68th EDITION Vanik’s MONTHLY ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021 Current Affairs Banking | Railway | Insurance | SSC | UPSC | OPSC | PSU Contents
Union Budget 2021-22 ------1 Economy ------12 RBI in News ------12 SBI in News ------13 Other Banks in News ------13 Financial News ------16 Fund and Financial Allocation ------17 Rating and Survey ------18 MOU and Agreement ------19 Committee and Its Head ------20 State News ------21 National ------26 International ------30 Bilateral ------32 International and National Summits ------33 Ranking and Index ------33 Award ------35 Person in News/Newly Appointed ------37 Sports ------40 Science and Technology ------41 Defence ------42 Important Days ------43 Book and Author ------44 Obituary ------45 MAGAZINE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – 2021
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UNION BUDGET 2021-22
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Presenting the first ever digital Union Budget 2021, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India’s fight against COVID-19 continues into 2021 and that this moment in history, when the political, economic, and strategic relations in the post-COVID world are changing, is the dawn of a new era – one in which India is well- poised to truly be the land of promise and hope. The Union Budget 2021-22 is the first Budget of the new decade and the first paperless budget. It is also the third one that follows a contraction in the economy.
The Budget 2021-22 rests on six pillars 1. Health & Well-Being 2. Physical & Financial Capital & Infrastructure 3. Inclusive development for aspirational India 4. Reinvigorating human capital 5. Innovation & R&D 6. Minimum Govt & Maximum Governance.
1. Health and Well Being PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana: 1. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman's Budget for 2021-22 has given an unprecedented boost to create healthcare infrastructure in the country, a sector ignored over the years for many decades, feel experts. 2. The budget, which allocated Rs 2,23,846 crore(a 137 per cent hike in the health and wellness budget) for health and wellbeing launched a new centrally sponsored scheme, PM AtmaNirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana, with an outlay of about Rs 64,180 crores over 6 years. The earlier allocations to health and wellbeing were Rs 94,452 crore in 2020-21 and Rs 86,259 crore in 2019-20. 3. The scheme is to develop capacities of primary, secondary, and tertiary care health systems, strengthen existing national institutions, and create new institutions, to cater to detection and cure of new and emerging diseases. 4. In February 2018, the Indian Government had announced Ayushman Bharat Program (ABP) with two components of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), to deliver comprehensive primary health care (PHC) services to the entire population. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) was launched for improving access to hospitalisation services at secondary and tertiary level health facilities for bottom 40% of total population. The plans were to have 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) by December 2022. The first HWC was launched on 14 April 2018 and by 31 March 2020, a total 38,595 AB-HWCs were operational across India. Main interventions under PM Aatma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana: National Institution for One Health 17,788 rural and 11,024 urban Health and Wellness Centers 4 regional National Institutes for Virology 15 Health Emergency Operation Centers and 2 mobile hospitals Integrated public health labs in all districts and 3382 block public health units in 11 states Critical care hospital blocks in 602 districts and 12 central institutions Strengthening of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), its 5 regional branches and 20 metropolitan health surveillance units Expansion of the Integrated Health Information Portal to all States/UTs to connect all public health labs 17 new Public Health Units and strengthening of 33 existing Public Health Units Regional Research Platform for WHO South-East Asia Region 9 Bio-Safety Level III laboratories Vaccines 1. Rs. 35,000 crore for COVID-19 vaccine in 2021-22. 2. The Made-in-India Pneumococcal Vaccine to be rolled out across the country, from present 5 states – to avert 50,000 child deaths annually Pneumococcal vaccine rollout- The pneumococcal vaccine, which is limited to only 5 states at present, will be rolled out across the country. This will avert more than 50,000 child deaths annually.
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Mission Poshan 2.0 launched 1. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has received a 16 per cent increase in its budget allocation this year with a sum of Rs 24,435 crore 2. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman further announced that supplementary nutrition schemes were being merged with the Poshan Abhiyan to launch Mission Poshan 2.0. 3. Intensified strategy to be adopted to improve nutritional outcomes across 112 Aspirational Districts 4. Out of the allocation for the ministry this year, the highest amount has been allocated to Mission Poshan 2.0 and Saksham Anganwadi scheme — Rs 20,105 crore. 5. Poshan 2.0 now combines the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Anganwadi services, Poshan Abhiyan, Scheme For Adolescent Girls and National Creche Scheme. 6. The allocation for social services sector, which includes nutrition and social security and welfare, has been increased from Rs 2,411.80 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 3,575.96 crore. 7. Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, One Stop Centres, Swadhar Greh, Child Protection, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Scheme for Adolescent Girls and Ujjawala have not been allocated anything in this budget. 8. The budget for Mission for Protection and Empowerment of Women has been drastically reduced from Rs 726 crore to Rs 48 crore. Universal Water Supply Scheme For Urban Areas 1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a universal water supply scheme for urban areas -- Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban), in the Union Budget for 2021-22. 2. Rs. 2,87,000 crore over 5 years for Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) – to be launched with an aim to provide: 3. 2.86 crore household tap connections 4. Universal water supply in all 4,378 Urban Local Bodies 5. Liquid waste management in 500 AMRUT cities 6. Launched in 2019, Jal Jeevan Mission (rural) aims to provide tap water connections to rural households by 2024. Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 1. The government has allocated Rs 1,41,678 crore to tackle water, land and air pollution, besides waste management over the next five years under Urban Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 2. Main interventions under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0: 3. Complete faecal sludge management and waste water treatment 4. Source segregation of garbage 5. Reduction in single-use plastic 6. Reduction in air pollution by effectively managing waste from construction-and-demolition activities 7. Bio-remediation of all legacy dump Clean Air Government has allocated another Rs 2,217 crore for tackling air pollution specifically. This money would be invested across 42 cities having a population of more than 1 million residents sites Finance Minister Announces Voluntary Vehicle Scrapping Policy 1. Presenting the Budget for 2021-22 in Parliament, Sitharaman said that under voluntary vehicle scrapping policy, personal vehicles would undergo a fitness test after 20 years while commercial vehicles would require it after completion of 15 years. 2. This will help in encouraging fuel-efficient, environment-friendly vehicles, thereby reducing vehicular pollution and oil import bill 3. The policy will lead to new investments of around Rs 10,000 crore and create as many as 50,000 jobs. 4. The policy would cover an estimated 51 lakh Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) that are above 20 years of age, while another 34 lakh LMVs are above 15 years. It would also cover 17 lakh medium and heavy motor vehicles, which are above 15 years, and currently without valid fitness certificates
2. Physical and Financial Capital and Infrastructure Production Linked Incentive scheme (PLI) 1. The Finance Minister stated that to realise five trillion dollar economy, India's manufacturing sector has to grow in double digits for a sustained period. A PLI scheme has been announced for 13 sectors to achieve the same with an outlay of Rs 1.97 lakh crore over the next 5 years. 2. 7 new Textile Parks to be launched over 3 years 3. In addition to PLI, the Finance Minister proposed a scheme of Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) to enable the textile industry to become globally competitive, attract large investments and boost employment generation. Smt. Sitharaman said that this will create world class infrastructure with plug and play facilities to enable create global champions in exports. 7 Textile Parks will be established over 3 years
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National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) has been expanded to 7,400 projects. 1. She said projects worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore have been completed under the National Infra Pipeline. 2. Govt also introduce bill to set up Development Finance Institution (DFI) providing Rs 20,000 crore to launch the National Asset Monetisation Pipeline to fund new infra projects. 3. The NIP was launched with 6,835 projects, which has now been expanded to more than 7,300. 4. The Union government will set up a Development Finance Institution (DFI) for the long-term financing of its ambitious Rs.111 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) during 2020-25. 5. The pipeline was first made public by the Prime Minister of India during his 2019 Independence Day speech. 6. Investment needed: Rs.111 lakh crore (US$1.6 trillion) over the next five years (2020-2025) to build infrastructure projects and drive economic growth. 7. The centre (39 percent) and state (39 percent) are expected to have an almost equal share in implementing the projects, while the private sector has 22 percent share. Aggressive push towards asset sales. 34.5% Hike In Capital Expenditure To Rs 5.54 Lakh Cr 1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a sharp 34.5 per cent hike in capital expenditure for the FY2021-22 to Rs 5.54 lakh crores to push growth. 2. Of this, a sum of more than Rs.44,000 crores has kept in the Budget head of the Department of Economic Affairs to be provided for projects/programmes/departments that show good progress on capital expenditure and are in need of further funds. 3. Over and above this expenditure, more than Rs.2 lakh crore to States and autonomous bodies for their capital expenditure 4. PSBs will have capital infusion of Rs 20,000 crore. An asset reconstruction company and asset management company would be set up to consolidate and take over the existing stressed debt, thus preventing any further erosion of capital. These will ensure healthy competition, fair price and cash recovery. 5. Expenditure is categorised into two — capital and revenue. Capital is also known as developmental expenditure while revenue comprises expenditure for salaries, subsidy, debt servicing and defence beside others. Roads and Highways Infrastructure 1. Rs. 1,18,101 lakh crore, highest ever outlay, for Ministry of Road Transport and Highways – of which Rs. 1,08,230 crore is for capital 2. Under the Rs. 5.35 lakh crore BharatmalaPariyojana, more than 13,000 km length of roads worth Rs. 3.3 lakh crore awarded for construction: 3,800 km have already been constructed Another 8,500 km to be awarded for construction by March 2022 Additional 11,000 km of national highway corridors to be completed by March 2022 3. Economic corridors being planned: Rs. 1.03 lakh crore outlay for 3,500 km of NHs in Tamil Nadu Rs. 65,000 crore investment for 1,100 km of NHs in Kerala Rs. 25,000 crore for 675 km of NHs in West Bengal Over Rs. 34,000 crore to be allocated for 1300 km of NHs to be undertaken in next 3 years in Assam, in addition to Rs. 19,000 crore works of NHs currently in progress in the State Flagship Corridors/Expressways: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway – Remaining 260 km to be awarded before 31.3.2021 Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway – 278 km to be initiated in the current FY; construction to begin in 2021-22 Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway – 63 km expressway providing an alternate route to NH 27 to be initiated in 2021-22 Delhi-Dehradun economic corridor – 210 km to be initiated in the current FY; construction to begin in 2021-22 Raipur-Vishakhapatnam – 464 km passing through Chhattisgarh, Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh, to be awarded in the current year; construction to start in 2021-22 Chennai-Salem corridor – 277 km expressway to be awarded and construction to start in 2021-22 Amritsar-Jamnagar – Construction to commence in 2021-22 Delhi-Katra – Construction will commence in 2021-22 Advanced Traffic management system in all new 4 and 6-lane highways: Speed radars Variable message signboards GPS enabled recovery vans will be installed
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Railway Infrastructure 1. Rs. 1,10,055 crore for Railways of which Rs. 1,07,100 crore is for capital expenditure 2. National Rail Plan for India (2030): to create a ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030 3. 100% electrification of Broad-Gauge routes to be completed by December, 2023 4. Broad Gauge Route Kilometers (RKM) electrification to reach 46,000 RKM, i.e. 72% by end of 2021 5. Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and Eastern DFC to be commissioned by June 2022, to bring down the logistic costs – enabling Make in India strategy 6. Additional initiatives proposed: a) The Sonnagar-Gomoh Section (263.7 km) of Eastern DFC to be taken up in PPP mode in 2021-22 b) Future dedicated freight corridor projects – East Coast corridor from Kharagpur to Vijayawada East-West Corridor from Bhusaval to Kharagpur to Dankuni North-South corridor from Itarsi to Vijayawada 7. Measures for passenger convenience and safety: Aesthetically designed Vista Dome LHB coach on tourist routes for better travel High density network and highly utilized network routes to have an indigenously developed automatic train protection system, eliminating train collision due to human error Urban Infrastructure 1. Raising the share of public transport in urban areas by expansion of metro rail network and augmentation of city bus service. 2. Rs. 18,000 crore for a new scheme, to augment public bus transport: Innovative PPP models to run more than 20,000 buses To boost automobile sector, provide fillip to economic growth, create employment opportunities for our youth. 3. A total of 702 km of conventional metro is operational and another 1,016 km of metro and RRTS is under construction in 27 cities 4. ‘MetroLite’ and ‘MetroNeo’ technologies to provide metro rail systems at much lesser cost with similar experience in Tier-2 cities and peripheral areas of Tier-1 cities. 5. Central counterpart funding to: Kochi Metro Railway Phase-II of 11.5 km at a cost of Rs. 1957.05 crore Chennai Metro Railway Phase –II of 118.9 km at a cost of Rs. 63,246 crore Bengaluru Metro Railway Project Phase 2A and 2B of 58.19 km at a cost of Rs. 14,788 crore Nagpur Metro Rail Project Phase-II and Nashik Metro at a cost of Rs. 5,976 crore and Rs. 2,092 crore respectively Power Infrastructure 1. 139 Giga Watts of installed capacity and 1.41 lakh circuit km of transmission lines added, and additional 2.8 crore households connected in past 6 years. 2. Consumers to have alternatives to choose the Distribution Company for enhancing competitiveness. 3. Rs. 3,05,984 crore over 5 years for a revamped, reforms-based and result-linked new power distribution sector scheme. 4. A comprehensive National Hydrogen Energy Mission 2021-22 to be launched. Ports, Shipping, Waterways 1. Rs. 2,000 crore worth 7 projects to be offered in PPP-mode in FY21-22 for operation of major ports. 2. Indian shipping companies to get Rs. 1624 crore worth subsidy support over 5 years in global tenders of Ministries and CPSEs. 3. To double the recycling capacity of around 4.5 Million Light Displacement Tonne (LDT) by 2024; to generate an additional 1.5 lakh jobs. Petroleum & Natural Gas 1. Ujjwala scheme, which has benefited 8 crore households so far, will be extended to cover 1 crore more beneficiaries 2. To add 100 more districts to the City Gas Distribution network in next 3 years. 3. A new gas pipeline project in J&K. 4. An independent Gas Transport System Operator to 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 Financial Capital 1. A single Securities Markets Code to be evolved. 2. Support for development of a world class Fin-Tech hub at the GIFT-IFSC. 3. A new permanent institutional framework to help in development of Bond market by purchasing investment grade debt securities both in stressed and normal times.
