro Neo project in Nashik The country was provided much-needed clarity over the government's plan to revive an ailing Indian economy when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Union Budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

To be adopted for the first time in the country in Maharashtra’s Nashik, MetroNeo is a comfortable, rapid, energy-efficient and less noisy transport medium. Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) has been created under NABARD The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component of ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY-PDMC)’ from 2015-16 in all the States of the country which focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through Micro Irrigation viz. Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

NITI Aayog study to track economic impact of green verdicts The NITI Aayog has commissioned a study that seeks to examine the “unintended economic consequences” of judicial decisions that have hindered and stalled big-ticket projects on environmental grounds.

The document appears to suggest that judgments that negatively impact major infrastructure projects don’t adequately consider the economic fallout — in terms of loss of jobs and revenue. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for 2021-22 Union government has allocated ₹16,000 crores for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for the fiscal year 2021-22 to boost the safety of farmers' crops and to ensure that maximum benefit of crop insurance reaches farmers.

This is a budgetary increase of around Rs 305 crore as against the previous fiscal year 2020-21. PM dedicates Haldia LPG import terminal to the nation The Prime Minister of India visited Haldia, West Bengal and dedicated to the nation the LPG import terminal, 348 km Dobhi – Durgapur Natural Gas Pipeline section, which is part of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) has been approved for the period of next four years starting from 2021-22. It will be implemented with effect from 1st April 2021.

It will be implemented with effect from 1st April 2021.

The Scheme aims to provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. SEBI imposes ₹1 crore penalty on NSE in co-location case The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) imposed a penalty of ₹ 1 crore on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in the co-location case for failing to ensure a level playing field for trading members subscribing to its TBT (Tick-by-Tick) data feed system. Privatisation of two public sector banks The Union Budget has announced the privatisation of two public sector banks (in addition to IDBI Bank) and one general insurance company in the upcoming fiscal.

It also announced a strategic sale/disinvestment policy for four strategic sectors — including banking, insurance and financial services — in which it will have a “bare minimum presence”. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region Prime Minister Modi initiated a scheme for development of commercial organic farming in the region during 2015 which later became to be known as “Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region” (MOVCDNER).

The scheme started with an average annual allocation of Rs. 134 crore during last five years has so far covered 74,880 ha area.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

Nitin Gadkari to launch India's first CNG tractor Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari formally launched India's first-ever diesel tractor converted into a CNG tractor on February 12.

The conversion, carried out jointly by Rawmatt Techno Solutions & Tomasetto Achille India, will help farmers increase their income, by lowering costs, and help to create job opportunities in rural India. Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council launched SAKSHAM Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) has launched SAKSHAM (Shramik Shakti Manch).

It is a dynamic job portal for mapping the skills of Shramiks vis-à-vis requirements of MSMEs to directly connect Shramiks with MSMEs and facilitate placement of 10 lakh blue-collar jobs. PM laid foundation stone and inaugurates various projects in Kochi, Kerala Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stone of various projects in Kochi Kerala.

The inauguration of Sagarika, the International Cruise Terminal in Kochi will cater to over a lakh cruise guests. It is the country's first full-fledged international cruise terminal. PM Modi unveiled key projects in Tamil Nadu Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled several key projects in Tamil Nadu in a function held in Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. He also handed over the indigenous main battle tank Arjun Mk-1A, designed and developed by a Chennai-based DRDO unit, to the Army. PM Modi to launch several key projects of oil & gas sector in Tamil Nadu Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation of key projects of the oil and gas sector in Tamil Nadu through video conferencing.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the Ramanathapuram – Thoothukudi natural gas pipeline.

It will produce Motor Spirit and Diesel meeting BS-VI specifications, and Polypropylene as a value- added product. Hike in petrol and diesel price in India Diesel and petrol prices have hit record highs across the country, with petrol touching Rs 89 per litre in Delhi, and diesel reaching a new high of Rs 86.30 per litre in Mumbai.

The government reasons that global crude oil prices have risen by more than 50 per cent to over $63.3 per barrel since October, forcing oil retailers to increase pump prices. Prime Minister to inaugurate the Pugalur - Thrissur power transmission project Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 320 KV Pugalur (Tamil Nadu) - Thrissur (Kerala) power transmission project.

It is a Voltage Source Convertor (VSC) based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Project and has India's first HVDC link featuring state-of-the-art VSC technology.

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PM Modi to launch Kasaragod Solar Power Project in kerala. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 50 MW Kasaragod Solar Power Project in kerala.

It has been developed under the National Solar Energy Mission.

Set up over 250 acres of land spread across Paivalike, Meenja and Chippar villages of Kasaragod district, it has been built with Central Government’s investment of around Rs. 280 crores. Cabinet approves PLI scheme for telecom sector The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 12,195-crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for domestic manufacturing of telecom and networking products such as switches, routers, radio access network, wireless equipment and other internet of things (IoT) access devices. Comprehensive Economic cooperation and Partnership Agreement The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) between India and Mauritius.

The India-Mauritius CECPA will be the first trade Agreement to be signed by India with a country in Africa. Ground set for LIC IPO Decks are being cleared for the mega listing of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), India’s largest financial institution with assets of over Rs 32 lakh crore.

The government is systematically removing hurdles in the way, and market regulator SEBI has relaxed norms to make the listing process smoother. Central government issues MSP guidelines for sugar mills The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution issued separate guidelines for sugar mills and cane commissioners in regards to sale of sugar below the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of Rs 3,100/- per quintal.

To control the constant slide in ex-mill prices of sugar, the central government had in June 2018 specified the concept of MSP for sugar. Piyush Goyal dedicates series of projects for rail infrastructure in WB The Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal has dedicated series of projects for the development of rail infrastructure in poll-bound West Bengal.

126 Route Kilometer newly electrified section from New Jalpaiguri to New Coochbehar dedicated is part of the Railway electrification work which is going on to achieve 100% electrification of Indian Railways’ network. RBI released Annual Report of Ombudsman Schemes for 2019-20 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Annual Report of the Ombudsman Schemes for the year 2019-20.

RBI has three Ombudsmen- Banking, Non-Banking Finance Company (i.e. NBFC) and digital transactions. A common man can approach these Ombudsmen for their grievances.

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PM Modi inaugurated important Oil & Gas projects and Engineering Colleges in Assam Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation INDMAX Unit at Indian Oil’s Bongaigaon Refinery, Oil India Limited’s Secondary Tank Farm at Madhuban, Dibrugarh and a Gas Compressor Station at Hebeda Village, Makum, Tinsukia remotely from Dhemaji in Assam.

He also inaugurated the Dhemaji Engineering College and laid the foundation stone for Sualkuchi Engineering College in Assam. Centre lifts embargo on private banks The Centre has lifted embargo on private sector banks for conduct of government related transactions. They include taxes and other revenue payment facilities, pension payment and small saving schemes. Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme for IT Hardware The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for IT Hardware. The scheme proposes production linked incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the value chain of IT Hardware. Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Pharmaceuticals The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals over a period of Financial Year 2020-21 to 2028-29.

Total incremental sales of Rs.2,94,000 crore and total incremental exports of Rs.1,96,000 crore are estimated during six years from 2022-23 to 2027-28. PM inaugurated & laid foundation stone of various infra projects in Coimbatore PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stone of various development projects in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

He dedicated to the nation the 1000 MW Neyveli New Thermal Power Project and 709 MW Solar Power Project of NLC India Limited (NLCIL) (formerly Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited). Indian economy to contract by 8% in 2020-21 The growth in India's real GDP during 2020-21 is estimated at -8 per cent as compared to the growth rate of 4.0 per cent in 2019-20, said government as part of its second advance estimates of the economic growth.

The government had projected a GDP contraction of 7.7 per cent in its first advance estimate.

The growth in GDP during 2020-21 is estimated at -8.0 percent as compared to 4.0 percent in 2019- 20.

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Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management Disputes on Projects of Krishna & Godavari River Both the Governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have mutually complained against each other about new projects on Krishna and Godavari rivers without submitting their Detailed Project Reports (DPR) to Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) and Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) respectively for appraisal and clearance. Glacial lake burst in Uttarakhand Glacier breaks off at Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district causing flash flood in Dhauliganga River, devastating the Dhauliganga Dam and endangering people.

Scientists are not sure what triggered the sudden surge of water near Chamoli in Uttarakhand that briefly raised fears of a repeat of the 2013 disaster in the state. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods A glacier break is suspected to have caused the flash floods in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli. When glaciers melt, the water in glacial lakes accumulates behind loose, natural “glacial/moraine dams” made of ice, sand, pebbles and ice residue.

A GLOF refers to the flooding that occurs when the water dammed by a glacier or a moraine is released suddenly. Smallest reptile on earth discovered in Madagascar Scientists believe they may have discovered the smallest reptile on earth - a chameleon subspecies that is the size of a seed.

The team found one male and one female of the species, named Brookesia nana, during an expedition in 2012. The male has a length (snout to vent) of 13.5 mm and a total length of 21.6 mm when the tail is included. Flash floods and their mitigation Flash flood incident in Uttarakhand is another warning of the dangers that a Himalayan state like Uttarakhand faces from natural processes like landslides, snow avalanches cloudbursts or lake bursts.

As we saw in 2013 in the same state, such processes can trigger much bigger disasters and cause massive destruction. But it is possible to work towards minimising the threat of such incidents and reduce their impact. Sadananda Gowda calls upon farmers to use fertilizers based on soil health cards Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers D.V. Sadananda Gowda has asked farmers to reduce excessive use of Urea, which he pointed out, is spoiling the soil health.

Investigations carried out under All India Coordinated Research Project on ‘Long Term Fertilizer Experiments’ over five decades at fixed sites have indicated that continuous use of nitrogenous fertilizer alone had deleterious effect on soil health and crop productivity showing deficiencies of other major and micro nutrients.

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The Koch Rajbongshi vote in Assam and West Bengal Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Assam and West Bengal, where he addressed a community vital to upcoming Assembly elections in both states — the Koch Rajbongshis.

They are a community that traces its roots to the Kamata kingdom, which comprised parts of Assam, West Bengal and adjoining territories. Vijayanagara became Karnataka’s 31st district The Karnataka government issued a notification demarcating boundaries of the newly-formed Vijayanagara district. With Vijayanagara, the state now has 31 districts.

Named after the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, the new district was carved out from Ballari under the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964. Chamoli rescue ops briefly halted as water level rises Rescue and search operations were briefly halted at NTPC’s Tapovan hydel project afternoon after police in Uttarakhand issued an alert over rising water levels in the Alaknanda river and its tributary Dhauliganga.

The Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Plant is a 520 MW run-of-river hydroelectric project being constructed on Dhauliganga River in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. Hopes Dim for Three Climbers Missing in Winter K2 Attempt K2 stands as the world’s second-tallest summit, after Mount Everest, and some climbers consider it even more perilous. Only last month did one group become the first to successfully scale it during winter, braving dangerously thin air and temperatures that can plunge past minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

‘Alpine style’ mountaineering involves ascending with only the minimum number of breaks, and without the assistance of porters. The Farakka ‘lock’ and hilsa It has been reported that an old project to facilitate the movement of hilsa upstream along the Ganga to its spawning grounds of yore may come to fruition this year.

In scientific parlance, the hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is an anadromous fish. Demolition process begins at Vembanad The authorities have initiated preliminary steps to demolish the illegally constructed villas of Kapico Kerala Resorts Pvt. Ltd. on Nediyathuruthu island on Vembanad Lake.

Vembanad (Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol) is the longest lake in India and the largest lake in the state of Kerala. A rare duck created a flutter in Upper Assam Floating in the Maguri-Motapung beel (or wetland) in Assam’s Tinsukia district for over a week is the spectacular and rare Mandarin duck.

First spotted on February 8 by Madhab Gogoi, a Tinsukia-based birder and tour guide, the duck has since become the star of the wetland — an area affected by a blowout and fire at a natural gas well located close by in May 2020.

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The Andhra Pradesh-Odisha dispute over 21 border villages Andhra Pradesh held panchayat elections in three villages in the Kotia cluster, which is at the centre of a dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

These villages, with a population of nearly 5,000, are located on a remote hilltop on the inter-state border and are inhabited by Kondh tribals. India is putting out its mapping, geospatial data available for general use India set free the process of map making and generation of geospatial data, giving Indian private players the freedom to handle such information without prior approval or restriction.

Mapping was till now remained a government preserve, handled by the Central government's Survey of India. With the sweeping changes announced today, any Indian entity can take part in the process and profit from it. Leatherback nesting sites could be overrun by Andamans project Proposals for tourism and port development in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands have conservationists worried over the fate of some of the most important nesting populations of the Giant Leatherback turtle in this part of the Indian Ocean.

Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is largest of the seven species of sea turtles on the planet and also the most long-ranging, being found in all oceans except the Arctic and the Antarctic. Dhubri Phulbari Bridge in Assam Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone of Dhubri Phulbari Bridge and perform Bhumi Pujan for construction of Majuli Bridge Assam on 18th February 2021.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the four lane bridge over the Brahmaputra between Dhubri (on North Bank) and Phulbari (on South Bank). Hyderabad wins ‘Tree Cities of the World’ title Hyderabad has won a green contest among cities in India, and emerged one of the ‘Tree Cities of the World’. The city joins 120 others from 23 countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia.

That title has been bestowed by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Swachh Tourist Destinations under Phase-IV The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti has announced the selection of the 12 iconic sites under Phase IV of Swachh Iconic Places (SIP).

Under Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G), aim is to transform the iconic heritage, spiritual and cultural places in the country as ‘Swachh Tourist Destinations’. The caracal now critically endangered The National Board for Wildlife and Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change last month included the caracal, a medium-sized wildcat found in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, in the list of critically endangered species.

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Though not under grave threat in its other habitats, the animal is on the verge of extinction in India, some experts believe.

History, Art & Culture PM cites example of Bhagyashree Sahu's efforts in promoting 'Pattachitra' painting During the Mann ki Baat programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited the example of Bhagyashree Sahu, young student from Rourkela in Odisha for her keen interest in 'Pattachitra' painting.