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4. Setting up a system of Regulated Gold Exchanges: SEBI to be notified as a regulator and Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority to be strengthened. 5. To develop an investor charter as a right of all financial investors. 6. Capital infusion of Rs. 1,000 crore to Solar Energy Corporation of India and Rs. 1,500 crore to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency. Increasing FDI in Insurance Sector: To increase the permissible FDI limit from 49% to 74% and allow foreign ownership and control with safeguards Stressed Asset Resolution: Asset Reconstruction Company Limited and Asset Management Company to be set up Recapitalization of PSBs: Rs. 20,000 crore in 2021-22 to further consolidate the financial capacity of PSBs Deposit Insurance 1. Amendments to the DICGC Act, 1961, to help depositors get an easy and time-bound access to their deposits to the extent of the deposit insurance cover.The centre has approved an increase in the cover from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for bank depositors. 2. Minimum loan size eligible for debt recovery under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002 proposed to be reduced from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh for NBFCs with minimum asset size of Rs. 100 crore FY22 disinvestment target at Rs1.75 lakh crore; privatisation of BPCL, Shipping Corp to be done 1. The government budgeted Rs.1.75 lakh crore from stake sale in public sector companies and financial institutions, including 2 PSU banks and one insurance company, in the next fiscal year 2. strategic sale of IDBI Bank, BPCL, Shipping Corp, Container Corporation, Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd, among others, would be completed in 2021-22 fiscal year beginning April 1. Also legislative amendments required for LIC IPO would be brought in 2021-22. Company Matters 1. To decriminalize the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act, 2008. 2. Easing Compliance requirement of Small companies by revising their definition under Companies Act, 2013 by increasing their thresholds for Paid up capital from “not exceeding Rs. 50 Lakh” to “not exceeding Rs. 2 Crore” and turnover from “not exceeding Rs. 2 Crore” to “not exceeding Rs. 20 Cr”. 3. Promoting start-ups and innovators by incentivizing the incorporation of One Person Companies (OPCs): Allowing their growth without any restrictions on paid up capital and turnover Allowing their conversion into any other type of company at any time, Reducing the residency limit for an Indian citizen to set up an OPC from 182 days to 120 days and Allowing Non Resident Indians (NRIs) to incorporate OPCs in India. 4. To ensure faster resolution of cases by: Strengthening NCLT framework Implementation of e-Courts system Introduction of alternate methods of debt resolution and special framework for MSMEs. 5. Launch of data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning driven MCA21 Version 3.0 in 2021- 22 Government Financial Reforms 1. Treasury Single Account (TSA) System for Autonomous Bodies to be extended for universal application. 2. Separate Administrative Structure to streamline the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ for Cooperatives
3. Inclusive Development for Aspirational India Agriculture 1. Ensured MSP at minimum 1.5 times the cost of production across all commodities. 2. SWAMITVA Scheme to be extended to all States/UTs, 1.80 lakh property-owners in 1,241 villages have already been provided cards. 3. Agricultural credit target enhanced to Rs. 16.5 lakh crore in FY22 – animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries to be the focus areas. 4. Rural Infrastructure Development Fund to be enhanced to Rs. 40,000 crore from Rs. 30,000 crore. 5. To double the Micro Irrigation Fund to Rs. 10,000 crore. 6. ‘Operation Green Scheme’ to be extended to 22 perishable products, to boost value addition in agriculture and allied products. 7. Around 1.68 crore farmers registered and Rs. 1.14 lakh crore of trade value carried out through e- NAMs; 1,000 more mandis to be integrated with e-NAM to bring transparency and competitiveness. 8. APMCs to get access to the Agriculture Infrastructure Funds for augmenting infrastructure facilities
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Fisheries 1. Investments to develop modern fishing harbours and fish landing centres – both marine and inland. 2. 5 major fishing harbours – Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, and Petuaghat to be developed as hubs of economic activity. 3. Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu to promote seaweed cultivation Migrant Workers and Laborer’s 1. One Nation One Ration Card scheme for beneficiaries to claim rations anywhere in the country – migrant workers to benefit the most Scheme implementation so far covered 86% of beneficiaries across 32 States and UTs Remaining 4 states to be integrated in next few months. 2. Portal to collect information on unorganized labour force, migrant workers especially, to help formulate schemes for them. 3. Implementation of 4 labour codes underway Social security benefits for gig and platform workers too minimum wages and coverage under the Employees State Insurance Corporation applicable for all categories of workers Women workers allowed in all categories, including night-shifts with adequate protection Compliance burden on employers reduced with single registration and licensing, and online returns. Financial Inclusion 1. Under Stand Up India Scheme for SCs, STs and women, Margin money requirement reduced to 15% To also include loans for allied agricultural activities 2. Rs. 15,700 crore budget allocation to MSME Sector, more than double of this year’s BE
4. Reinvigorating Human Capital School Education 1. 15,000 schools to be strengthened by implementing all NEP components. Shall act as exemplar schools in their regions for mentoring others. 2. 100 new Sainik Schools to be set up in partnership with NGOs/private schools/states. Higher Education 1. Legislation to be introduced to setup Higher Education Commission of India as an umbrella body with 4 separate vehicles for standard-setting, accreditation, regulation, and funding. 2. Creation of formal umbrella structure to cover all Govt. colleges, universities, research institutions in a city for greater synergy. 3. Glue grant to implement the same across 9 cities 4. Central University to come up in Leh for accessibility of higher education in Ladakh Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare 1. 750 Eklavya model residential schools in tribal areas: Unit cost of each school to be increased to Rs. 38 crore For hilly and difficult areas, to Rs. 48 crore Focus on creation of robust infrastructure facilities for tribal students 2. Revamped Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for welfare of SCs Rs. 35,219 crore enhanced Central Assistance for 6 years till 2025-2026 4 crore SC students to benefit Skilling 1. Proposed amendment to Apprenticeship Act to enhance opportunities for youth. 2. Rs. 3000 crore for realignment of existing National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) towards post-education apprenticeship, training of graduates and diploma holders in Engineering. 3. Initiatives for partnership with other countries in skilling to be taken forward, similar to partnership: With UAE to benchmark skill qualifications, assessment, certification, and deployment of certified workforce With Japan for a collaborative Training Inter Training Programme (TITP) to transfer of skills, technique and knowledge
5. Innovation and R&D 1. Modalities of National Research Foundation announced in July 2019 – Rs. 50,000 crore outlay over 5 years To strengthen overall research ecosystem with focus on national-priority thrust areas. 2. Rs. 1,500 crore for proposed scheme to promote digital modes of payment.
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3. National Language Translation Mission (NTLM) to make governance-and-policy related knowledge available in major Indian languages. 4. PSLV-CS51 to be launched by New Space India Limited (NSIL) carrying Brazil’s Amazonia Satellite and some Indian satellites. 5. As part of the Gaganyaan mission activities: 4 Indian astronauts being trained on Generic Space Flight aspects, in Russia First unmanned launch is slated for December 2021 6. Rs. 4,000 crore over five years for Deep Ocean Mission survey exploration and conservation of deep sea biodiversity.
6. Minimum Government, Maximum Governance 1. Measures being undertaken to bring reforms in Tribunals to ensure speedy justice. 2. National Commission for Allied Healthcare Professionals already introduced to ensure transparent and efficient regulation of the 56 allied healthcare professions. 3. The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill introduced for the same in nursing profession. 4. Proposed Conciliation Mechanism with mandate for quick resolution of contractual disputes with CPSEs. 5. Rs. 3,768 crore allocated for first digital census in the history of India. 6. Rs. 300 crore grant to the Government of Goa for the diamond jubilee celebrations of the state’s liberation from Portuguese. 7. Rs. 1,000 crore for the welfare of Tea workers especially women and their children in Assam and West Bengal through a special scheme.
New Schemes in Budget 2021 : National Language Translation Mission will be set up to boost regional languages and translation for our regional speakers. This will phenomenally help in increasing the utilization of internet services and augment the vision of digital India. A new centrally sponsored scheme in budget, PM AtmaNirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana, will be launched with an outlay of about 64,180 crores over 6 years. This will develop capacities of primary, secondary, and tertiary care Health Systems, strengthen existing national institutions and create new institutions, to cater to detection and cure of new and emerging diseases. This will be in addition to the National Health Mission. The Urban Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 will be implemented with a total financial allocation of 1,41,678 crores over a period of 5 years from 2021-2026. The forthcoming Census could be the first digital census in the history of India. For this monumental and milestone-marking task, I have allocated 3,768 crores in the year 2021-2022. To launch a portal that will collect relevant information on gig, building, and construction-workers among others. This will help formulate Health, Housing, Skill, Insurance, Credit, and food schemes for migrant workers. 100 new Sainik Schools will be set up in partnership with NGOs/ private schools/states. For accessible higher education in Ladakh, FM to set up a Central University in Leh. The government plans to sell part of its holding in Life Insurance Corporation of India through an initial public offering in the coming year. An amendment to the existing Act to facilitate the public offer. To enable the textile industry to become globally competitive, attract large investments and boost employment generation, a scheme of Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) will be launched in addition to the PLI scheme. This will create world class infrastructure with plug and play facilities to enable create global champions in exports. 7 Textile Parks will be established over 3 years. Govt Proposes Agri Infra Cess of 100% on Alcoholic Beverages. The Finance Minister proposed to provide Rs. 1,000 crore for the welfare of Tea workers especially women and their children in Assam and West Bengal for which a special scheme will be devised. In the 75th year of independence, the Budget seeks to reduce compliance burden on senior citizens who are of 75 years of age and above. Such senior citizens having only pension and interest income, will be exempted from filing their income tax return. The paying Bank will deduct the necessary tax on their income. The government of India will set up 15 Health Emergency Centres. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a voluntary vehicle scrapping policy. Vehicles to undergo fitness test – which is 20 years for passenger vehicles and 15 years for commercial vehicles. National Infrastructure Pipeline has been expanded to 7,400 projects. Further, projects worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore have been completed under the National Infra Pipeline. The government will also introduce a bill to
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set up DFI providing Rs 20,000 crore to launch the National Asset Monetisation Pipeline to fund new infra projects. The government will allot Rs 1.03 lakh crore for National Highway Projects in Tamil Nadu; Rs 65,000 core for National Highway Projects in Kerala; Rs 25,000 crore for National Highway Projects in West Bengal. FDI in the insurance sector proposed to be hiked to 74% from 49% now. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces a new gas pipeline project for Jammu and Kashmir. The government has announced an important scheme in the union budget for independent gas transport system operators for booking and coordination to ensure unbiased allocation of natural gas transportation capacity. FM puts disinvestment receipts at Rs 1.75 lakh cr for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2021. Two PSBs and one general insurance company to be divested, legislations amendments to be introduced in this session. “Over 15,000 schools to be qualitatively strengthened under the National Education Policy. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earmarks Rs 1,500 crore for promoting a digital mode of payment. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an allocation of Rs 300 crore to the state of Goa for celebrating the 60th anniversary of the liberation from Portuguese rule. 1,000 more mandis will be integrated with the electronic national market. To boost value addition in agriculture and allied products and their exports, the scope of ‘Operation Green Scheme’ that is presently applicable to tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, will be enlarged to include 22 perishable products. Non-resident individuals with entrepreneurial potential are now enabled to set up One Person Companies (OPC) with no paid-up capital and turnover restrictions, reducing the registration timeline from 182 days to 120 days. Earlier only Indian resident citizens were permitted to set up OPCs. NRIs to be spared from double taxation. New rules to be notified. Tax audit limit increased from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore. The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill will be introduced by the government for passing. To benefit farmers, we are raising customs duty on cotton from nil to 10% and on raw silk and silk yarn from 10% to 15%. We are also withdrawing end-use based concession on denatured ethyl alcohol. Currently, rates are being uniformly calibrated to 15% on items like maize bran, rice bran oil cake, and animal feed additives. To build up domestic capacity, we will notify a phased manufacturing plan for solar cells and solar panels. At present, to encourage domestic production, we are raising duty on solar invertors from 5% to 20%, and on solar lanterns from 5% to 15%. The Finance minister surprised taxpayers by not announcing any change in income tax slab rates. Some relief in filing ITR for senior citizens above 75. No Covid tax, surcharges on income tax. Agri infra cess of 30% on kabuli chana, 10% on peas, 50% on bengal gram/chick peas, 20% on lentil (mosur); 5% on cotton imposed in Budget Agri infra cess of 2.5% imposed on gold, silver and dore bars; 35% on apples; 5% on specified fertilizer; 1.5% on coal, lignite and peat Agri infra cess of 100 pc imposed on alcoholic beverages Agri infra cess of 17.5% on crude palm oil, 20% on crude soyabean, sunflower oil imposed. Government has proposed farm cess of Rs 2.5/litre on petrol, Rs 4 on diesel. Tax holiday for startups extended by 1 yr; exemption on capital gains on investment in startups extended by 1 yr. Rs 1.5 lakh deduction on payment of interest for affordable housing extended by 1 yr. Proposal to allocate Rs. 2,217 crore for 32 urban centres to tackle the burgeoning air pollution problem. A comprehensive National Hydrogen Mission will be launched in 2021-22 for generating hydrogen from green power sources
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Page | 11 MAGAZINE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – 2021 ECONOMY RBI IN NEWS RBI sets up College of Supervisors chaired by N S Viswanathan The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up an academic advisory council called ‘College of Supervisors (CoS)’ to further strengthen supervision over regulated entities. The Cos will be headed by former deputy governor N S Viswanathan The objective of the council will be to identify areas where skill building/up-skilling are requir ed, plan and develop curricula of all programmes, benchmark the programmes with international standards/ best practices, and develop appropriate teaching methods, etc. RBI Launches Digital Payments Index To Track India’s Cashless Economy Growth To boost the adoption of digital payments across the country and map the penetration of the cashless economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently announced the launch of a Digital Payments Index (DPI) with the start of the new year. These parameters and their weightage are as under: Payment Enablers (weight 25%), Payment Infrastructure – Demand-side factors (10%), Payment Infrastructure – Supply-side factors (15%), Payment Performance (45%) and Consumer Centricity (5%). The base period for RBI-DPI is March 2018. This means that the DPI score for March 2018 is set at 100. RBI has calculated the DPI for March 2019 and March 2020 at 153.47 and 207.84 respectively, indicating appreciable growth. RBI-DPI shall be published on a semi-annual basis from March 2021 onwards with a lag of 4 months. The digital payments ecosystem is currently dominated by large technology players including Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, and recently launched WhatsApp Payments. RBI sets Rs 345 crore corpus for developing payment infrastructure in rural India The Reserve Bank of India has announced the operationalization of the Payment Investment Development Fund (PIDF) with an initial corpus of Rs 345 crore for three years – extendable up to an additional two more years. The objective of PIDF is to increase the number of acceptance devices multi-fold in the country, the central bank said in a notification. The fund will be used for adding 30 lakh digital payments touch points which would include 10 lakh physical and 20 lakh digital payment acceptance devices every year with a special focus on tier 3 to tier 6 regions and the north-eastern states. RBI to introduce LEI for large-value transactions in RTGS/NEFT from April The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to introduce the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system for all payment transactions of value 50 crore and above undertaken by entities (non-individuals) using the Reserve Bank-run Centralised Payment Systems with effect from April 1. Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) are the Centralised Payment Systems operated by RBI. LEI is a 20-digit number used to uniquely identify parties to financial transactions worldwide. Reserve Bank has introduced LEI in a phased manner for participants in the over the counter (OTC) derivative and non-derivative markets as also for large corporate borrowers. LEI can be obtained from Legal Entity Identifier India Ltd. (LEIL) which is wholly owned subsidiary of Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL). RBI forms working group on digital lending as frauds come into sharp focus With frauds in digital lending space coming into sharp focus, the Reserve Bank of India has set up a working group to study digital lending activities of the regulated and unregulated players. Jayant Kumar Dash, Executive Director, RBI will be chairman of the group. No charges on transaction through UPI: NPCI National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) said transaction through Unified Payment Interface platform would continue to be free. NPCI continues to perform uninterrupted and convenient UPI transactions.