Patta means cloth, and Chitra means picture. Hence, Pattachitra is a picture painted on a piece of cloth. It is based in the states of West Bengal and Odisha. PM Modi inaugurated Chauri Chaura centenary celebrations Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chauri Chaura Centenary Celebrations at Chauri Chaura, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

The day marks 100 years of the ‘Chauri Chaura’ incident, a landmark event in the country’s fight for independence. Museum to pride of Kodagu General Thimayya in Madikeri It was an ode to the pride of Kodagu as the President of India inaugurated the General Thimayya Museum in Madikeri. The museum has been built at Sunnyside, the former residence of General KS Thimayya. Akashvani names music festival after Pandit Bhimsen Joshi The prestigious Akashvani Music Festival has been renamed after Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar made this announcement at a Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Centenary Commemorative function organized in Pune. Jamtara turns a new page with public library movement A library movement developed in a short span of time in Jharkhand’s Jamtara district is receiving a steady flow of students and helping them turn a new page.

The district love for books assumes huge significance as it has the dubious distinction of being the “phishing capital of India”. Schools under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to be renamed after Subhas Chandra Bose Schools and hostels under the Ministry of Education's Samagra Shiksha scheme will now be renamed after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The association of these schools with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose will act as an inspiration to the children and also motivate the teachers, staff and administration to enable them to achieve high standards of excellence.

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Preserving and promoting the traditional cultural heritage of India Institutions of Ministry of Culture such as the Academies namely Sangeet NatakAkademi (SNA), Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Kalakshetra Foundation (KF), Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), National School of Drama (NSD), Sahitya Akademi (SA) and Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA) are engaged in the work of preserving and promoting the traditional cultural heritage of India. PM recognises India’s youngest martyr after 8 decades As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Dhekiajuli town, about 150 kms northwest of Guwahati, to unveil a slew of development projects in Assam.

Dhekiajuli is associated with the Quit India Movement of 1942. Dhekiajuli was home to possibly the youngest martyr of the Indian freedom struggle. Foundation stone of Maharaja Suheldev Memorial Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of Maharaja Suheldev Memorial on 16th February 2021.

The event in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh marks the birth anniversary of Maharaja Suheldev. 75 years of Shri Ram Chandra Mission Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a programme to mark 75 years of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. Sri Ram Chandra Mission is a non-profit organization which provides spiritual training to the interested seekers around the world.

Sahaj Marg (The Natural Path), a form of Raja Yoga, is a meditation system involving meditation, cleaning, and prayer. What is Saka Nankana Sahib? Nankana Sahib, the birth place of first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev, was also the site of the first big agitation by the SGPC to take back control of gurdwaras from mahants backed by the British.

The centenary of Sri Nankana Sahib massacre, which is popularly known as Saka Nankana Sahib, is being marked in an event there on February 21 this year. Preservation of Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara Hearing arguments on the preservation of Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, a Gaekwadi heritage structure, the Gujarat High Court Chief Justice recalled a similar judgment by Allahabad High Court.

The Lakshmi Vilas Palace is located in Vadodara, Gujarat. PM Modi inaugurated toy fair Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India Toy Fair 2021 on 27 February.

In his Mann ki Baat address in August 2020, the Prime Minister had said that toys not only augment activity, but also give flight to aspirations. He also emphasized boosting toy manufacturing in India.

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Important Days & Events 45th Raising Day of Indian Coast Guard The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrates its 45th Raising Day on 1 February 2021.

The ICG was raised on 1 February 1977, with the enactment of Coast Guard Act 1978, as a full- fledged independent Armed Force of the Union under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). World Wetlands Day 2021 World Wetlands Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on the 2nd of February to raise global awareness about the high importance of wetlands for people and our planet.

WWD is also an occasion to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. Groundhog Day 2021 Groundhog Day is observed in the United States and Canada on 2 February each year.

The groundhog (Marmota monax) is also known as a woodchuck.

It is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Jayanti Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, the legendary vocalist, is being rerembered on his birth anniversary on 4th February.

Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi (1922 –2011) was an Indian vocalist from Karnataka, in the Hindustani classical tradition. Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports informed Lok Sabha about Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram.

The Scheme Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK) is an ongoing Central Sector Scheme. World Cancer Day 2021 World Cancer Day is observed on 4th February each year to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. World Pulses Day 2021 The World Pulses Day is celebrated on February 10 every year and recognised Pulses as a global food.

World Pulses Day 2021 theme is #LovePulses. International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021 International Day of Women & Young Girls in Science is celebrated on 11th February each year. On the International Day of Women & Young Girls in Science, Ministry of Women & Child Development in association with Ministry of Education and MyGov, Ministry of Electronics and Information technology launched an online campaign.

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President to Open Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Annual Udyanotsav The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, opened the annual “Udyanotsav” of Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 12, 2021.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, is flanked by the iconic Mughal gardens — spread over 15 acres. World Unani Day 2021 World Unani Day is celebrated on February 11, 2021 to spread awareness about health care delivery through Unani system of medicine through its preventive and curative philosophy.

World Unani Day is celebrated every year to mark the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan. World Radio Day 2021 World Radio Day is celebrated on 13 February each year. The Day was decided by UNESCO on 3 November 2011 during its 36th conference.

According to UNESCO, radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse. Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s birth anniversary Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar paid tributes to Swami Dayanand Saraswati on his birth anniversary on February 12, 2021.

Dayananda Saraswati (12 February 1824 – 30 October 1883) was an Indian philosopher, social leader and founder of the Arya Samaj, a reform movement of the Vedic dharma. 11th edition of 'Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav' The Governor of West Bengal, Jagdeep Dhankhar in the presence of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism, Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated the 11th Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 14 at Cooch Behar Palace at Cooch Behar in West Bengal.

Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav is the flagship festival of this Ministry of culture. “Mushaira” to be organised by Union Ministry of Minority Affairs Union Ministry of Minority Affairs will organise “Mushaira” on the theme of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” in New Delhi on 20th February 2021 where renowned poets of the country will present their couplet.

Mushaira is a poetic symposium. It is an event (called mehfil, mushairi) where poets gather to recite their work so that they may enjoy, criticise, and ultimately appreciate what was recited. Basant Panchami 2021 Basant Panchami, the festival which marks the arrival of the spring season in India, is celebrated on February 16, 2021.

Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami marks the beginning of the spring season - Basant means spring and Panchami means "the fifth day" (or Panchmi of Shukla Paksha in Magh Maas).

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Shri Guru Ravidas Vishva Mahapeeth Rashtriya Adhiveshan President Ram Nath Kovind said India's constitutional values of social justice, freedom, equality and fraternity are in line with Guru Ravidas's philosophy of life. He said this while addressing 'Shri Guru Ravidas Vishva Mahapeeth Rashtriya Adhiveshan in New Delhi. 66th Convocation of IIT Kharagpur Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is going to address the 66th Convocation of IIT Kharagpur, on 23rd February 2021.

The super speciality hospital has been set up by the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur with support from the Ministry of Education. International Mother Language Day 2021 International Mother Language Day is observed on 21 February each year to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.

The declaration came up in tribute to the Language Movement done by the Bangladeshis (the then East Pakistanis). In Bangladesh the 21 February is the anniversary of the day when Bangladeshis fought for recognition for the Bangla language. Farmers observe ‘Pagdi Sambhal Divas’ to protest farm laws Further intensifying their agitation, the farmers observed ‘Pagdi Sambhal Divas’ at the Delhi borders in protest against the three central farm laws. The event, organised by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), was inspired by the ‘Pagdi Sambhal Lehar’ of 1906.

The farmers are also honouring the memory of Ajit Singh, uncle of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and founder of the Pagri Sambhaal movement of 1907. Saras Aajeevika Mela 2021 Minister of Rural development inaugurated Saras Aajeevika Mela 2021 at Noida Haat.

Ministry of Rural Development is working to include more women in Self Help Groups (SHGs). He said these SHGs played a vital role in increasing family income and improving quality of life.

International Affairs SJVNL bags 679 Megawatt hydro electric power project in Nepal State-owned SJVN Ltd has bagged a 679 MW hydro electric project in Nepal, the power ministry said in a statement.

The Nepalese government has allotted 679 MW Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project in Nepal to SJVN through international competitive bidding. Special UK visa scheme for Hong Kong residents The UK is opening a special visa scheme that will allow lakhs of Hong Kong residents a chance to migrate and eventually apply for British citizenship.

The visas will be issued to those in Hong Kong who hold a British National (Overseas) passport and their immediate dependents, and will offer a fast track to UK citizenship.

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Antifreeze has made US soldiers fall ill Eleven US soldiers fell sick after accidentally drinking ethylene glycol, a chemical found in antifreeze. According to a Reuters report, the soldiers from Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas were completing a 10-day field training exercise when the incident occurred. The Colombo port setback for India After strong opposition from trade unions across the country, Sri Lanka has unilaterally pulled out of a 2019 agreement with India and Japan for developing the strategic East Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port.

In 2019, India and Sri Lanka signed a memorandum of understanding for “co-operation on economic projects”. The ‘Walking While Trans’ ban, recently repealed in New York New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill repealing a controversial law known as the “Walking While Trans” ban, which has been widely criticised for disproportionately discriminating against transgender people of colour.

‘Walking While Trans’ ban is the colloquial name for a law, which was originally passed in 1976 with the intention of prohibiting loitering for the purpose of prostitution. The South African Covid variant Ever since scientists started tracking the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, it has become a cause for concern that the virus has developed multiple variants that began emerging in the fall of 2020.

Of the three, the latest South African variant known as 20H/501Y.V2 or B.1.351 appears to be more infectious than the original virus. US extends New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty with Russia for five years United States has extended the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) nuclear arms control treaty with Russia for five years.

President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reportedly discussed it by phone a week ago, and subsequently Mr Putin signed it into law on Friday. First India-EU high-level dialogue on trade, investment held The first High-Level Dialogue (HLD), co-chaired by the Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and the European Union Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis. Central Bank of Sri Lanka repays swap line facility with RBI The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) settled a $ 400 million currency swap facility from the Reserve Bank (RBI) of India last week, meeting the terms that the two countries had agreed upon.

The update sparked speculation in local media that India may have “abruptly terminated” the agreement, following Colombo’s decision to pull out of a 2019 agreement to develop a Colombo Port terminal jointly with India and Japan.

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Canada designates the Proud Boys a terrorist group Canada labeled far-right group the Proud Boys a terrorist organization, less than a month after some of its members participated in the deadly U.S. Capitol riot. Canada's public safety department said it had "reasonable grounds" to believe the Proud Boys is a group that "has knowingly participated in or facilitated a terrorist activity." Denmark Will Build Artificial Island to House Wind Energy Hub Denmark approved plans to construct an artificial island in the North Sea and use it as clean energy hub.

The project is being called the largest construction project to be undertaken in Denmark’s history with an estimated cost of DKK 210 billion. India & Bahrain join hands for Renewable Energy India and Bahrain have agreed to forge deeper engagement in the field of renewable energy. The Joint Working Group in the field of Renewable Energy which held its first meeting in virtual format, underscored the importance of renewable energy to meet climate change goals.

A MoU between India and Bahrain was signed in 2018 for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy. US moves to rejoin UN Human rights council The Biden administration is set to announce this week that it will reengage with the much- maligned U.N. Human Rights Council that former President Donald Trump withdrew from almost three years ago.

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system. World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 on 10th February.

The theme of the Summit is ‘Redefining our common future: Safe and secure environment for all’. Nord Stream 2 pipeline between Germany and Russia In a development that could ratchet up tensions between the United States and Germany, the consortium building the Nord Stream 2 pipeline has said that it has resumed work on the controversial project.

In 2015, Gazprom and 5 other European energy firms decided to build Nord Stream 2, valued at around $11 billion. MoU for the construction of the Lalandar “Shatoot” Dam in Afghanistan A signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the Lalandar Dam in Afghanistan took place over VTC on 9 February 2021.

The MoU was signed by EAM Dr. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Mr. Hanif Atmar, in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of Afghanistan H.E. Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.

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AIM kick-starts India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon 2021 AIM and Australia's national science agency (CSIRO) kick-started the India-Australia Circular Economy (I-ACE) Hackathon, 2021 with the goal to enable talented innovative students and startups from Australia and India to address common national issues through innovative technology solutions. Draghi sworn in as Italy's new PM as country hopes to turn page Former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi was formally sworn in as Italy's new prime minister, against the backdrop of the deadly coronavirus pandemic and a crippling recession.

Mario Draghi (born 1947) is an Italian economist, central banker and politician, who is serving as Prime Minister of Italy since 13 February 2021. Socialists win but separatists expand majority in Catalonia election In Catalonia saw the pro-Madrid Socialist Party claim a narrow victory ahead of the secessionist Republican Left, although both parties are set to command an equal number of seats in the region's 135-seat parliament.

Catalonia is an autonomous community in the north-eastern corner of Spain. UK is set to conduct the first COVID-19 human challenge trials (HCT) The UK is set to conduct the first COVID-19 human challenge trials (HCT) within a month from now.

The UK government is spending £33.6 million for the trials, being conducted jointly by the government’s Vaccines Taskforce, Imperial College London, the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and the clinical company called hVIVO. Turkey to build Space Port in Somalia Turkey could establish a spaceport in Somalia with a $350 million investment as part of its nascent space program that will cost upward of $1 billion.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced Turkey's plans to land on the moon by 2023 in a news conference earlier this month during the inauguration ceremony of the country's National Space Program. India, Maldives signed agreements on wide range of domains including fish processing Agreements on a wide range of domains, including fish processing, public broadcasting, sustainable urban growth, road infrastructure and housing, were signed by India and the Maldives.

The broadcasting partnership is for association between Prasar Bharati and the official State Media of the Maldives, PSM. Dutch Indian Water Alliance for Leadership Initiative (DIWALI) A platform called DIWALI has been developed in which India and Netherlands could participate for designing solution for water challenges in order to find solutions for water related challenges.

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The consortium of experts from the two counties would explore the potential and sustainability of Dutch Solutions to resolve challenges in specific water challenged sites in India which are scalable, sustainable and affordable.. Chinese divorce court ordering ‘housework compensation’ for a woman In a landmark judgment delivered weeks after China enforced its new civil code, a divorce court in Beijing has ordered a man to compensate his ex-wife for the housework she did during five years of marriage.

The court has split their joint property equally, and ordered the man to pay around $7,700 to his former wife as “housework compensation”. Japan appoints ‘Minister of Loneliness’ after suicide rates increase Japan’s suicide rate rose in 2020, with 20,919 people taking their lives according to data by the National Police Agency. Most experts believe that the problem of escalating suicides in Japan is tied to the country’s culture of loneliness. Christians, Muslims and Jews to share faith centre in Berlin On the site of a church torn down by East Germany’s communist rulers, a new place of worship is set to rise that will bring Christians, Jews and Muslims under one roof – and it has already been dubbed a “churmosquagogue”.