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Set up in 2008, NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India.
SBI SBI, Indian Oil Corporation launch co-branded RuPay debit card State Bank of India (SBI) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) launched a co-branded contactless RuPay debit card. A customer, anywhere in the country, can get the card by visiting the SBI’s home branch. It is a contactless card and transactions up to Rs 5,000 can be paid for with just a tap. Mahindra Lifespace Developers ties up with SBI for faster home loan approvals, discounts Realty firm Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd said it has signed an MoU with SBI for faster home loan approvals as well as to offer special discounts to customers and employees of both the companies.As part of the agreement, which includes various co-promotional activities and outreach initiatives, customers and employees of SBI and Mahindra Lifespaces will be able to avail the benefits of faster home loan processing and approvals, and special discounts and schemes.
OTHER BANK SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank remain as (D-SIBs) The RBI state-owned SBI, along with private-sector lenders ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank continue to be Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) or institutions which are ‘too big to fail’. SBI, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank continue to be identified as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D- SIBs), under the same bucketing structure as in the 2018 list of D-SIBs. The Reserve Bank had issued the framework for dealing with D-SIBs in July 2014. The D-SIB framework requires the central to disclose the names of banks designated as D-SIBs starting from 2015 and place these lenders in appropriate buckets depending upon their Systemic Importance Scores (SISs). SIBs are seen as ‘too big to fail (TBTF)’, creating the expectation of government support for them in times of financial distress. These banks also enjoy certain advantages in funding markets. IDBI Bank launches video KYC facility for opening savings bank accounts IDBI Bank announced the launch of video KYC account opening (VAO) facility for savings bank accounts. Through the facility, a customer can open a savings account with the lender from the convenience of his/her home or office as there are no physical forms to be filled or visits to be made to the branch. IDBI Bank CEO: Rakesh Sharma. IDBI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra. RuPay partners with RBL Bank to launch ‘RuPay PoS’ National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced that RuPay has partnered with RBL Bank to launch an innovative payment solution for Indian merchants – RuPay PoS in association with PayNearby. The RuPay PoS will transform smartphones into merchant Point of Sale (PoS) terminals for the retailers. Merchants will now be able to accept contactless payments of up to 5,000 through a simple tap and pay mechanism on his NFC enabled mobile phones. Post Office Savings Bank likely to be interconnected with other banks by April India Post expects to make the Post Office Savings Bank interoperable with other bank accounts by April and will focus on enhancing digitisation of all services in 2021 The Post Office Core Banking Solution (CBS) system is the largest in the world with 23,483 post offices already on this network. India Post serves more than 50 crore Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) customers through 1.56 lakh post offices across the country. It has an outstanding balance of Rs 10.81 crore under POSB schemes. All POSB accounts can be linked to the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) accounts and can be operated through mobile app DakPay. Bandhan Bank to provide salary accounts for Indian Army personnel Private lender Bandhan Bank said that it has signed an agreement with the Indian Army to provide banking services to the personnel of the force. The bank got the mandate to maintain zero-balance salary accounts of the Army personnel. They will be offered other preferential services such as six per cent interest on balance over Rs one lakh, unlimited free ATM transactions across ATMs, waiver of issuance and annual charge on Shaurya Visa Platinum Debit Card and unlimited free NEFT/RTGS/IMPS/DD transactions. Bandhan Bank Shaurya Salary Account also offers protection for self and assets. This includes free personal accident insurance of Rs 30 lakh, air accident cover of Rs one crore and free educational benefit of up to Rs one lakh per year for four years to a dependent child in case of accidental death of the account holder. Bandhan Bank MD & CEO: Chandra Shekhar Ghosh. Bandhan Bank HQ: Kolkata, West Bengal.
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SMCB becomes first urban co-operative bank to transition to Small Finance Bank Uttar Pradesh-based, Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank (SMCB) has become the first urban co- operative bank (UCB) in India to receive a licence from RBI to operate as a Small Finance Bank (SFB). The RBI had given an 18-month timeline to commence business. The UCB will get 18 months to comply with the requirements under the scheme, which state that banks with a minimum net worth of 50 crore and capital to risk (weighted) assets ratio of 9% and above are eligible. These UCBs will also have to comply with the latest guidelines for on-tap licensing of SFBs in the private sector, under which SFBs will have to maintain a minimum net worth of 100 crore from the date of commencement of business. The SFBs are also required to maintain minimum capital adequacy ratio of 15% of its risk weighted assets (RWA) on a continuous basis and increase the minimum paid-up voting equity capital to 200 crore within five years of the date of commencement of business. In September 2018, RBI had come out with the scheme for voluntary transition of primary UCBs into small finance banks. Under the scheme, the promoters are required to be Indian residents, with 10 years of experience in banking and finance. Promoter or promoter groups should conform to the definition of the Sebi (Issue of Capital & Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009 and RBI guidelines on fit and proper. SFBs are required to extend 75% of their loans to sectors eligible for classification as priority sector lending (PSL), comprising loans to agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprises, education, housing, and others. Additionally, 50% of the SFB loan portfolio should constitute loans and advances up to 25 lakh. Suveer Kumar Gupta, MD & CEO of Shivalik Mercantile Cooperative Bank. Shivalik Mercantile Cooperative Bank HQ: Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. IDFC Mutual Fund unveils new investor awareness campaign #PaisonKoRokoMat IDFC Mutual Funds has launched its latest pan-India investor awareness campaign titled #PaisonKoRokoMat. This new campaign of IDFC Mutual Fund urges savers to become investors and explore the smart and modern mutual fund vehicle for their investments. The campaign has been conceptualised and created by TBWAIndia. IDFC First Bank CEO: V. Vaidyanathan. IDFC First Bank Headquarters: Mumbai. BoB inks pact with SIDBI to help MSME revamp loans Bank of Baroda (BoB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to support MSME enterprises through a web-based platform called ‘Asset Restructuring Module for MSMEs (ARM-MSME)’ for submission of their loan restructuring proposal. Through this automated / Do-It-Yourself (DIY) web-portal, MSMEs can self-create their restructuring proposal with financial viability projections and relief options. PhonePe ties up with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, launches term plans PhonePe, India’s leading digital payments platform, announced the launch of Term Life Insurance plans on its platform, in association with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. PhonePe’s customers aged 18 to 50 years and incomes Rs 1 lakh each year or above can avail this coverage immediately on the platform. Central Bank of India sign MOU with NABARD to manufacture sanitary pads in each district Central Bank of India and NABFOUNDATION a subsidiary of NABARD, have signed an MOU for providing working capital finance to woman SHGs for making sanitary pads under the MY PAD MY RIGHT project. The project will provide a sustainable livelihood opportunity to over 14700 rural woman SHGmembers in 3000 villages across India. PNB collaborates with IIT Kanpur & FIRST to set up Fintech Innovation Centre Punjab National Bank announced an alliance with IIT Kanpur and the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST) for establishing an innovation centre at the institute’s campus. Under this partnership, PNB and IIT Kanpur will set up a ‘Fintech Innovation Centre (FIC)’ as a vehicle to research and develop technological solutions to address challenges and explore opportunities in the Banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) space. Punjab National Bank Headquarters: New Delhi. Punjab National Bank CEO: S. S. Mallikarjuna Rao KVG Bank inks pact with fintech platform ‘Jai Kisan’ Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) has signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with ‘Jai Kisan’ (a rural-focused fintech platform of Greenizon Agritech Consultancy Pvt Ltd) to expand access to financial services to individuals and businesses in Karnataka, including farmer and non-farmer entrepreneurs.
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RBI cancels the licence of Vasantdada Nagari Sahakari Bank The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Maharashtra-based Vasantdada Nagari Sahakari Bank, with immediate effect. Vasantdada Nagari Sahakari Bank Ltd will now not be allowed to conduct the business of ‘banking’, including acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits, with effect from the close of business on January 11, 2021. With the cancellation of licence and commencement of liquidation proceedings, the process of paying the depositors of Vasantdada Nagari Sahakari Bank Ltd., Osmanabad, Maharashtra as per the DICGC Act will be set in motion. Every depositor is entitled to repayment of his/her deposits up to Rs 5,00,000 from the DICGC. More than 99% of the depositors of the bank will get full repayment of their deposits from DICGC. Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee CorporationChairman: Michael Debabrata Patra (Deputy Governor, RBI). RBI slaps Rs 2 crore fine on Deutsche Bank for non-compliance The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty of Rs 2 crore on Deutsche Bank AG for non-compliance with certain provisions of directions concerning interest rate on deposits. The central bank said the statutory inspection of Deutsche Bank’s financial position as on March 31, 2019, and the Risk Assessment Report revealed non-compliance with the ‘Reserve Bank of India (Interest Rate on Deposits) Directions, 2016’. Axis Bank launches credit card with health, wellness benefits Axis Bank, India’s third-largest private sector bank, announced the launch of ‘AURA’, a credit exclusively loaded with several health and wellness benefits for its users. Axis Bank has partnered with Poshvine to offer benefits and specialists such as Decathlon, Practo, Fitternity, IndushealthPlus, 1MG etc., to offer a complete and unique health & wellness solution to the cardholders. Cardholders will get a discount on annual medical checkup through IndushealthPlus. Paytm Bank ties up with Suryoday Small Finance Bank to offer fixed-deposit services Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL), in partnership with Suryoday Small Finance Bank, is going to facilitate fixed-deposit services to its account holders. With a minimum investment of Rs 100, The payments bank has already been offering fixed-deposits services in alliance with IndusInd Bank. With this new partnership, PPBL has become the first payments bank in the country to launch the multi-partner FD service where an account holder can select the partnered bank as per their preference IIFL Home Finance ties up with Standard Chartered Bank for co-lending Fairfax-backed IIFL Finance said its home loan subsidiary IIFL Home Finance and Standard Chartered Bank entered into a co-lending arrangement for extending credit to MSME loans (loan against property). This is one of the first co-lending arrangements in the industry after Reserve Bank India’s co-lending guidelines were issued. Under this partnership, IIFL Home Finance Ltd and the Standard Chartered Bank will co-originate these loans and the IIFL Home Finance Ltd will service the customers through the entire loan life-cycle including sourcing, documentation, collection and loan servicing. Airtel Payments Bank launches ‘Airtel Safe Pay’ Gurugram-based Airtel Payments Bank has launched ‘Airtel Safe Pay’, a safe mode for making digital payments, to protect Airtel customers from the growing incidents of online payment frauds. With ‘Airtel Safe Pay’, Airtel customers making UPI or net banking-based payments through Airtel Payments Bank, no longer have to worry about money flowing out of their accounts without their explicit consent. This offers the highest level of protection from potential frauds such as phishing, stolen credentials or passwords, and even phone cloning that catches customers unaware. Airtel Payments Bank CEO: Anubrata Biswas. Airtel Payments Bank Headquarters Location: New Delhi. Airtel Payments Bank Parent organization: Bharti Airtel. ICICI Bank launches ‘InstaFX’ mobile app ICICI Bank has launched a new mobile application ‘InstaFX’ for authorised money changers to help customers of any bank get ‘ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card’ swiftly. ICICI is the bank is the first in the country to offer such facility to money changers. A money changer is a person or organization whose business is the exchange of coins or currency of one country, for that of another. The ‘InstaFX’ app will enable the authorised money changers, who are partners of the Bank, to complete the KYC verification and validation of customers digitally and on a real-time basis. ICICI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra. ICICI Bank MD & CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi.
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ICICI Bank Ties Up With Fintech Niyo To Issue Prepaid Cards To MSMEs ICICI Bank has tied up with Niyo, a new age fintech, to issue prepaid cards to workers of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs will now be able to get ‘ICICI Bank Niyo Bharat Payroll Card’ powered by Visa, for their blue-collar workers, who are mostly under-banked. With this, MSMEs can upload the salaries of their workers on the card, which the workers can then utilise as per their need in a seamless manner. The ‘ICICI Bank Niyo Bharat Payroll Card’ allows an individual to receive funds up to 1 lakh into the card account. It offers convenience and safety of digital banking to the blue-collar workforce while providing a state- of-the-art salary disbursement solution to the employers. RBI slaps penalty of Rs 2 crore on Standard Chartered Bank The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 2 crore on Standard Chartered Bank– India for delays in reporting of frauds. The penalty has been imposed on the bank for non-compliance with certain directions issued by it contained in the ‘Reserve Bank of India (Frauds – Classification and Reporting by commercial banks and select FIs) Directions 2016’. YES Bank Launches Wellness Themed Credit Card Private sector lender YES Bank has teamed up with Aditya Birla Wellness Private Limited to launch ‘YES BANK Wellness’ and ‘YES BANK Wellness Plus’ credit cards, which aimed at the holistic health, self-care and wellness of consumers. With Wellness Card, YES Bank customers can avail complimentary health checkups or lifestyle benefits or consultations with doctors. This card has been designed keeping the holistic wellness needs of consumers. By registering on the Aditya Birla Multiply App, consumers can enjoy complementary benefits such as annual health check-ups, round the clock doctor or counsellor helpline, in-studio or home based workout sessions as well as personalised diet plans. FSS and India Post Payments Bank join hands to promote financial inclusion FSS (Financial Software and Systems), a leading payment processor and provider of integrated payment products, has partnered with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to promote financial inclusion among underserved and unbanked segments. As part of the collaboration, IPPB will use FSS’ Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) to deliver interoperable and affordable doorstep banking services to customers across India. FSS’ AePS solution combines the low-cost structure of a branchless business model, digital distribution, and micro-targeting that lowers acquisition costs and improves reach. YES BANK partners with Aditya Birla willness themed credit card Private sector lender YES Bank has teamed up with Aditya Birla Wellness Private Limited to launch ‘YES BANK Wellness’ and ‘YES BANK Wellness Plus’ credit cards, which aimed at the holistic health, self-care and wellness of consumers. With Wellness Card, YES Bank customers can avail complimentary health checkups or lifestyle benefits or consultations with doctors. YES BANK launches YES MSME initiative to enable access to funding YES Bank has launched the YES MSME initiative aimed at providing speedy and easy access to funds to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector of India. The YES Bank launched this programme during the SME Carnival across the private lender’s MSME focused branches across India.