Polity & Governance Meghalaya assembly speaker visits Arunachal assembly Meghalaya State Assembly Speaker Metbah Lygdoh visited Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat in Itanagar to get first-hand information about the National e-Vidhan project implemented in the Assembly. Government sends notice to Twitter on restoring suspended accounts The government may take the unprecedented step of filing a first information report (FIR) against Twitter if it doesn’t comply with directions to block accounts and tweets that threaten law and order, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

In India, the Information Technology Act, 2000, as amended from time to time, governs all activities related to the use of computer resources. Sub-categorisation of OBCs Centre has extended the tenure of The Commission to Examine Sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) headed by Justice G Rohini, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court.

OBCs are granted 27% reservation in jobs and education under the central government. What are government securities? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will give small investors direct access to its government securities trading platform.

Retail investors can directly open their gilt accounts with RBI, and trade in government securities. The RBI Governor described this as a “major structural reform.”

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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued guidelines for floating structures Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has issued the guidelines for floating structures with a vision to set up world-class floating infrastructure all along the coastline in the upcoming projects as per the provisions contained in the guidelines.

The guidelines sets out technical aspects for implementation of Floating Jetties or Platforms for Marinas, Minor Harbors, Fishing Harbours or Fish landing centers, Waterdomes and such other similar facilities in coastal areas, estuaries, waterways, rivers and reservoirs. Gujarat’s two-child policy Three candidates from the Municipal Corporations of Vadodara and Rajkot were disqualified under the two-child policy in place in the state for candidates. The nominations were challenged because each candidate had three children.

In 2005, the Gujarat government amended the Gujarat Local Authorities Act to “prevent a person having more than two children to be a member of panchayat, or the councillor of a municipality or municipal corporation”. Parliament passed landmark Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020 Parliament passed the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020. The Bill is more compact in comparison to the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 as the number of sections has been reduced to 76 from 134 by eliminating overlapping and obsolete Sections.

The new Bill has proposed a simplified composition of the Board of Port Authority which will comprise of 11 to 13 Members from the present 17 to 19 Members representing various interests. Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill 2021 Lok Sabha gave its nod to Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill 2021. The Bill contains provisions to deal with domestic and international arbitration. It defines law for conducting conciliation proceedings. The Bill replaces an Ordinance with the same provisions promulgated on 4th November last year.

The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was introduced in Lok Sabha on February 4, 2021. Devendra Kula Vellalar community not delisted from SC community The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has said that the reports appearing in media about delisting of Devendra Kula Vellalar community from SC soon are completely misinformed.

The Ministry has clarified that the news is misleading and does not reflect the actual position. Kiran Bedi removed as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Kiran Bedi was removed as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry late. Telangana Governor Tamilsai Soundararajan has been given additional charge of the Union Territory until regular arrangements are made.

Article 153 of the Indian constitution states that here shall be Governor for each State.

Nothing in this article shall prevent the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more States.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

Amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 The Union Cabinet of India has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Women and Child Development to amend the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 to introduce measures for strengthening Child Protection set-up to ensure best interest of children.

The amendments include authorizing District Magistrate including Additional District Magistrate to issue adoption orders under Section 61 of the JJ Act, in order to ensure speedy disposal of cases and enhance Shantanu Muluk gets transit anticipatory bail from Bombay HC Shantanu Muluk who has been allegedly involved in creating a 'toolkit' related to farmers' protests, was granted transit anticipatory bail by the Bombay High Court on February 16, 2021.

According to Article 22 of the Constitution of India, every person who is “arrested and detained in custody” has to be produced before the nearest magistrate within a period of 24 hours of the arrest — the period excludes the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the court. Delimitation process of UT of Jammu and Kashmir Delimitation Commission comprising of Chairperson held a meeting in New Delhi with the Associate Members from Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, for seeking their suggestion/views on the process of delimitation in respect of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

An overview on the process of delimitation based on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 and Delimitation Act, 2002 was presented before the Members detailing various Sections of these Acts related to the delimitation exercise. Shabnam Ali asks President for Mercy A prison in Uttar Pradesh is preparing for what could be the first-ever hanging of a woman convict in independent India. Shabnam Ali was sentenced to death for killing seven members of her family, including a baby, in 2008.

The same day, Shabman filed a second mercy petition with the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and the President of India, both of whom have earlier rejected her plea. Uber drivers are workers not self-employed Uber drivers must be treated as workers rather than self-employed, the UK's Supreme Court has ruled.

With this ruling, Uber and other service providing platforms could also potentially face legal and regulatory challenges in India, as big tech companies from across the globe are under government scrutiny for the differential terms of service and engagement in geographies such as the EU and in locations such as India. The Greater Tipraland demand raised by royal scion Pradyot Kishore Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya has recently announced his new political demand of ‘Greater Tipraland’, which he claims would serve the interest of tribals, non-tribals, Tripuri tribals staying outside Tripura, even those outside India in Bandarban, Chittagong, Khagrachari and other border adjacent areas in Bangladesh.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

Khela hobe has become a slogan for both TMC and BJP With the political mercury rising in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly polls, the bitter rivalry among parties is being played out not just through war of words, but also colourful jingles and slogans.

Among them, one that has particularly captured the imagination across the political spectrum is the slogan ‘khela hobe’ (Game on). A renewed debate on court etiquette The debate around court etiquette in India was triggered again on February 23, 2021 after a Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) S A Bobde objected to a petitioner addressing judges as “Your Honour”.

“When you call us Your Honour, you either have the Supreme Court of United States or the Magistrate in mind. We are neither,” the CJI told the petitioner, a law student. The conspiracy charge made by Delhi Police against Disha Ravi In granting bail to 22-year-old climate change activist Disha Ravi, the trial court in Delhi rejected the Delhi Police charge that she was part of a “larger conspiracy” to incite violence in the national capital on January 26.

Section 120A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines criminal conspiracy; Section 120B prescribes the punishment for it. Tamil Nadu move to utilise excess Cauvery water ‘illegal’ Terming the Tamil Nadu government’s move to utilise the excess water in the Cauvery basin as ‘illegal,’ Home, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that Karnataka will challenge the new link scheme of Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court.

Science & Technology HAL signed MoU with MIDHANI to develop, manufacture composite raw materials Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mishra Dhatu Nigam (MIDHANI) for development and production of composite raw materials during the Aero India 2021 held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

This is the first time that such a MoU has been signed for composite raw materials. Ka-226T utility chopper has 33% indigenous content The total indigenous content of the Ka-226T utility helicopters, to be jointly manufactured locally by India and Russia with Transfer of Technology (ToT), is between 27%-33%.

The final deal is held up as the Russian proposal of 62% indigenous content in assembled helicopters falls short of the tender requirement of 70%. Square Kilometre Array Observatory An intergovernmental organisation called the SKA Observatory was launched in order to give a push to radio astronomy.

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The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) project, spanning two continents and involving the participation of 20 countries, is expected to be ready for carrying out observations towards the end of this decade. HAL LUH (Army Variant) receives Initial Operational Clearance The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the Indian Army from Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh during the ongoing Aero India 2021 at Air Force Station Yehalanka, Bengaluru on February 05, 2021. DRDO and IISc signed MoU for Joint Advanced Technology Program DRDO has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru for creation of JATP–Center of Excellence (JATP – CoE) in the premises of IISc to expand the scope and objective of existing Joint Advanced Technology Program. Properties of element Einsteinium in the periodic table A team of scientists at the Berkeley Lab has reported some of the properties of element 99 in the periodic table called “Einsteinium”, named after Albert Einstein.

It was discovered in 1952 in the debris of the first hydrogen bomb (the detonation of a thermonuclear device called “Ivy Mike” in the Pacific Ocean). UAE Hope Probe Nears Mars in First Arab Mission The United Arab Emirates' first mission to Mars is set to reach the red planet and enter its orbit following a seven-month, 494 million km journey, allowing it to start sending data about the Martian atmosphere and climate.

With this, the UAE has become the fifth country after the US, Russia, China, the EU, and India, to reach the Martian orbit. Koo App: India’s alternative to Twitter At a time when the Centre is embroiled in a kerfuffle with microblogging site Twitter over blocking of certain accounts, several ministers and departments of the Union government have started flocking on Koo App — a homemade version of the social networking platform.

The microblogging site was co-founded by entrepreneurs Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidwatka. Radhakrishna had founded online cab booking service TaxiForSure, which was subsequently sold to Ola Cabs. Excess alcohol intake can irreversibly change DNA It is common knowledge that excessive alcohol consumption is bad for health. But the assumption that all the damage can be set right after a person stops drinking is not true, according to researchers from NIMHANS.

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause irreversible changes to the DNA and these can persist even when alcohol is no longer consumed, revealed a study conducted by a team of researchers at NIMHANS. A puppet master with a chip in the brain When tradition meets modernity, the result can sometimes be amazing. A puppet with robotic movements may not sound very charming but in a melding of traditional art and cutting edge Page | 32 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021 technology, a shadow leather puppet in Kerala’s famous temple art Tholpavakkoothu is being animated by a robot. Indian Astronomers Detect Huge Optical Flare from Super Massive Black Hole Indian astronomers have reported one of the strongest flares from a feeding super massive black hole or blazar called BL Lacertae, analysis of which can help trace the mass of the black hole and the source of this emission.

Blazars or feeding supermassive black holes in the heart of distant galaxies receive a lot of attention from the astronomical community because of their complicated emission mechanism. Detailed genome map of malaria vector Scientists have unveiled the detailed genome of the malaria mosquito vector, revealing thousands of new genes vital for the development of genetic control strategies of disease transmission.

In order to engineer advanced forms of defence against malaria transmission, including targeted CRISPR and gene drive–based strategies, scientists require intricate knowledge of the genomes of vector mosquitoes. Bhima Koregaon suspect’s laptop was hacked to plant evidence Key evidence against Rona Wilson, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case that is being investigated by the NIA, was planted on a laptop seized by police, a report by Arsenal Consulting, a Massachusetts-based digital forensics firm, has claimed.

His petition referred to a report brought out by Arsenal Consulting, a digital forensics consulting company based in Massachusetts, which was hired by Mr. Wilson’s defence team. Prime Minister hands over indigenous Arjun Mk-1A tank to Army Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the indigenous main battle tank Arjun Mk-1A to the Army in a function at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.

Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane received the model of the tank, designed and developed by Chennai-based Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a unit of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Sandes App: India’s alternative to WhatsApp After India's version of the 'Koo' App in response to social media platform Twitter, there is yet another App named 'Sandes' which is in lines with the popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp.

Like WhatsApp, the new NIC platform can be used for all kinds of communications by anyone with a mobile number or email id. Online enrollment module for Technograhis under Light House Projects Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has initiated Global Housing Technology Challenge India (GHTC-India) which aims to identify and mainstream globally best available proven construction technologies that are sustainable, green and disaster-resilient to enable a paradigm shift in affordable housing.

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TECHNOGRAHIS are students from IITs, NITs, engineering, planning and architecture colleges, faculty members, academicians, and stakeholders. A flurry of Mars missions Going to Mars is non-trivial, since both planets revolve around the Sun and are hence in constant motion relative to each other. Earth and Mars are at their closest distance relative to each other every 26 months — and this is when Earthlings try to send missions to Mars. Raksha Mantri launched E-Chhawani portal & mobile app Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched E-Chhawani portal and mobile app in New Delhi on February 16, 2021. The portal (https://echhawani.gov.in/) has been created to provide online civic services to over 20 lakh residents of 62 Cantonment Boards across the country.

Through the portal, the residents of cantonment areas will be able to avail basic services like renewal of leases, application for birth & death certificates, water & sewerage connections, trade licences with just a click of a button. National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) The Finance Minister in her budget speech formally announced the National Hydrogen Energy Mission which aims for generation of hydrogen from green power resources.

While proposed end-use sectors include steel and chemicals, the major industry that hydrogen has the potential of transforming is transportation — which contributes a third of all greenhouse gas emissions. India emerges key mover of global S&T partnerships The world-class 3.6 meter optical telescope set up at the place has assumed global importance for observing a number of time-critical cosmic explosive events such as Gamma Ray Bursts and Supernovae.

It is the Asia’s largest fully steerable optical telescope, an international facility for and people from different parts of the world compete for observation and machine time by submitting research proposals. Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday conducted two successful launches of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM).

The launches were carried out from a static vertical launcher from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. National Urban Digital Mission for future smart cities The Union government has unveiled ‘National Urban Digital Mission’ a move to create digital infrastructure for cities across the country. The move is in line with the Centre’s smart city programme.

The National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) will create a shared digital infrastructure for urban India, working across the three pillars of people, process, and platform to provide holistic support to cities and towns.

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New Material Converts Waste Heat to Electricity for Small Home Appliances & Vehicles Scientists have found a new Lead (Pb) free material which can efficiently convert waste heat to power our small home equipment and automobiles.

Most efficient thermoelectric materials developed by scientists so far use Lead (Pb) as a major constituent element, restricting their use for mass-market applications. Latest Technology Integrated Bamboo Treatment Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the latest technology Integrated Bamboo Treatment Plant in the premises of North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC).

The plant is based on vacuum-pressure-impregnation technique and is funded by the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) and North Eastern Council (NEC).

Security Indian Navy received 3 "made in India" Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Indian Navy received 3 "made in India" Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The helicopters are customised for coastal security.

The naval version of ALH is fitted with an array of advanced sensors that can detect Mumbai terror attacks like intrusions on Indian waters. Society and Social Justice Pulse Polio Programme for 2021 The countrywide Pulse Polio Programme for 2021 has began. President Ram Nath Kovind launched the programme on the eve of the Polio National Immunization Day by administering polio drops to children less than five years old at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The drops were administered to children on the eve of the Polio National Immunization Day, which is observed on the 31st January 2021 (Sunday), also popularly known as Polio Ravivar. Strong Positive Impact of PMJAY on Health Outcomes Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), an ambitious program and a crucial component of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, launched by Government of India in 2018, to provide healthcare access to the most vulnerable sections, has had a strong positive impact on the healthcare outcomes of those States that have adopted the healthcare scheme.

This was stated in the Economic Survey 2020-21 which was laid by Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament. India reaping ‘lockdown dividend’ by saving lives and livelihood India is reaping the "lockdown dividend" from the preventive measures it adopted at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic indicating its willingness to take short-term pain for long-term gain.