FINANCIAL NEWS AND BUSINESS NEWS IFSCA becomes Associate Member of IOSCO The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has become an Associate Member of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The IOSCO works closely with the G20 nations and the Financial Stability Board (FSB), in setting up the standards for strengthening the securities markets. The Headquarter of IOSCO is at Madrid, Spain. Interest Rates on PPF, NSC and Other Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q4 The government kept the interest rates on small savings schemes, including PPF and NSC, unchanged for the January-March quarter amid moderating bank deposit rates. Public Provident Fund (PPF)- 7.1 per cent National Savings Certificate (NSC)-6.8 per cent five-year Senior Citizens Savings Scheme-7.4 per cent Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana- 7.6 per cent Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP)-6.9 per cent Term deposits of one-five years-5.5-6.7 per cent, to be paid quarterly
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interest rate on five-year recurring deposit-5.8 per cent. Bajaj Auto becomes world’s most valuable two-wheeler company Indian multinational two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company, Bajaj Auto has become the most valuable two-wheeler company in the world, after it crossed a market capitalization of more than Rs. 1 lakh crore, on January 01, 2021. Bajaj’s share price on NSE closed at Rs. 3,479 per share on the first day of 2021, leading to a market capitalization of more than Rs 1,00,670.76 crore. Headquarter of Bajaj Auto: Pune, Maharashtra. Managing Director of Bajaj Auto: Rajiv Bajaj. CCI approves Manipal Health’s 100% acquisition of Columbia Asia Hospitals The Competition Commission of India (CCI) gave its approval to Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt Ltd (MHEPL) for the acquisition of 100% shareholding in Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt Ltd.The development comes after the Bengaluru-based MEHPL had entered into a share purchase agreement with the US-based hospital chain in October last year. The deal was valued at Rs 2,100 crore. Future Group-Reliance Industries Deal Gets SEBI Approval The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has given its approval for the takeover deal between Kishore Biyani’s Future Group and Reliance Retail, part of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). Future had entered into a Rs 24,713 crore agreement with Reliance Retail in August 2020. As part of the deal, the Future group was to sell its retail, wholesale, logistics and warehouse businesses to Reliance Retail. Flipkart-Aditya Birla Fashion deal gets approval from CCI The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the Rs. 1,500-crore Flipkart-Aditya Birla Fashion deal, which was announced in October last year. Aditya Birla Fashion’s board had approved plans to raise Rs 1,500 crore by issuing a 7.8 per cent stake on a preferential basis to Walmart-owned Flipkart Group. After the dilution of the 7.8 per cent stake, the promoter and promoter group companies of ABFRL will hold around 55.13 per cent stake' Mastercard launches resource site to support digital transformation of SMEs in Asia Pacific To assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) get well from the pandemic and put together for the long run, Mastercard has launched the Digital Acceleration for Small Businesses microsite throughout most of its Asia Pacific web sites with data and assets on digitalize and run companies extra effectively. The one-stop centre features guides on digital transformation, e-learning courses, information about Mastercard products and services for SMEs, cybersecurity insights and tools to reduce vulnerabilities and access discounts on business software solutions, e-commerce platforms and digital marketing services. The Digital Acceleration for Small Businesses centre is available across Mastercard’s English-language websites for Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, India and Southeast Asia. SPMCIL pays Rs 215.48 cr dividend to government State-owned Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) paid a final dividend of Rs 215.48 crore to the Government of India for 2019-20 The dividend is 5 per cent of net worth of the company as on March 31, 2020, or 41 per cent of profit for 2019- 20, in compliance with guidelines of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). Tech Mahindra to acquire Payments Technology Services for Rs 66 cr IT services major Tech Mahindra said it will acquire Payments Technology Services Ltd (PTSL), a step-down subsidiary of fintech firm FIS, for USD 9 million (about Rs 66 crore). The acquisition will give Tech Mahindra access to IPs and licenses for two products – Open Payment Framework (OPF) and Multi-Bank System (MBS).
FUND ALLOCATION ADB approves $100 million loan from sanctioned 190 million to upgrade power distribution system in Bengaluru The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a USD 100 million (around Rs 730 crore) loan to modernise and upgrade the power distribution system in Bengaluru city. Besides the USD 100 million sovereign loans, ADB will provide a USD 90 million loan without sovereign guarantee for the project to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd (BESCOM), one of the five state- owned distribution utilities in Karnataka. President of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa; Headquarters: Manila, Philippines. ADB to provide $231 mn loan to enhance power generation capacity in Assam India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a USD 231 million loan to augment electricity generation capacity in the State of Assam through construction of a 120 MegaWatts hydroelectric power plant that will enhance availability of electricity for households.
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The proposed hydroelectric project is run-of-the-river project over Kopili river which will help increase electricity supplied from clean energy by 469 GigaWatt Hour by 2025 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3,60,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. ADB and India sign $10 million loan to support horticulture in HP The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India have signed a $10 million project readiness financing (PRF).This agreement aims to help finance piloting activities, and design and capacity building for an ensuing project that aims to expand horticulture production and farm household income in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh. World Bank approves $105 million loan to improve Waterways in West Bengal The World Bank has signed a $105 million project with the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal to improve the inland water transport infrastructure in Kolkata, West Bengal. MP, AP to get additional financial assistance of Rs 1,004 crore for capital expenditure The finance ministry has provided additional financial assistance worth Rs 1,004 crore to Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for capital expenditure after they completed three of the four citizen-centric reforms. While Madhya Pradesh has become entitled to receive Rs 660 crore for capital projects, Andhra Pradesh will get an additional amount of Rs 344 crore. Centre approves new National Highway projects worth Rs 5,801 cr for Maharashtra Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gandkari said that the Centre has approved new National Highway projects worth Rs 5,801 crore rupees for Maharashtra under the Annual Plan. The project includes improving and developing 1035 km of National Highways in the State. In addition, Rs 1,800 crore projects under the Central Road Fund scheme has also been sanctioned. The Minister also informed that 1 lakh Crore Greenfield Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will be extended till JNPT, to facilitate container traffic.
RATTING India’s April-November fiscal deficit tops 135% of full-year target India’s fiscal deficit stood at Rs 10.75 lakh crore at the end of November, 35% higher than the budget estimate for FY21, mainly on account of low realisation of revenue due to disruption in business activities amid the coronavirus pandemic. NSO Projects India’s GDP to contract 7.7% in FY21 The GDP of India is expected to contract by 7.7 per cent in the current fiscal year 2020-21 National Statistical Office (NSO) is under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI). Indian economy expected to contract by 9.6% in 2020-21: World Bank The World Bank predicted India’s economy to contract by 9.6% in 2020-’21 financial year and recover to 5.4% in the next fiscal. India’s retail inflation drops to 4.59 % in December India’s retail inflation fell sharply to 4.59 per cent in December, mainly due to declining food prices, government data showed. Retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 6.93 per cent in November. Banks gross NPA may rise to 13.5 pc by Sep 2021: RBI FSR The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its bi annual financial stability report (FSR) that bank non performing assets (NPAs) may rise to as high as 14.8% in one year in case of a severe stress scenario, from 7.5% as of September 2020, even as Indian banks are still working out a restructuring package for borrowers hit by the Covid 19 pandemic If the macroeconomic environment worsens into a severe stress scenario, the GNPA ratio may escalate to 14.8 per cent, the report said. Among the bank groups, public sector banks’ (PSBs) GNPA ratio of 9.7 per cent in September 2020 may rise to 16.2 per cent by September 2021 under the baseline scenario. The gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio of private sector banks (PVBs) and foreign banks (FBs) may increase from 4.6 per cent and 2.5 per cent to 7.9 per cent and 5.4 per cent, respectively, over the same period. ICRA Projects India’s real GDP to expand by 10.1% in FY22 Domestic rating agency ICRA Ratings expects the real gross domestic product (GDP) of India to grow by 10.1% in the financial year 2021-22 (FY2022). The rating agency ICRA(information credit ratting agency ltd) had earlier projected a contraction of 7.8% for the ongoing fiscal 2020-21. ICRA Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana. UBS Projects GDP of India at -7.5% in 2020-21 Swiss brokerage major UBS Investment Bank has projected the Indian economy to contract 7.5 per cent in the current fiscal FY21, ending March 2021.
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UBS further expects the economy to rebound at 11.5 per cent in FY22. For the FY23, GDP growth is expected to stabilise at 6 per cent. Nomura Estimates India’s GDP to contract 6.7% in FY21 The Japanese brokerage Nomura has revised upward, the GDP forecast for India in 2020-21 and now expects it to contract to 6.7 per cent. Nomura has further projected the GDP of India to rise to 13.5 per cent in FY22 (2021-22).
MOU SIGNED UNDP and PCMC join hands for ‘first social impact bond’ Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Pune has recently signed an MoU with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India to co-create India’s first Social Impact Bond (SIB). A Social Impact Bond also called pay-for-success bond or pay-for-success financing or simply social bond is basically a contract with public sector authority, where it pays for better social outcomes. According to UNDP, this type of bond lays down outcome-based targets to be achieved at the start of the contract. This feature allows for tracking the progress of the outcome, thus ensuring transparency for investors. This mechanism also ensures that funds are used effectively and efficiently towards the project. UNDP Headquarters: New York, United States. UNDP Head: Achim Steiner. Dell Technologies collaborates With MoHFW and Tata Trusts to launch new Mobile App for Non- Communicable Diseases Across India Dell Technologies in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Tata Trusts announced they have developed a mobile application for the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at the government primary health centres (PHCs) across the country. Flipkart signs MoU to set up Centre of Excellence in logistics skill Flipkart, e-commerce marketplace company, has signed an memorandum of understanding with the Logistics Skill Sector Council (LSC), an organisation set up by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) through National Skill Development Corporation of India (NSDC) and Karnataka Skill Development Centre (KSDC). As part of the MoU, Flipkart has launched an industry-first Centre of Excellence to build a skilled and trained workforce for the fast-growing e-commerce industry in India. IAF signs MoU with IDSR for officers to undertake doctoral research Indian Air Force and Institute of Defence Studies and Research – IDSR- an autonomous Institution of Gujarat University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) . This will enable the Officers of IAF to undertake Doctoral Research, Post-Graduate Programme and Post Graduate Diploma. These courses will cover various areas of interest that include Defence studies, Defence Management, National Security, Aerospace & Aviation Science and other areas of Defence Technology. IREDA-NHPC Partnership in Green Energy Projects NHPC Limited has signed an MOU with the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) for providing assistance in setting up renewable energy (RE) projects for the next 5 years. The agreement was signed in the presence of Abhay Kumar Singh, NHPC CMD, and IREDA, CMD, Pradip Kumar Das. NHPC has undertaken an ambitious plan to make a significant impact on the renewable energy landscape of the country. Under the plan, NHPC will develop 7.5 GW of renewable energy projects in the next 3 years. NHPC has already successfully commissioned a renewable capacity of 102.5 MW on an ownership basis and has contracted 2000 MW as an intermediary procurer basis. Tata Power partners with SIDBI to offer easy & affordable financing scheme for MSME Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company, announced its partnership with SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) to offer easy and affordable financing scheme for MSME customers in the rooftop solar segment. SIDBI Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. SIDBI Chairman & MD: Devendra Kumar Singh. Tata Power CEO: Praveer Sinha. Tata Power Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra. Flipkart, NITI Aayog collaborate to enhance Women Entrepreneurship Platform In an effort to enhance community experience for women entrepreneurs in India, e-commerce marketplace Flipkart and NITI Aayog have come together to launch the revamped Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP). The platform is a unified access portal which brings together women from different parts of India to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations.
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The new version will also include an additional feature to offer mentorship to the women mentees with specific knowledge concerning a problem area through a dedicated online mechanism facilitated under FICCI-FLO’s Empowering the Greater 50% mission. Bharat Biotech inks pact with Precisa Med to supply Covaxin to Brazil Bharat Biotech has signed an agreement with Precisa Medicamentos for supplying COVAXIN to Brazil. In principle, both parties have agreed that supplies of Covaxin will be prioritised for the public market, through a direct procurement by the Brazilian government. Supplies to the country would depend upon receipt of market authorisation from ANVISA, the Brazilian regulatory authority. Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Ltd partners with Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Finance Corporation Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited ties up with Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Finance Corporation.Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Finance Corporation partnership with Universal Sompo shall add value to customers by means of comprehensive insurance covers at competitive prices. BSE signs MoU with Maharashtra govt to encourage SME listings BSE signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to create awareness about benefits of listing among SMEs of the state. Through this pact, the exchange will provide intellectual and manpower support to create awareness about the benefits of listing among SMEs and will enable capacity building to such enterprises to fulfil listing requirements. NITI Aayog and Flipkart collaborate to enhance WEP NITI Aayog and Flipkart, have come together to launch the revamped Women Entrepreneurship Platform. The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) is a unified access portal which brings together women from different parts of India to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations. The idea of the platform was first mooted by Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog who announced the setting-up of a Women Entrepreneurship Platform in NITI Aayog at the conclusion of the 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) held in Hyderabad in 2017, with an overarching theme of ‘Women first, prosperity for all’. CARE lowers Centre’s fiscal deficit projection to 7.8% of GDP CARE Ratings has revised downwards its projection of the Centre’s fiscal deficit to 7.8 per cent of GDP during FY21 against its earlier estimate of 9-9.5 per cent. COMMITTEE AND ITS HEAD Central Government constitutes high-level group for South Asia energy security The Central Government has set up a high-level group to build a South Asia-focused energy security architecture. The high-level group, named the South Asia Group for Energy (SAGE), will be headed by former Union Power Secretary Ram Vinay Shahi. SAGE has been set up under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)- run think tank Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). Centre decides to form committee to protect language, culture & land of Ladakh Centre has decided to form a committee to protect the language, culture and land of Ladakh and ensuring citizen’s participation in the Union Territory’s development. The Committee will be headed by the Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy Health and Family Welfare Ministry formed a technical expert group to study the adverse findings from the National Family Health Survey-5. The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has recently formed a technical expert group to study the adverse findings from the National Family Health Survey-5. The Ministry has set up the technical committee of medicine and nutrition experts under the leadership of Joint Secretary Preeti Pant. The committee will examine the findings of the National Family Health Survey-5 as well as suggest policies and courses of action to improve on indicators related to anaemia, malnutrition, C-section, and stunting. IRDAI sets up panel to examine availability of health insurance products Regulator Irdai set up a panel of experts to examine the availability of health insurance products in the country considering the need of the Indian society and recommend suitable products and processes. IRDAI Chairperson, Subhash Chandra Khuntia will head the committee
20 | Page MAGAZINE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – 2021 STATE NEWS J&K signs MoU with NAFED to take horticulture produce to global market To promote the state’s horticulture produce and take it to the global market, the Jammu and Kashmir government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED). After signing the MoU, the NAFED will cover 5,500 hectares at a cost of Rs 1,700 crore in the next five years with a major focus on apple, walnut, cherry, pear and other significant horticulture produce. Oakridge Energy to solarise 1,000 Kendriya Vidyalaya, Delhi government schools Solar firm Oakridge Energy said it has signed agreements with the Delhi government and screw Vidyalaya Sangathan to solarise schools in Delhi. The company is aiming to solarise 1,000 institutions by 2022. The project is developed by the company and subsidised by the Government of India’s capital subsidy scheme for government buildings, which the Delhi government has utilised for solarising its schools. Jharkhand launches crop relief scheme ‘Kisan Fasal Rahat Yojana’ Jharkhand launches its own crop relief scheme ‘Kisan Fasal Rahat Yojana’ to replace the Prime Minister’s insurance scheme PMPBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana). It is a compensation scheme aimed at providing security cover to Jharkhand farmers in case of crop damage due to natural calamity. It will cover both land owning and landless farmers South runway of Bengaluru airport now CAT III B compliant Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru now has a CAT IIIB compliant South runway that can be used by aircraft even during inclement weather and foggy conditions.The Bengaluru airport is the only airport in South India and sixth in the country to have CAT IIIB compliant runway. Punjab CM launches mobile app ‘DigiNest’ to ensure digital access to state govt directory To bring in more automation and efficacy in the functioning of the state Public Relations department, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh virtually launched a mobile application ‘DigiNest’, to give people digital access to the state government’s directory, which can be synced with the smart phone with the click of a button. Centre notifies 0-1 km area around boundary of Kerala”s Mathikettan Shola Park as Eco-sensitive Zone The Centre has notified an area to an extent varying from zero to one km around the boundary of Mathikettan Shola National Park in Kerala”s Idukki district as an Eco-sensitive Zone considering the unique nature of the Shola forest and its importance as an elephant strip. Five-day national folk dance festival held in Jammu from Dec 26 North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala (Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India) and Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages are jointly organizing five days ‘National Folk Dance Festival’ from December 26. Kerala to host Global Ayurveda Festival from March 12 The fourth Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF 2021), aimed at the global discussion and development of Ayurveda, will be held from March 12 to 19 as a virtual meet. It will be hosted by Kerala state government. Madhya Pradesh rolls out ‘Launch Pad Scheme’ to make youth self-reliant In Madhya Pradesh, ‘Launch Pad Scheme’ is being started for boys and girls coming out of child care institutions and having completed 18 years of age. The objective of this scheme of the Women and Child Development Department is to provide such a platform to these youth, through which they will be able to become self-reliant by continuing their education and training. Under the launch pad scheme, 52 districts of the state have been divided into 5 clusters. Five divisional headquarters are being started in Indore, Sagar, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Bhopal. An amount of Rs 6 lakh will be provided by the Women and Child Development Department for the installation of each launch pad. These launch pads will be operated through non-governmental organizations. Delhi government sets up Tamil Academy Delhi government Department of Art, Culture, and Language has set-up a Tamil academy to promote the language and culture of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Delhi Minister of Art, Culture, and Language Manish Sisodia is the head of this Acadmy.The Delhi government has appointed a former councillor and member of Delhi Tamil Sangam N Raja as the Vice- Chairman of the academy. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates migrant worker cell in Surat Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated a migrant worker cell of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) at Udhna based iLab in Surat.