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COVID-19 pandemic engendered a once-in-a-century global crisis in 2020 where 90 per cent of countries are expected to experience a contraction in GDP per capita and India’s efforts focused on saving lives and livelihoods by its willingness to take short-term pain for long term gain. Measures for Population Control The Government has been implementing the National Family Planning Program which provides voluntary and informed choices to the beneficiaries through a target free approach with the objective of checking population increase in the country.

A National Population Policy has been formulated in the year 2000 with the long-term objective of attaining population stabilisation by 2045. “Nai Roshni” scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women “Nai Roshni”, a scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women by Ministry of Minority affairs is being implemented across India.

Its aims is to empower and instill confidence in women by providing knowledge, tools and techniques for interacting with Government systems, banks and other institutions at all levels. Gadkari calls for 'all-round' efforts to reduce road accidents by 2025 Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari called for all-round efforts by all stakeholders to ensure that deaths due to road accidents are reduced by 50 per cent before 2025.

Terming the situation as alarming, the Minister said India stands at number one position in road accidents in the world, ahead of US and China. Modifications in Pre and Post Matric Scholarship Schemes Department of Social Justice & Empowerment informed Lok Sabha about the Modifications in Pre and Post Matric Scholarship Schemes.

The scheme wise important changes introduced are as follows: Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC students:

The funding pattern under the scheme was revised from the concept of committed liability to a fixed sharing pattern of 60:40 between Centre and the States (90:10 in case of North Eastern States) or Notional Allocation whichever is lower. Post-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes (SC) students:

During the year 2020-21, the Union Cabinet has approved the revision and continuation of the scheme from the year 2020-21 to 2025-26 which includes, inter-alia, revision of funding pattern to a sharing ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and the States (90:10 in case of NE States). Pre-Matric Scholarship for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Post Matric Scholarship for OBCs

The income limit has been changed under Pre Matric Scholarship of OBC and Post Matric Scholarship for OBCs as per details given below:

 The Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC increased from Rs.1.00 lakh to Rs. 2.50lakh per annum.  The Post Matric Scholarship for OBC increased from Rs.1.50 lakh to Rs.2.50lakh per annum.

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Niti Aayog constitutes sub-group to prepare a plan for migrant workers The NITI Aayog has constituted a sub-group to prepare a National Action Plan for Migrant Workers.

The sub-group comprises the members from various Ministries of Govt. of India, subject experts, NGOs and civil society organisations, to prepare a tangible action plan to address issues related to migrant workers. Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission Under VCF-SC The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India in order to boost entrepreneurship and innovation among the SC students/SC Divyang youth has launched Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) under Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) on 30th September 2020. TIFAC launches job portal for workers, seawood mission A think-tank, TIFAC, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched a job portal for mapping the skills of workers as per requirements of MSMEs and a seaweed cultivation mission. Government took Steps for Child Beggars Union Minister of Women and Child Development informed Lok Sabha about the steps related to Child Beggars.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act) is the primary law for children in the country. Inter-caste marriages the way forward to reduce communal tensions Educated youngsters are showing the way forward to reduce caste and community tensions in India by tying the knot in intermarriages, the Supreme Court said in a judgment.

Educated younger boys and girls are choosing their life partners, which, in turn, is a departure from the earlier norms of society where caste and community play a major role. Apps and instruction manuals for 5 All India Surveys on Labour Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar launched Software Applications and instruction manuals with questionnaires for five All India Surveys on Labour.

The five All India Surveys are being conducted by Labour Bureau in Chandigarh. Air pollution caused 12,000 deaths in Bengaluru According to the Greenpeace Southeast Asia Analysis of IQAir data, at least 12,000 people have died in Bengaluru as a result of air pollution and related problems and caused economic damages to the tune of Rs.12,365 crore in 2020.

Six Indian cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Lucknow — feature in the global analysis. WION launched 'Mission Sustainability - Population v/s Planet' WION, in partnership with Mobius Foundation, is taking the vision of the Government of India forward and launching a one-year-long social initiative called 'Mission Sustainability - Population v/s Planet'. Page | 37 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

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The campaign commenced with a two-hour-long Thought Leadership Conclave on February 20, 2021.

World population has witnessed an increase from 1 billion in the year 1800 to 7.8 billion today. Assam govt increasing daily wage of tea garden workers Assam government increased the wages of tea garden workers from Rs 167 to Rs 217, coming on the heels of a long-standing demand of the community for an increase and political promises for the same.

Moreover, for equal wages of small tea workers, a one-man committee under Principal Secretary Dr JB Ekka will be formed. Rising unemployment is the biggest challenge for India One of the top Twitter trends over the past few hours has been “#modi_rojgar_do”. The hashtag essentially asks Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide more employment.

Just before the Covid crisis at the end of 2019-20 financial year, India had (according to the data provided by Mahesh Vyas of Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy) around 403.5 million employed people and around 35 million (or 3.5 crore) openly unemployed people in the country. NITI Aayog’s draft national policy on migrant workers Spurred by the exodus of 10 million migrants (as per government estimates) from big cities during the Covid-19 lockdown, NITI Aayog, along with a working subgroup of officials and members of civil society, has prepared a draft national migrant labour policy.

The draft describes two approaches to policy design:

 one focussed on cash transfers, special quotas, and reservations;  the other which “enhances the agency and capability of the community and thereby remove aspects that come in the way of an individual’s own natural ability to thrive”. 22nd Meeting of the Central Employment Guarantee Council The 22nd Meeting of the Central Employment Guarantee Council, constituted under Section 10 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (Mahatma Gandhi NREGA), 2005 was held on February 23, 2021 under the Chairmanship of Union Minister of Rural Development.

The Central Employment Guarantee Council has been constituted under Section 10 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (Mahatma Gandhi NREGA), 2005. Significance of militants’ surrender in Assam 1,040 militants of five militant groups of Karbi Anglong district ceremonially laid down arms at an event in Guwahati in the presence of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, a development which further bolsters the ‘terrorism-free Assam’ image of the current BJP-led government.

Among the surrendered militants is Ingti Kathar Songbijit, a primary accused in multiple cases of militancy and ethnic violence in the state. COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped by the COVAX Facility head to Ghana Ghana became the first country outside India to receive COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped via the COVAX Facility.

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This is a historic step towards our goal to ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally, in what will be the largest vaccine procurement and supply operation in history. Sports Renovated football ground, basketball court in President’s Estate President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Rashtrapati Bhavan Krida Sthal (renovated football ground and basketball court) in the President''s Estate, according to an official statement.

These state-of-art sports facilities are developed with the aim to cater to the needs of the employees of Rashtrapati Bhavan and their families. 2nd Khelo India National Winter Games Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered the inaugural address at the 2nd Khelo India National Winter Games on 26th February 2021.

The event has been organised by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council and the Winter Games Association of J&K.

Miscellaneous Yoga and ‘Rabindranath’ in Chile In his Mann Ki Baat address on January 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the popularity of Yoga in Chile and appreciated the Latin American nation’s love for Indian culture.