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The migrant workers cell with linkage with the city livelihood centre will help extend all kinds of assistance and government-led benefits to them. This cell will do a detailed mapping of migrant workers and classify them according to their skill. This will help in connecting ‘Shramshakti’ to relevant industries and boost their livelihood and also ensure their dignity. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance launches Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY-SEHAT in Jammu & Kashmir Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has in association with Jammu & Kashmir Government launched the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT for all the residents of the Union territory. SEHAT stands for social, endeavour for health, and telemedicine. A total of 2.1 million families will be covered under the SEHAT scheme. The scheme will provide universal health insurance cover with a sum insured of Rs 5 lakh and the health insurance will be provided on family floater basis. This scheme will provide free of cost insurance to residents and the premium is borne by the government. Manipur CM Biren launches App to help pensioners Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh launched mPension Manipur App, an online platform through which pensioners can do self-updation without visiting Treasury Offices. mPension Manipur has been introduced on which pensioners instead of visiting the Treasury Office can make their periodic photograph updation online through a smartphone or a desktop/laptop, from the comfort of their own homes. Patna Meteorological Observatory gets centennial observing station status The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Geneva has awarded the status of ‘centennial observing station’ to the Patna meteorological observatory in recognition to its long-term meteorological observation exceeding over 100 years. Karnataka Government launches Krishi Sanjeevani Vans to test soil, water The Chief Minister of Karnataka, B.S. Yediyurappa flagged off 40 Krishi Sanjeevani vans in Bengaluru. These vans have been launched by the state Agriculture Department with Central assistance under National Krishi Vikas Yojana to take up this novel programme. Chief Minister of Karnataka: B.S. Yediyurappa; Governor: Vajubhai Vala. Punjab CM launches scheme for free sanitary pads to schoolgirls, dedicates month to girl child Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced a slew of welfare schemes, including free sanitary pads for girls studying in high school and colleges in the state. The CM dedicated the month of January to the girl child and paved the way for the distribution of 2,500 sports kits among youngsters. He also launched a programme to give property rights to slum dwellers and rolled out an over Rs 75-crore smart metering project besides an e-Daakhil portal for consumer complaints. J&K LG, Manoj Sinha launches Mobile Application ‘Satark Nagrik’ and Departmental Vigilance Officers Portal In Jammu and Kashmir, LG, Manoj Sinha launched Mobile Application ‘Satark Nagrik’ and Departmental Vigilance Officers(DVO) Portal of J&K Anti Corruption Bureau at Civil Secretariat, Jammu. The mobile application launched has been developed with a purpose to facilitate seamless flow of information about corruption and enable citizens to submit their grievances with ease and mobility. World’s largest floating solar project to start in MP by 2023: State Govt The world’s largest floating 600 MW solar energy project to be constructed at Omkareshwar dam on Narmada river in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh will begin power generation by year 2022-23. The estimated investment in this project stands at Rs 3,000 crore. Andhra Pradesh signs MoU with Cambridge University to improve English proficiency of teachers, students A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the University of Cambridge and the Urban Development Department of Andhra Pradesh. As per the MoU, the University of Cambridge will provide training to teachers and students under the Municipal Department, in order to improve English language proficiency. Centre merges J&K cadre officers with AGMUT In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has merged J&K cadre for all India Services Viz; IAS, IPS and IFS officers with that of Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT), also called the Union Territory cadre, through an ordinance.The move will allow officers posted in these states and UTs to work in J&K and vice versa. West Bengal CM Inaugurates 26th Kolkata International Film Festival West Bengal CM, Mamata Banerjee has inaugurated the 26th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF).
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The inaugural ceremony was also virtually attended by Bollywood superstar and West Bengal’s brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan from Mumbai. Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s classic ‘Apur Sansar’ will be the inaugural film of the festival. Centre sanctions Rs 37.8 crore for facelift of Parshuram Kund in Arunachal The Centre has sanctioned Rs 37.87 crore for the facelift of Parshuram Kund pilgrimage site in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district. Parshuram Kund is one of the most sacred places in the country which is visited by a large number of pilgrims throughout the year and thousands of people take a holy dip in the Lohit river during Makar Sankranti. Manipur Forest Department launches Website with German assistance Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Awangbow Newmai launched website for the Community- based Sustainable Forest Management for Water Resource Conservation in Manipur (COSFOM) www.cosfom.mn.gov.in at the main conference hall, Forest Headquarters, Sanjenthong,Manipur. COSFOM is a component under the Indo-German Programme ‘Climate Change Adaption in the Himalaya’ with a focus on sustainable community forestry, soil and water conservation. Odisha sets up India’s first ‘Fire Park’ to spread awareness on fire safety measures Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the ‘Fire Park’, a first of its kind initiative in the country, to bring awareness on fire safety measures. He also launched a dynamic online portal, ‘AgnishamaSeva’ of Odisha Fire Service on virtual platform. Located inside the premises of the Odisha Fire and Disaster Academy in Bhubaneswar, the Fire Park will be open to the public every Saturday from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Demonstrations on use of first aid fire-fighting equipment, rescue and disaster operations, visit to exhibition hall, screening of films and distribution of leaflets on fire safety will be part of the activities. Telangana celebrates festival of cattle ‘Kanuma’ In Telangana, people are celebrating Kanuma, the festival of cattle, on the third day of Sankranti festival. On the occasion, the people especially in rural areas, worship cattle and agriculture tools. Rural craftsmen and artisans who help farmers in their daily chores are specially honoured. Assam celebrates Bhogali Bihu with traditional fervor & gaiety In Assam, the Magh or Bhogali Bihu is celebrated across the state with traditional fervor and gaiety.People from all sections of life have participated in the joyous celebration of the post-harvest festival. Tamil Nadu celebrates Thiruvalluvar Day Tamil Nadu celebrates Thiruvalluvar Day on the 2nd day of the Thai month in honour of the Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar.The Indian Army demonstrated combat swarm drones for the first time in public at the annual Army Day parade in the national capital. Kerala Governor opens ‘One School One IAS’ scheme for financially weak students Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has launched Vedhik Erudite Foundation’s ambitious scheme ‘One School One IAS’ to provide free coaching for civil services and other competitive examinations to 10,000 meritorious but financially weak students across the State. This program being implemented with the support of sponsors. Malayalam film Actor Manju Warrier made the first sponsorship declaration by adopting 10 girl students across Kerala meeting their coaching expenses for civil service exams. India’s first Labour Movement museum to come up in Kerala The country’s first Labour Movement Museum, showcasing the history of world labour movement, would be launched in Kerala’s houseboat tourism hub, Alappuzha, Kerala. The museum would be launched as part of the LDF government’s second 100-day programme. The New Model Cooperative Society Limited, previously run by the Bombay Company, has been converted into the Labour Movement Museum. It will portray, through pictures, documents and other exhibits, the growth of the world labour movement and the history of Keralas labour movement . Maharashtra government renames Nagpur’s Gorewada International Zoo after Bal Thackeray The Maharashtra government has renamed Gorewada International Zoo in Nagpur as ‘Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park’. The zoological park will come up on nearly 2,000 hectares forest land and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will inaugurate the Indian safari at the zoo. Nitish Kumar inaugurates Bihar’s first state bird festival ‘Kalrav’ Bihar’s first state-level bird festival ‘Kalrav’ held at the world famous Nagi-Nakti bird sanctuaries in the Jamui district from January 15. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the event and also launch the logo of the bird festival and also release a coffee table book on the birds available at the sanctuaries. Punjab CM launches scheme for allotment of fair price shops across state Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh virtually kicked off a state-wide scheme for allotment of 7,219 fair price shops (FPS) under his government’s flagship ‘Ghar Ghar Rozgar te Karobaar Mission’.
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This initiative would be instrumental in improving the economic condition of people, besides further strengthening the public distribution system to ensure seamless, fair and timely distribution. Haridwar teen Shrishti Goswami to be one-day CM of Uttarakhand Shristi Goswami, a nineteen-year-old Haridwar-based student, become the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand for one day on National Girl Child Day. She is a student of BSc Agriculture, lives in Daulatpur village in Roorkee, Haridwar. The move has received the nod of Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. UP Government launches ‘Udyam Sarathi App’ for Youths Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has launched the ‘Udyam Sarathi App’ on the occasion of the 71st Foundation Day of the state, on 24 January 2021. The app will enable the youths to get every information related to self-employment and the job industry, across the state. The Uttar Pradesh Day celebration will run from 24 January to 26 January 2021. The theme of Uttar Pradesh Day 2021 is ‘Respect for self-reliant Uttar Pradesh, women young farmers, development of all’. PM Modi Releases Rs 2,691 Crore for 6.1 Lakh PMAY-G Beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh Prime Minister Narendra Modi released financial assistance of Rs 2,691 crore to 6.1 lakh beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana via video conference. The assistance includes release of first installment to 5.30 lakh beneficiaries and second installment to 80,000 beneficiaries who have already availed of the first installment of assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G). So far 1.26 crore houses have already been built across the country under the scheme. First bird fest at Mahananda sanctuary from Feb 20 In a first, a bird festival is being organised at the Mahananda wildlife sanctuary in West Bengal to provide an opportunity to enthusiasts to explore the forest and watch different birds. The Darjeeling Wildlife Division will be organising the 1st Mahananda Bird Festival from February 20 to 23. The participants will be taken to the popular birding spots such as Rongdong and Latpanchor, besides other birding trails within the forests. Visitors will be able to witness the diverse landscapes of rivers, plains, forests and hills during the festival. MP signs MoUs with Kerala to replicate responsible tourism Madhya Pradesh signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with Kerala for replicating the latter’s pioneering Responsible Tourism (RT) initiative. The States signed a joint declaration under which Kerala will extend a series of services under a 16-point programme. With the help of RT Mission of Kerala, the rustic beauty, life and heritage of Madhya Pradesh could be highlighted on the world tourism map. Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Trivendra Singh Rawat to inaugurate first child-friendly police station of U’khand Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Trivendra Singh Rawatwill inaugurate the first child-friendly police station of Uttarakhand, which is meant to provide a friendly environment to children associated with crimes. The child-friendly police unit has been set up in the Dalanwala police station with a budget of about Rs 5 lakhs on the recommendation of the Child Protection Committee of Uttarakhand. Tripura observed 42nd Kokborok day with colourful events Tripura observed the 42nd anniversary of the recognition of Kokborok dialect as an official language of the state with a series of programs and colourful events. Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb delivered his speech during the event. He announced that the state Cabinet has decided to rename Barmura hill range as ‘Hathai Kotor’. Madhya Pradesh becomes first State to give power subsidy to farmers through DBT Madhya Pradesh has become the first State to give electricity subsidy through Direct Benefit Transfer. With this, it has fulfilled a power reform condition as proposed by the Centre and thus eligible for additional borrowing. The scheme has been implemented in Vidisha district of the State, where electricity is bring supplied through the MP Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Co Ltd with effect from December 2020. Telangana, Gujarat sign MoU to support women entrepreneurs WE HUB, India’s first state-led incubator to foster and promote women entrepreneurship set up by Telangana Government, has announced its partnership with i-Hub of Gujarat, to encourage and support startups in raising capital. This partnership will initiate pre-incubation program for 240 aspiring women entrepreneurs in the EdTech, MedTech and Fintech sectors in Telangana and Gujarat. Post 3 months of pre-incubation program, 20 entrepreneurs will be selected for the final virtual/physical co-incubation program.
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India’s first air taxi service launched in Chandigarh Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has inaugurated India’s first air taxi services from Chandigarh to Hisar under the UDAN scheme of the Central Government. The air services would also start from Hisar to Dehradun in the second phase, while in the third phase two more routes will be added. As per update, these air taxis will be four-seaters and have a speed limit of 250 km/hour. Besides the pilot, three passengers will be able to travel in these air taxis. Fares of these air taxis are also not that costly. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur launches HP’s first online youth radio station Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has launched Himachal Pradesh’s first online youth radio station ”Radio Hills- Youngistan Ka Dil”.The online radio would go a long way in promoting the culture and traditions of the state, besides providing an opportunity to the youth to exhibit their talents. The founders of the online radio, Deepika and Saurabh. Gujarat to Rename Dragon Fruit as ‘Kamalam’ The Gujarat state government has renamed dragon fruit as ‘Kamalam’. The move has kept the internet in splits and many criticized it using the hashtag #SanskariFruitSabzi. Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma inaugurates India’s longest road arch bridge at Sohbar Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated India’s longest road arch bridge, the Wahrew Bridge at Sohbar in East Khasi Hills district. The bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 49.395 crore under Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) of the DoNER ministry. The bridge connects Bholaganj and Sohbar to Nongjri in East Khasi Hills, bordering Bangladesh. WIPRO group to act as knowledge partner of Madhya Pradesh govt. In Madhya Pradesh, WIPRO group is all set to act as knowledge partner of the State Government. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, informed that the company has taken initiative for establishment of a university in the State. For this purpose, the State Government will extend all possible support to the Foundation. The Wipro Group will also set up a Software Development Centre in Bhopal. Power Grid Corporation signs agreement with Himachal Electricity Board for telecom network State-owned Power Grid Corporation has signed an agreement with Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. (HPSEBL) in Shimla (H.P.) to improve telecom connectivity in hilly areas. The deal comprises the utilization of 500 Kms of OPGW Telecom network. This is in addition to the existing 350 Kms of OPGW laid on HPSEBL Extra High Voltage (EHV) lines already being used in the state to boost its connectivity. India’s largest multi-model logistic park to come up at Virochan Nagar in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat India’s largest multi-model logistic park will come up at Virochan Nagar near Sanand in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat. A Memorandum of Understanding-MoU was signed between the Gujarat Government and Adani Port and SEZ Ltd. in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar. The multi-model logistic park will be set up with an estimated investment of Rs 50,000 crore. It will have potential to generate direct and indirect employment for 25,000 persons. The project will be completed in phased manner in next three years. Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani announces ‘Horticulture Development Mission’ In Gujarat, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced the ‘Horticulture Development Mission’ (Bagayat Vikas Mission). The aim of this mission is to double the income of farmers involved in medicinal and horticulture farming. Under this mission, the waste land of the government will be given on 30-year lease for farming of horticulture and medicinal crops. Lease amount applicable will be Rs 100 to Rs 500 per year per acre during 6th to 30th year. Lease holders will be able to set up solar panel, windmills to generate energy for their own use, but will not be allowed to sell it. Karnataka CM Yediyurappa launches Avalokana software In Karnataka, Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa launched Avolokana software that will enable the government to access data on sanctions and expenditures incurred by 39 departments on 1,800 programmes implemented by them. The Avalokana software is a transparent e-governance tool that will provide Assembly constituency-wise release of Government grants and allocations under different development programmes. This will provide Government hold over resources. Manipur: CM Biren Singh virtually inaugurated Cherry Blossom Festival The 4th edition of the Cherry Blossom Festival, Mao in Manipur was virtually inaugurated by Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
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Cherry Blossom Mao Festival held in Manipur In Manipur, the Cherry Blossom Mao Festival was held at Senapati district marking the beginning of pink season in the district. Himachal Pradesh celebrated its golden jubilee statehood day Himachal Pradesh is celebrating its golden jubilee statehood day across the state on January 25. NATIONAL NEWS DCGI gives final approval for Covid-19 vaccines of SII, Bharat Biotech The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has formally announced the final approval for Oxford- AstraZeneca “Covishield” and Bharat Biotech “Covaxin” vaccines against the coronavirus disease (Covid- 19) for emergency use. CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) accepts the subject expert committee reform rations on Serum and Bharat Biotech Covid vaccines. The subject expert committee (SEC) under CDSCO had recommended Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) as Covishield, for emergency use and Covaxin for restricted use. Covaxin is the indigenous vaccine being developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Serum Institute of India CEO: Adar Poonawalla. Serum Institute of IndiaFounder: Cyrus S. Poonawalla. Serum Institute of India Headquarters location: Pune. PM Modi lays foundation stone of Light House projects (LHPs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Light House projects (LHPs) at six sites across six States through video conference on 1st January 2021. The LHPs will be implemented at Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Rajkot (Gujarat), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Agartala (Tripura) and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh). The project is being constructed under the Global Housing Technology Challenge (GHTC)-India. It has been conceptualised by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Under the programme, over 1,000 houses would be built in each of the six cities in 12 months along with allied infrastructure facilities. Govt implementing Rs 320-cr project for 5 ports to enable digital ecosystem The government is implementing a Rs 320-crore project for five major ports in order to provide a digital port ecosystem, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. These ports are Mumbai, Chennai, Deendayal(Gujarat), Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia). In addition, a centralised web-based port community system (PCS) has been operationalised across all major ports which enables seamless data flow between various stakeholders through common interface. Indian Air Force chief Bhadauria launches e-governance portal Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria launched an e-governance portal for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in order to promote a paperless office. KVIC unveils e-commerce portal for khadi, village industry products The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has unveiled an e-commerce portal — eKhadiIndia.com. Over 50,000 products, ranging from apparel to home decor, will be available on its newly launched platform. Amit Shah released the inaugural issue of “National Police K-9 Journal” Home Minister Amit Shah has released the inaugural issue of the National Police K-9 Journal in New Delhi. It is the first such publication in the country on the subject of Police Service K9s, Police Dogs. PM Modi inaugurates Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 450-km Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline built at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore via video conferencing. The event marks an important milestone towards the creation of One Nation One Gas Grid. The pipeline will carry natural gas from Kochi in Kerala through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod districts to Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. It has been built by GAIL (India) Limited. It will carry natural gas from the LNG Regasification Terminal at Kochi. Natural gas pipeline network will be doubled in 5-6 years and CNG stations will be raised to 10,000 from current 1,500.
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FSSAI reduces trans fat levels in food from 5% to 3% The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has capped the amount of trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022 from the current permissible limit of 5% through an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations. t was in 2011 that India first passed a regulation that set a TFA limit of 10% in oils and fats, which was further reduced to 5% in 2015. FSSAI Chairperson: Rita Teaotia. FSSAI Chief Executive Officer: Arun Singhal.FSSAI Headquarters: New Delhi. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated on 9 January Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day is celebrated every year on January 9 to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community in the development of India. The day is celebrated every year to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community in the development of India. The theme of 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021 is “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat”. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9, as Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa on the day in 1915. Dr Harsh Vardhan dedicates coastal research vessel to Nation at Chennai Port Trust Union Minister for Ocean Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan dedicated Sagar Anveshika a coastal research vessel to the Nation at the Chennai Port Trust. SAGAR ANVESHIKA, a very complex platform which will enable scientists to conduct various oceanographic research missions aboard, will house state of the art laboratories equipped with modern scientific instruments. India to chair 3 important committees of UNSC The Permanent Representative of India to the UN, T S Tirumurti has announced that India has been asked to chair three important committees of the UN Security Council (UNSC), during its tenure as a non- permanent member of the powerful 15-nation UN body. The three highly significant committees include the Taliban Sanctions Committee, Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and the Libyan Sanctions Committee. The Taliban Sanctions Committee, also called the 1988 Sanctions Committee, has always been a high priority for India. India will also chair the Counterterrorism Committee in 2022, which coincides with the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence. Libya Sanctions Committee, also called the 1970 Sanctions Committee, is a very important Subsidiary Body of the Council, which implements the sanctions regime, including a two-way arms embargo on Libya, an assets freeze, a travel ban, measures on illicit export of petroleum, etc. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkar launched “Khadi Prakritik Paint” developed by KVIC Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will be launching an innovative new paint developed by Khadi and Village Industries Commission. The eco-friendly, non-toxic paint, called “Khadi Prakritik Paint” is a first-of-its-kind product, with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties. Based on cow dung as its main ingredient, the paint is cost-effective and odourless and has been certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards. ISRO to adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Labs across country to promote education Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO will adopt one hundred Atal Tinkering Labs across the country to promote education in the field of Space Education and Space Technology related innovations for school students. The collaboration between NITI Aayog and Indian Space Research Organization is one of the prime examples of such effort. Road ministry to spend over 1,200 cr for wildlife passes on highways: Gadkari Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is spending over Rs 1,200 crore to create dedicated corridors that would enable safe passage of wild animals crossing highways that pass through green belts. First ever Ice climbing festival celebrated in Nubra valley In Leh, the first ever Ice climbing festival was celebrated in Nubra valley. The Seven Day event was organized by Nubra Adventure Club. “Period Room” set up for women at a public toilet in Maharashtra In a bid to help the women, residing in congested slums, during their menstruation days, a ‘period room’ has been set up at a public toilet in Maharashtra’s Thane city. Equipped with several basic facilities, the period room aims to facilitate menstrual hygiene among women dwelling in slums.
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The much-needed facility has been set up by the Thane Municipal Corporation in collaboration with an NGO, at a slum in Shanti Nagar locality of Wagle Estate area in Thane. Archaeologists Find Oldest Painting in Indonesian Cave Painted At least 4,500 Years Ago Archaeologists have discovered the world’s oldest known cave art, a life-sized picture of a wild pig that was painted at least 45,500 years ago in Indonesia. The cave painting uncovered in South Sulawesi consists of a figurative depiction of a warty pig, a wild boar that is endemic to this Indonesian island. The Sulawesi warty pig painting, dated to at least 45,500 years ago, is part of a rock art panel located above a high ledge along the rear wall of Leang Tedongnge. Petroleum Ministry launches ‘SAKSHAM’ Campaign to create awareness on Green & Clean Energy The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry launched month-long mass awareness campaign ‘SAKSHAM’ in New Delhi to spread awareness about green and clean energy. The pan-India campaign will focus on adoption of cleaner fuels. Piyush Goyal inaugurates two-day ‘Prarambh: The Startup India International Summit’ in New Delhi The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal has inaugurated the two-day ‘Prarambh’, Startup India International Summit in New Delhi on 15 January 2021. The Summit has been organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under M/o Commerce & Industry. The inaugural event was participated by the members of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries. The ‘Prarambh’ Summit will provide a platform to the startups and young minds from around the world to come together and collaborate to work collectively to come with new ideas, innovation and invention. PM Modi announces Rs 1,000-crore 'Startup India Seed Fund' Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of Rs 1,000-crore 'Startup India Seed Fund' to support startups and help budding entrepreneurs pursue innovative ideas. Addressing the 'Prarambh: Startup India International Summit', Modi exuded confidence that the growth of startups will help in generating jobs and improving lives of people in the region. India collected just 3% e-waste generated in 2018, 10% in 2019: CPCB report India collected just 10 per cent of the electronic waste (e-waste) estimated to have been generated in the country 2018-19 and 3.5 per cent of that in the generated in 2017-18, said a recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board. India generated 708,445 tonne e-waste in 2017-18 and 771,215 tonne the following fiscal, the report estimated. In 2019-20, the figure rose 32 per cent to 1,014,961 tonne. The figures have taken into account the 21 types of electrical and electronic equipments listed in the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016. These include discarded computer monitors, mobile phones, chargers, motherboards, headphones, television sets, among other appliances. Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurates Doppler Weather Radars at Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand and Kufri, Himachal Pradesh Union Minister for Earth Sciences Dr Harsh Vardhan commissioned two of the ten indigenously built Doppler weather radars which will closely monitor the weather changes over the Himalayas. Services of X-band Doppler radars at Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand and Kufri in Himachal Pradesh were virtually inaugurated on the 146th foundation day of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0 launched The third phase of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana was launched on January 15, 2021 in 600 districts across all states of India. The third phase will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It will focus on new-age India and COVID-related skills. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana's third phase (PMKVY 3.0) will focus on training eight lakh candidates during the scheme period of 2020-2021 with an outlay of Rs. 948.90 crore. Around 729 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs), empaneled non-PMKK training centers and over 200 ITIs under Skill India Mission will be rolling out training under PMKVY 3.0 to build a robust pool of skilled professionals. Donald Trump becomes the first U.S. President to be impeached twice President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House for a historic second time on January 13, charged with “incitement of insurrection” over the deadly mob siege of the Capitol in a swift and stunning collapse of his final days in office. He was first impeached in 2019 over his Ukraine dealings. The House voted 232-197 to impeach Mr Trump.