In Chile, the 4th of November has been declared as National Yoga Day. Red Fort and Delhi: Symbols and narratives of power down the ages Newsfeeds on Republic Day were dominated by scenes of protests on the ramparts of the Red Fort. The climax of what newspapers referred to as the “storming”, “breach”, or “raid”, was the raising of the Nishan Sahib on the pole normally reserved for the hoisting of the national flag by the Prime Minister on Independence Day. Agriculture Minister informed Lok Sabha about Agri India Hackathon Union Minister of Agriculture informed Lok Sabha about Agri India Hackathon.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has started organising KRITAGYA- a National level hackathon in the month of August, 2020 to promote innovation in agriculture and allied sectors in the country. ‘Aatmanirbharta’ chosen Oxford Hindi Word of Year 2020 ‘Aatmanirbharta’, implying self-reliance, has been chosen by Oxford Languages, which publishes the Oxford English dictionary, as its Hindi Word of Year 2020 as it “validated the day-to-day achievements of the countless Indians who dealt with and survived the perils of a pandemic”.

The 2019 Oxford Hindi word of the year was “Samvidhaan” or Constitution as the panelists felt that in 2019, the abrogation of Article 370 and the Supreme Court’s judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute brought attention to the Constitution.

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Prime Minister’s ‘Five S’ vision to tackle global challenges The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers’ Conclave began with a keynote address from Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on 4th February on the sidelines of Aero India 2021 in Bengaluru.

As the largest nation in the IOR region with a vast coast line of 7500 Kms, India has an active role to play for peaceful and prosperous co-existence of all countries. 'KAPILA' for patent awareness The Government has launched a campaign namely Kalam Program for Intellectual Property Literacy and Awareness Campaign (KAPILA) for Intellectual Property Literacy and creating patent awareness. Andhra Pradesh Becomes the 2nd State to Undertake Power Sector Reforms Andhra Pradesh becomes the second State to undertake the power sector reforms stipulated by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.

As part of the reforms, the State has started Direct Benefit transfer (DBT) of electricity subsisdy to farmers with effect from September, 2020. After oils, FSSAI caps transfats in foods The FSSAI has amended its rules to put a cap on trans fatty acids (TFAs) in food products just weeks after it tightened the norms for oils and fats.

Food products in which edible oils and fats are used as an ingredient shall not contain industrial trans-fatty acids more than 2% by mass of the total oils/fats present in the product, on and from 1st January, 2022. Ministry of AYUSH informed Parliament about Medicinal plants The NMPB is presently implementing “Central Sector Scheme on Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” throughout the country.

Under ‘Medicinal Plants’ component of the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) scheme supporting market driven cultivation of 140 prioritized medicinal lants in identified cluster/ zones with in the selected districts of States and implemented in a mission mode. National AYUSH Mission Government of India is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) through States/UTs for development and promotion of AYUSH systems of medicine including Ayurvedic system. Transforming skilling through strategic partnerships under SANKALP The Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship chaired a function ‘Transforming skilling through strategic partnerships under SANKALP’.

SANKALP (Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) is a World Bank loan assisted programme to strengthen the district skill administration and the District Skill Committees (DSCs). Status of Skilled Youths in India The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) informed Rajya Sabha about the Status of Skilled Youths in India. Page | 40 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

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MSDE is implementing its flagship demand-driven Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), for imparting short duration skill development training through Short-Term Training (STT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to youth across all States/UTs. All types of steel to be used for highway construction due to rising steel prices The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued orders that all types of steel will be allowed for the construction of highways in the country.

The steel proposed to be used would be tested in NABL-accredited laboratories as a third party check before approval. Indian Sign Language dictionary with 10,000 terms released From names of banks, political parties, websites and apps to fast food dishes like pani puri and momos, the third edition of the digital Indian Sign Language dictionary launched included 10,000 terms across six categories.

The Dictionary has been brought out by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), an autonomous Institute under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Pariksha Pe Charcha 2021 Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged parents and teachers to take part in the annual 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' interaction programme along with the students saying: It’ll be a fun-filled discussion on an otherwise serious subject. 6th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the sixth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog on 20th February 2021 via video conferencing.

The agenda of the meeting includes deliberations on agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, human resource development, service delivery at grassroots level and health & nutrition. India is building its own Footwear Sizing System India could have its own ‘Footwear Sizing System’ by next year, which will hopefully remove some of the confusion involved in buying shoes of ‘EU’, ‘UK’ or ‘US’ sizes, especially online.

CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) will lead a pan India feet scanning survey, data from which will be used to define Indian footwear size standards – and which will be included by shoe manufacturers in their size charts. Emergency use approval for Sputnik V vaccine Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL) has applied for emergency use authorisation with the Indian drug regulator for Sputnik V vaccine. Earlier, DRL had indicated that it aimed to launch the vaccine in March itself if it gets the regulator's nod. India’s first app to assess one’s carbon footprint Chandigarh became the first state or Union Territory in India to launch Carbon Watch, a mobile application to assess the carbon footprint of an individual.

Although the app can be accessed by everyone, it has specific options for the residents of Chandigarh to compile a detail study.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

LIC of India launches new 'Bima Jyoti' plan Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India has introduced 'Bima Jyoti' plan a non-linked, non- participating, individual savings plan, which offers a combination of protection and savings.

This plan provides guaranteed lumpsum payment at maturity and financial support to the family in case of the unfortunate death of the policyholder during policy term. 1st country to identify need for action for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease India has become the first country in the world to identify the need for action for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan launched the operational guidelines for integration of Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with the National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke. Govt launched National Urban Digital Mission for creating digital infra The Central government launched National Urban Digital Mission' to create a digital infrastructure for cities in the country.

The India Urban Data Exchange has been developed in partnership between the Smart Cities Mission and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. UPSC adds Leh as exam centre for Civil Services candidates from Ladakh In a first of its kind the Union Public Service Commission UPSC has opened a new centre for the Civil Services Examination, in Leh for the candidates from Union Territory Ladakh.

Sanctioning of a new centre for Civil Services examination in Leh is a great relief for the aspiring candidates. Leh will be the 73rd centre in the country to hold the preliminary exam for Civil Services on 27th of June this year. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) A number of digital initiatives “SmartCode Platform” focussing on urban governance were launched by Minister, Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, and MoS (I/C) Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, in the presence of Secretaries of the respective Ministries, and other officers of the Central and State Governments. World’s largest cricket stadium renames as Narendra Modi Stadium The World’s largest cricket stadium at Motera in the Prime Minister’s home state of Gujarat, which was inaugurated by President Ramnath Kovind, to be known as Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium and be a part of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. Consecration ceremony of Mahamrityunjayatemple in Naogaon Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah attended the consecration ceremony of Mahamrityunjayatemple in Naugaon, Assam.

He participated in the consecration ceremony of the world’s tallest 126 feet high Shivling in the Mahamrityunjaya temple.

He also visited Borodua pilgrimage, the birthplace of Mahapurush Shrimant Shankardev. He started the new Vaishnav tradition from this holy land and made the Vaishnavite tradition vibrant. Page | 42 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

The 2nd edition of Global Bio-India to be organised from 1-3 March The Biotechnology sector has emerged as an integral part of the Indian economy over the past few decades, and the Government of India is playing a transformative and catalytic role in building a USD 150 billion bio-economy by 2025. E-Daakhil portal for consumer grievance redressal now operational in 15 states E-Daakhil portal for Consumer grievance redressal is now operational in 15 States/UTs. Department of Consumer Affairs is now proactively following up with the states to launch e-filing portal at their ends.

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