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The proceedings moved at lightning speed, with lawmakers voting just one week after violent pro-Mr. Trump loyalists stormed the U.S. Capitol, urged on by the President’s calls for them to “fight like hell” against the election results. Pakistan permits Dubai Royals to hunt “Houbara Bustard’ Pakistan recently issued special permits to Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and five other members of their family to hunt Houbara Bustard during the 2020-21 hunting season. After the permission, 11 members of the United Arab Emirates’ royal family reached the Panjgur district in Balochistan, Pakistan for hunting the highly vulnerable and internationally protected houbara bustard under Pakistan’s foreign ministry license. US designates UAE, Bahrain as ‘Major Strategic Partners’ The United States has designated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain as its major strategic partners, the White House announced, amid preparations for a transition from the Donald Trump administration to that of President-elect Joe Biden. The designation of a ‘Major Security Partner’ is a status unique to the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain. At 18 million, India has largest diaspora in the world: UN The Indian diaspora, one of the most “vibrant and dynamic”, is the largest in the world, with 18 million people from the country living outside their homeland in 2020. Germany hosted the second largest number of migrants worldwide at around 16 million, followed by Saudi Arabia (13 million), Russia (12 million) and the UK (9 million). The United Arab Emirates, the US and Saudi Arabia host the largest numbers of migrants from India as per the report, ‘International Migration 2020 Highlights', by the Population Division of UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) The report said India's large diaspora is distributed across a number of major countries of destination, with the UAE (3.5 million), the US (2.7 million) and Saudi Arabia (2.5 million) hosting the largest numbers of migrants from India. The US remained by far the largest country of destination of international migrants with 51 million migrants in 2020, equal to 18 per cent of the world's total. Germany hosted the second largest number of migrants worldwide at around 16 million, followed by Saudi Arabia (13 million), Russia (12 million) and the UK (9 million). The report said according to World Bank projections, the Covid-19 pandemic may reduce the volume of remittances sent to low-and middle-income countries from $548 billion in 2019 to $470 billion in 2021, a decline of 14 per cent. Indian Railways’ longest freight train ‘Vasuki’ sets a new record The South-East Central Railways (SECR) zone in Chhattisgarh breaks its own previous record by successfully operating the longest ever freight train by amalgamating five rakes of goods trains as one unit of around 3.5 km. Named as ‘Vasuki’, it covered the distance of 224 km between the railway stations of Bhilai and Korba and took about seven hours. The ‘Vasuki’, comprising of 300 wagons of long haul rake of five goods trains, ran with the help of one pilot, one assistant loco pilot and a guard. Finance Ministry Allocates Rs 660 Crore Additional Funds to MP for Citizen-centric Reforms Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to get additional funds for capital projects for successfully carrying out reforms in various citizen-centric areas.The finance ministry said it has allocated an additional Rs 660 crore to Madhya Pradesh for capital expenditure to undertake citizen-centric reforms. The ministry has allocated this additional funds to the state for capital expenditure for undertaking the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ reforms, Ease of Doing Business reforms, and urban local bodies reforms. The state has also completed part of the fourth reform the power sector reforms. Cabinet approves Rs 5,282-cr investment for 850 MW Ratle project on Chenab river The Union Cabinet has approved 850 megawatts (MW) Ratle hydropower project worth an Rs. 5281.94 crore on Chenab river in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.The project will be developed by a new joint venture company between state-run National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd and Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd (JKSPDC), where NHPC will have a 51% stake in the JV firm, while the balance will be held by JKSPDC. Government announces 23rd January to be celebrated as “PARAKRAM DIWAS’ every year Government of India has decided to celebrate the 125th Birth Anniversary year of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in a befitting manner at national and international level, beginning from 23rd January 2021. A High Level Committee, headed by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has been constituted for deciding the programs, and to supervise and guide the commemoration. In order to honour and remember Netaji’s indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation, Government of India has decided to celebrate his birthday on the 23rd day of January every year as “PARAKRAM DIWAS” to
Page | 29 MAGAZINE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – 2021 inspire people of the country, especially the youth, to act with fortitude in the face of adversity as Netaji did, and to infuse in them a spirit of patriotic fervour. NHAI signs MoU with IRTE & IDC to promote road safety, traffic management National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute for Road Traffic Education (IRTE), and Institute for Development and Communication, Chandigarh (IDC), to promote road safety and collaborate in the areas of traffic management. Titled as ‘Capacity building of Road Safety Management through the Safe Systems Approach Programme,’ this arrangement will be effective for two years. Howrah-Kalka Mail Renamed as “Netaji Express” One of the oldest trains of Indian Railways, the Howrah-Kalka Mail has been renamed as the ‘Netaji Express’. Indian Railways have renamed the train just a few days before the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on January 23. NITI Aayog Releases India Innovation Index 2.0 NITI Aayog released the second edition of the India Innovation Index on 20 January 2021, along with the Institute for Competitiveness. India Innovation Index 2.0 or 2nd edition has released by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar. The innovation index ranking is based on five enabler parameters (‘Human Capital’, ‘Investment’, ‘Knowledge Workers’, ‘Business Environment’, ‘Safety and Legal Environment’), and two performance parameters (‘Knowledge Output’ and ‘Knowledge Diffusion’). In the ‘Major States’ category, Karnataka occupied the top position, followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu respectively. In UT and city-states category, Delhi topped followed by Chandigarh. Under the ‘North-Eastern/Hill States’ category, Himachal Pradesh emerged as the top state. Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates new 4-lane Thaltej-Shilaj-Rancharda railway overbridge in Ahmedabad The Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the new 4-lane Thaltej-Shilaj-Rancharda railway overbridge in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat through video conferencing.The new overbridge has been built at a cost of Rs 55 crore. The Union Home Minister said the Railways are working to eliminate all unmanned gates, under which by 2022 there will be almost no unmanned gates in the country, which will reduce accidents. MoU signed between Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, IIT Roorkee Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Roorkee signed an MoU in New Delhi for continuation of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Professorial Chair focusing on research and development, teaching and training in the area of Development of Highway Infrastructure. Government launches portal to collect data related to tribal migrant workers The Tribal Affairs Minister, Arjun Munda launched the ‘ShramShakti’ portal virtually to collect data related to the tribal migrant workers and will also link them to the existing welfare schemes. Arjun Munda also launched a tribal training module – ShramSaathi – to ensure that the process of livelihood migration is safe and productive. Ramesh Pokhriyal launched Toycathon-2021 to promote manufacturing of toys The Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Union Minister WCD and Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani jointly launched Toycathon-2021 and the Toycathon Portal. Toycathon is being organized to develop India as the global Toy manufacturing hub. INTERNATIONAL NEWS United Nations’ FAO names 4 Asian tea cultivation sites as Globally Important Agri Heritage Systems The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has recognised four tea producing sites spanning across three countries as the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). All the four sites chosen by the FAO are in the Asian continent and include two tea production sites from China(Pu’er Traditional Tea Agrosystem and Fuzhou Jasmine tea site ) – the world’s largest producer- and one each from Korea(Traditional Hadong Tea Agrosystem Korea) and Japan(Traditional Tree Grass system in Shizuoka) . However, India which is the second largest producer of the beverage and one of the biggest exporters of tea to several countries could not find a place in the chosen GIAHS sites. India begins its two-year tenure as a Non-Permanent Member of the UNSC India is beginning its two-year tenure as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, UNSC.
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India will sit in the 15-nation United Nations Security Council for the 2021-22 term as a non-permanent member—the eighth time that the country has had a seat on the powerful horseshoe table. India, Norway, Kenya, Ireland and Mexico will join non-permanent members Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam and the five permanent members China, France, Russia, U.K. and the U.S. United Nations Security Council(UNSC) Headquarters: New York India becomes co-chair of Asia Protected Areas Partnership (APAP) India has been chosen as the co-chair of the IUCN( International Union for Conservation of Nature)- supported Asia Protected Areas Partnership (APAP) for a period of three years till November 2023. India will replace South Korea, which held the post for 3 years until November 2020. The APAP is chaired by IUCN ( International Union for Conservation of Nature) Asia and co-chaired by an APAP nation member on a rotational basis. International Union for Conservation of Nature Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland. International Union for Conservation of Nature CEO: Grethel Aguilar. WHO clears Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency use The World Health Organization says it has cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for emergency use. This means poorer countries may soon get access to the shot already available in Europe and North America. U.S. Congress passes ‘Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act’ The U.S. Congress has passed the ‘Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act’ to increase the number of scholarships for Pakistani women in higher education under merit and needs-based programme. The bill requires the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to award at least 50% of scholarships under a Pakistan-based higher education scholarship programme to Pakistani women, from 2020 to 2022, across a range of academic disciplines and in accordance with existing eligibility criteria. Australia changes word in anthem to honour Indigenous people, reflect unity Australia has changed one word in its national anthem to reflect what the prime minister called the spirit of unity and the country’s Indigenous population. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on New Years Eve announced that the second line of the anthem, Advance Australia Fair, has been changed from “For we are young and free” to “For we are one and free.” Japan to launch the first wood-based satellite by 2023 Japan’s Sumitomo Forestry company and Kyoto University aims to launch the world’s first wood-based space satellite by 2023 to combat the problem of space junk.Currently, the initiative is in the nascent stage as several wooden materials are being tested by the research team to find a suitable one for space missions. It is also reported that the team is also working towards developing wooden materials extremely resistant to temperature changes and sunlight. Pakistan successfully test fires indigenously developed weapons rocket system Pakistan successfully conducted the test-flight of an indigenously developed Guided Multi Launch Rocket System named Fatah-1, capable of delivering conventional warheads, with a maximum range of 140 km. Twitter deletes new Trump tweets on @POTUS, suspends campaign account Twitter Inc has deleted new tweets posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on official government account @POTUS and suspended the account of his presidential campaign, after booting his personal account of the platform permanently. @POTUS Twitter account is an official Twitter account of US President Donald Trump. The Account is named President Trump. The POTUS Twitter account is in the news because President Trump used the account to tweet against “Twitter” after the company permanently banned and suspended the @realDonaldTrump of Trump. Indonesian Jetliner crashes into the sea after takeoff A passenger plane of Indonesia’s Sriwijaya Air carrying 62 people on board crashed into waters off Jakarta. The Boeing 737-500 was on an estimated 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesia’s Borneo island. Japan commits Rs 2,113 cr support for COVID relief efforts The Government of Japan has committed Official Development Assistance loan of 30 billion Japanese Yen which is approximately Rs 2113 crore rupees for a programme loan to support India’s efforts at providing social assistance to the poor and vulnerable households, severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. apan Capital: Tokyo. Japan Currency: Japanese yen. Japan Prime minister: Yoshihide Suga. France hosts 4th One Planet Summit in cooperation with UN and World Bank The Government of France organised the fourth ‘One Planet Summit’ through videoconferencing, which aimed at protecting the world’s biodiversity.
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The Summit was organised in cooperation with the United Nations and the World Bank. The theme of the Summit was “Let’s act together for nature!”. Germany passes bill mandating large companies to appoint women in executive boards Germany’s Cabinet approved legislation requiring some larger companies to ensure that at least one woman serves on their management boards.The bill mandates that companies with over 2,000 employees that are listed on the stock exchange and have boards with more than three members have at least one woman and one man on their boards. WHO, UNICEF, MSF, IFRC collaborate to establish global Ebola vaccine stockpile The four leading international health and humanitarian organisations announced the establishment of a global Ebola vaccine stockpile to ensure outbreak response. The effort to establish the stockpile was led by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, which includes the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), with financial support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. GAVI-Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, Location: Geneva, Switzerland China overtakes Germany to run world’s largest current account surplus China overtook Germany to become the country with the world’s largest current account surplus in the year 2020, as per a survey by the Munich-based Ifo(Information and Forschung) institute. The current account surplus of China more than doubled to $310 billion in 2020, while the current account surplus of Germany shrank for the fifth year in a row in 2020 to $261 billion. The United States remained the country with the world’s largest current account deficit which rose roughly by a third to $635 billion in 2020 or 3.1% of economic output. Japan ranked third with a current account surplus of $158 billion. Joe Biden takes oath as 46th US President Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States. He swore the oath of office moments after Kamala Harris, who became America’s first woman vice president. At 78, Biden is the oldest president in US history and only the second Roman Catholic president. Biden will immediately rejoin the Paris climate accord and stop the US exit from the World Health Organization and set new paths on immigration, the environment, Covid-19 and the economy. BILATERAL Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Cooperation between India, Japan on partnership in ‘Specified Skilled Worker’ The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Indian and Japan on a Basic Framework for Partnership for Proper Operation of the System Pertaining to ‘Specified Skilled Worker’. Cabinet approves MoU between India, UAE for scientific and technical cooperation The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Memorandum of Understanding on scientific and technical cooperation between National Centre of Meteorology of the United Arab Emirates and Ministry of Earth Sciences. India, Japan sign MoU to enhance cooperation in ICT, including 5G tech India and Japan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), including 5G standardisation. As per the agreement, both the countires will enhance mutual cooperation in the field of 5G technologies, telecom security, submarine optical fibre cable system to islands of India, spectrum management, smart cities, high-altitude platform for broadband in unconnected areas, disaster management and public safety. India, Japan sign agreement on movement of ‘skilled workers’ India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on a basic partnership framework for operation of the ‘specified skilled worker’ (SSW) system under which the Japanese government accepts foreign nationals who have a certain level of expertise and skill. Union Cabinet approves MoU between India, Uzbekistan for cooperation in field of Solar Energy The Union Cabinet was apprised of signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Uzbekistan for cooperation in the field of Solar Energy. The main area of work under the MoU is to identify research, demonstration and initiation of pilot projects between the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India and the International Solar Energy Institute, Uzbekistan.
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India, Singapore sign pact on submarine rescue support The 5th edition of the Defence Ministers’ Dialogue (DMD) between India and Singapore was successfully held on 20 January 2021 through a video conference, in an effort to deepen military cooperation. During the meeting, the ‘Implementing Agreement on Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation’ was signed between the two Navies. The agreement was signed between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Singaporean counterpart Dr Ng Eng Hen. INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL SUMMIT PM Modi inaugurates National Metrology Conclave 2021 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has addressed the National Metrology Conclave, via video conferencing on January 04, 2021. National Metrology Conclave 2021 was organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, to mark its 75th year of inception. This year theme: ‘Metrology for the Inclusive Growth of the Nation’. As a part of this conclave, PM Modi also dedicated ‘National Atomic Timescale’, and ‘Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya’ to the nation, and laid the foundation stone of the ‘National Environmental Standards Laboratory’. The NPL is one of the oldest laboratories in the country. The NPL has adopted an international practice for production of Indian Certified Reference Material (CRMs) Trademarked as Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya. Ramesh Pokhriyal inaugurates International Akhand Conference ‘EDUCON-2020’ Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has inaugurated the two-day Virtual International Akhand Conference ‘EDUCON 2020’ through video conferencing. This two-day International Conference is being organized by the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CUPB) in collaboration with the Global Educational Research Association (GERA). The focal theme of EDUCON-2020 is Envisioning Education for Transforming Youth to Restore Global Peace. Harsh Vardhan inaugurates 7th Edition of MASCRADE 2021 The 7th edition of ‘MASCRADE 2021 – Movement against Smuggled & Counterfeit Trade’ was inaugurated by Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Health and Family welfare. The two-day programme was organized by FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy), to combat illicit trade, especially in a post COVID era. 3-day Ports Review Meeting named ‘Chintan Baithak’ held in Gujarat Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Ports,Shipping and Waterways (I/C) chaired three-day Ports Review Meeting named ‘Chintan Baithak’ at Dhordo, Kutch,Gujarat. The Chairpersons of all Major Ports of India and Senior Officials of the ministry participated in the extensive brainstorming conference to finalise the roadmap of Maritime Vision-2030. The Chintan Baithak includes sessions on exploring new vistas of urban transportation, effective implementation of SAROD-Ports, issues related to International Arbitrations etc. RANKING AND INDEX Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2021 India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) dropped down to 12th spot in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2021 (as on 2nd January 2021). The net worth of Ambani dropped from 90 billion USD (around Rs. 6.62 lakh crore) (in early 2020) to 79.2 billion USD (around Rs. 5.6 lakh crore). Zhong Shanshan(88.9 billion USD), referred to as “Lone Wolf”, has replaced Ambani as Asia’s richest person(overall 6th), he is one of the fastest in the history to achieve the feat. The rise in Shanshan's net worth is attributed to listing of two of companies -- vaccine maker Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprises Co and Nongu Spring Co, a bottled water firm. Ajim Premji chairman of Wipro ranked at 51. Top 3 in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index:
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Rank Personality Net worth 1 Jeff Bezos 202 Billion USD 2 Elon R Musk 192 Billion USD 3 Bill Gates 133 Billion USD
Jharkhand’s Ramgarh Tops Niti Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Ranking in November 2020 Ramgarh in Jharkhand has topped the list of aspirational districts ranked by the government think tank Niti Aayog in November 2020. Yadgir (Karnataka), Gadchiroli (Maharashtra) have been placed at the second and third positions, respectively. The delta rankings took into account incremental progress made by over 112 aspirational districts across six developmental areas in December 2019. Henley and Partners Passport Index of 2021 Henley and Partners Passport Index of 2021 has revealed the list of the world’s most powerful passports and India has been ranked 85th on it.India shares the no. 85 rank with Tajikistan. Japan tops the list of being the most powerful passport in the world for the year 2021. Singapore is in on the second place (with a score of 190) . 11 Indian companies find place among Hurun Global 500 for 2020 Total 11 private Indian firms have made it to the list of 500 most valuable companies across the world, and the country is ranked 10th on the chart. The list of 500 is led by consumer technology major Apple with a valuation of $2.1 trillion and is followed by Microsoft and Amazon at $1.6 trillion. Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries leads among the local enterprises with a 20.5 per cent jump in valuation to USD 168.8 billion as of December 1 and is ranked 54th globally, as per the list. Tata Consultancy Services’ value grew by nearly 30 per cent during the year to take its value to USD 139 billion, ranking it 73rd globally and making it the second most valuable Indian firm. Snapdeal, Four Indian Shopping Complexes Figure in US Notorious Markets List Snapdeal, one of India’s largest e-commerce platforms, along with four Indian shopping complexes, two of them in New Delhi alone, have figured in the latest 2020 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy issued by the Office of the US Trade Representative. The four Indian markets that have found mention in the list are Heera Panna in Mumbai, Kidderpore in Kolkata and Palika Bazaar and Tank Road in Delhi. Bengaluru World’s Fastest Growing Tech Hub, London Second: Report Bengaluru has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing mature tech ecosystem in the world since 2016, followed by the European cities of London, Munich, Berlin and Paris, with India’s financial centre of Mumbai in sixth place, according to new research released in London. Dealroom.co data analysed by London & Partners the Mayor of London’s international trade and investment agency reveals that investment in the Karnataka capital of Bengaluru grew 5.4 times from USD 1.3 billion in 2016 to USD 7.2 billion in 2020, with the Maharashtra capital of Mumbai growing 1.7 times from USD 0.7 billion to USD 1.2 billion in the same period. The UK capital of London registered an impressive three times growth between 2016 and 2020, rising from USD 3.5 billion to USD 10.5 billion. Bengaluru is also ranked sixth for the world’s tech venture capitalist (VC) investments, on a global list topped by Beijing and San Francisco, New York, Shanghai and London making up the top five. Mumbai comes in at No. 21 in the worldwide ranking, with Boston and Singapore among the other high-ranking cities. India ranks 4th in ‘Break Out Economies’ Rapidly digitalising India was ranked 4th in “Break Out Economies” in the third edition of the Digital Evolution Scorecard developed by Tufts University’s Fletcher School in partnership with Mastercard. China which leads the countries in the “Break Out Economies” group is more evolved digitally due mainly to its combination of rapidly growing demand and innovation. Third rank Indonesia, and India, which ranks number four in momentum, have displayed increasing digital momentum suggesting the potential to rapidly digitalise for both post-COVID economic recovery and longer- term transformation. NITI Aayog launches second edition of India Innovation Index 2020 NITI Aayog released the second edition of the India Innovation Index-2020. The index demonstrates the government’s continued commitment towards transforming the country into an innovation-driven economy. In the 2020 ranking, Karnataka retained its first position in the Major States category. Maharashtra moved one position higher and stood at 2nd spot while Tamil Nadu slid to 3rd position. In the North East and Hill States category, Himachal Pradesh stands at first position followed by Uttarakhand and Manipur. Delhi stands at the first position while Chandigarh retained its second spot in the Union Territories and small States category.
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World Economic Forum releases the Global Risks for 2021 The World Economic Forum(WEF) recently released the 16th edition of the Global Risks Report, 2021. The report describes that the top 3 risks by likelihood are extreme weather, climate action failures and human environmental damage. This is very likely to happen in the next 10 years. And the top 3 risks by impact are infectious diseases, climate action failures and weapon of mass destruction, these are the amount of impact they are expected to create. The report was released before the upcoming Davos Agenda Summit of World Economic Forum. This year, in 2021, the World Economic Forum is to launch the Great Reset Initiative alongside Davos Agenda Summit. The main aim of the report is to prepare the Government and other international communities during the times of crisis. Global Firepower defense review For 2021, India is ranked 4 of 138 out of the countries considered for the annual GFP review. With 904 attack helicopters and 11 aircraft carriers, the US ranks at the top of the list. Russia is ranked 2nd and China ranked 3rd. AWARD Pt Satish Vyas conferred with prestigious Tansen Samman by MP Government Santoor player Pt. Satish Vyas honoured with Tansen Samman- 2020 for Hindustani classical music. Madhya Pradesh government will confer the award on Pt. Vyas at Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, held in Gwalior. Besides Abhinav Kala Parishad, Bhopal has been selected for ‘Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman’. AIIMS Bhubaneswar receives Kayakalp Award for third consecutive year All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, has been secured once again for promoting cleanliness, hygiene and creating sustainable practices in public health facilities by winning the Kayakalp Award Scheme.Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan presented the award in a virtual ceremony at New Delhi. The institute has been adjudged as the best central government hospital under the B category for cleanliness for the third consecutive year. AIIMS Bhubaneswar will get an award of Rs 2 crore for the performance. Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda to receive SKOCH Challenger Award virtually Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda will virtually receive SKOCH Challenger Award conferred to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for e-Governance.The award has been given to the Ministry for its IT-led initiatives and other transformational initiatives leading to outcome-based performance improvement Italian Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro Honoured With Lifetime Achievement Award At IFFI Oscar-winning Italian cinematographer Vittorio Storaro will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 51 edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa. IFFI 2021 to celebrate the work of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray The 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be celebrating the work of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray by screening five of his classics. Veteran actor Biswajit Chatterjee conferred ‘Indian Personality of the Year’ award at IFFI Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar announced veteran actor, director and singer Biswajit Chatterjee as the recipient of the ‘Indian Personality of the Year’ award at the opening ceremony of the 51st edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) . The 84-year-old actor will be given the honour during the National Film Award, to be held in March this year. He is known for featuring in films like “Bees Saal Baad”, “Night In London” and “April Fool”. Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal honoured by Canada’s Hindi Writers Guild Union education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank‘ was honoured by the Hindi Writers Guild, Canada for his literary work. Nishank was conferred with the “Sahitya Gaurav Samman” in the presence of the Governor through a virtual programme. Bilkis dadi and Harsh Mander conferred with Quaide Milleth Award Bilkis Bano, Bilkis Dadi, the octogenarian woman who emerged as the face of Shaheen Bagh protest movement, and prominent civil rights activist Harsh Mander have been conferred with Quaide Millleth award for year 2020. Bano and Mander were presented the award at an event held at India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi. Rajendra Kumar Bhandari selected for Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society and. Rajendra Kumar Bhandari have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar for their excellent work in Disaster Management.
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The award carries a cash prize of 51 lakh rupees and a certificate in case of an institution and five lakh rupees and a certificate in case of an individual. NSE remains world’s largest derivatives exchange for 2nd consecutive year The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) remained the world’s largest derivatives exchange for the second consecutive year in 2020 in terms of number of contracts traded, according to the Futures Industry Association (FIA). Shyam Srinivasan is Business Standard Banker of the Year Shyam Srinivasan, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Federal Bank, is the Business Standard Banker of the Year for 2019-20.The unanimous decision was taken by a high-profile jury of five, chaired by former RBI deputy governor S S Mundra. Nikhil Srivastava named joint winner of Michael and Sheila Held Prize Nikhil Srivastava, a young Indian mathematician, has been named winner of the prestigious 2021 Michael and Sheila Held Prize along with two others for solving long-standing questions on the Kadison-Singer problem and on Ramanujan graphs. Srivastava is currently Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of California. 51st International Film Festival of India held in Goa The 51st International Film Festival of India was held from 16 to 24 January 2021 in Goa. Due to the COVID- 19 pandemic the festival went hybrid, there was physical and virtual screening of 50 films out of 224 films across various categories. Bangladesh was country of focus in the festival with four films of the country included in 'country of focus' section. The festival highlighted autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by premiering a film by Shreedhar, In Our World in non-feature film, Indian Panorama section on 18 January 2021. Closing ceremony of 51st IFFI, was held at Shyamaprasad Stadium near Panaji. Renowned actress Zeenat Aman was the Chief Guest. Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate change Babul Supriyo also graced the occasion. Opening film Another Round (Denmark), by Thomas Vinterberg, it was Denmark's official entry to the Oscars, in 2020 Closing film Wife of a Spy (Japan), theatrical version of television film directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, a historical drama won the Silver Lion for Best Director at 77th Venice International Film Festival. International jury Argentine filmmaker Pablo Cesar is head of its international jury panel. The winners list of 51st IFFI: Golden Peacock Award – Into the Darkness (Danish film based on World War II – Director: Anders Refn) Silver Peacock Award for Best Actor – Male – Tzu-Chuan Liu, The Silent Forest Silver Peacock Award for Best Actor – Female – Zofia Stafiej, I Never Cry Silver Peacock Award for Best Director – Chen-Nien Ko, The Silent Forest Best Debut Director Award – Cássio Pereira dos Santos, Valentina Special Mention Award – Kripal Kalita, Bridge Special Jury Award – Kamin Kalev, February ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Award – Ameen Nayfeh’s 200 Meters Indian Personality of the Year Award – Biswajit Chatterjee Oscar nominee ‘Another Round’ to be opening movie at 51st IFFI The 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open on 16th January, with the Indian premiere of the movie ‘Another Round’ by Thomas Vinterberg.The movie is also Denmark’s official entry to the Oscars. Philanthropist Ravi Gaikwad conferred Humanitarian Activist Influencer Award Influencers Awards 2021 presented Ravi Gaikwad with the Humanitarian Activist Influencer Award for his philanthropic work and humanitarian service which he consistently keeps on undertaking for the betterment of society.
36 | Page MAGAZINE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY – 2021 PERSON IN NEWS/NEWLY APPOINTED Umesh Sinha Umesh Sinha has been named as the deputy election commissioner in the Election Commission of India. Chief Election Commissioner of India: Sunil Arora. K Sivan The Central Government has approved the extension of the term of ISRO Chairman K Sivan, for a period of one year that is upto january 2022. Soma Mondal Soma Mondal has taken over as the new Chairman of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) with effect from January 01, 2021. She replaces Anil Kumar Chaudhary. Suneet Sharma The appointments committee of the Cabinet has approved Suneet Sharma appointment as Chairman & CEO of Railway Board.He took over in his new role with effect from January 01, 2021. He will succeed Vinod Kumar Yadav. Pankaj Mithal Justice Pankaj Mithal has been appointed as the new Chief Justice (CJ) of the Common High Court for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh in Jammu on January 04, 2021.He was administered the oath of office by Lieutenant Governor of J&k, Manoj Sinha. Chief justice Mithal has been appointed in view of the retirement of chief justice Gita Mittal recently. Ashish Pethe The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), the national apex body of the gems and jewellery industry, has announced the appointment of Ashish Pethe as chairman and Saiyam Mehra as vice chairman for a period of two years. All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council HQ: Mumbai, Maharashtra. Sanjay Kapoor Sanjay Kapoor was elected president of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) while Bharat Singh Chauhan retained the secretary’s post. All India Chess Federation Headquarters: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium; Chennai. Pablo Cesar Argentine filmmaker Pablo Cesar to head 51st edition of International Film Festival of India(IFFI) as International Jury. The Jury will comprise Pablo Cesar of Argentina as Chairman, Prasanna Vithanage of Sri Lanka, Abu Bakr Shawky of Austria, Priyadarshan of India and Rubaiyat Hossain of Bangladesh. Kiren Rijiju gets additional charge of Ayush Ministry Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has been temporarily assigned the charge of the Ministry of AYUSH, according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique issued. The move was necessitated as Shripad Yesso Naik, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Goa. Vishwavir Ahuja Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RBL Bank Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unanimously chosen as the new chairman of the trust which manages the world famous Somnath Temple at Prabhas Patan town in Gujarat’s Gir-Somnath district.After former PM Morarji Desai, Modi is the second Prime Minister who has been appointed the chairman of the temple trust. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali Nepal’s Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali arrived in India on a three-day visit during which he attended the 6th meeting of Nepal-India Joint Commission and discussed the entire gamut of relations, including COVID-19 cooperation and border disputes, with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar. Bhawana Kanth Flight lieutenant Bhawana Kanth will become the 1st woman fighter pilot to take part in the Republic Day parade.At present, Bhawana is posted in Rajasthan and flies the MiG-21 Bison fighter plane.
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Siddhartha Mohanty The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed Siddhartha Mohanty as the managing director of India’s largest insurer Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) from February 1 onwards.He will be replacing TC Suseel Kumar. Sanjeev Kumar The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sanjeev Kumar as the new Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL). Rajiv Lochan The board of Sundaram Finance has named Rajiv Lochan (director Strategy) as managing director. RS Sharma The Union government has appointed RS Sharma, former TRAI chief, as the chairperson of an empowered committee for the administration of Covid-19 vaccine. Jay Shah Jay Shah has been named as the official representative of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meetings. Pradipt Kapoor Airtel appoints Pradipt Kapoor as chief information officer Chandrikapersad Santokhi Santokhi was the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, held by the Ministry of External Affairs and he delivered the keynote address. Pat Gelsinger Intel appoints Pat Gelsinger as new CEO Sadyr Japarov Sadyr Japarov is elected president of Kyrgyzstan Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw US-India Business Council (USIBC) has selected Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw as one of its vice-chairs effective immediately. US Chamber of Commerce’s USIBC announced three vice-chairs to its 2021 Global Board of Directors. The two other business executives joining Shaw as vice-chairs are Amway CEO Milind Pant and Edward Knight who is the vice-chair at Nasdaq. The three new appointees will now work with USIBC President Nisha Biswal Jyoti Kumari The Bihar government has chosen “bicycle girl” Jyoti Kumari, who had pedalled 1,200 km from Gurugram to Darbhanga taking her injured father on the rear carrier during the nationwide lockdown, as the Brand Ambassador for an anti-drug abuse programme. Kumari will be propagating the central government’s National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-2025 in Bihar. Nazhat Shameem Khan The UN Human Rights Council elected Fiji’s ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan as its 2021 president in an unprecedented secret ballot after a diplomatic stand-off blocked the usual consensus decision. Sandeep Aggarwal Sandeep Aggarwal is appointed as the new Chairman of the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC). Garima Verma Incoming US First Lady, Jill Biden has named Indian-American Garima Verma as her digital director and Michael LaRosa as press secretary. India is the main country of recipient of remittances worldwide and in 2019 received $83 billion in remittances from its diaspora. The World Bank projects that in 2020, the amount will decline by around 9 per cent to about $76 billion. Manish Kumar Manish Kumar, a sanitation worker in Delhi, became the first person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in India after PM Modi flagged off the nationwide vaccination drive on 16 January 2021. Manish Kumar was given the injection at AIIMS in Delhi while Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan was also present. Rajiv Lochan Sundaram Finance announced that Rajiv Lochan, director of strategy, will assume the role of MD with effect from April 1.
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Gita Mittal Broadcasters industry body Indian Broadcasting Foundation has appointed former Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir High Court Justice Gita Mittal as the new Chairperson of Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC). Jayant N Khobragade Jayant Khobragade appointed India’s next Ambassador to ASEAN Secretariat Judge Merrick Garland Next U.S. attorney general. Vanita Gupta Associate Attorney General of USA Alex Ellis Appointed as British high commissioner to India Karan Bajwa Head of Google Cloud in Asia Pacific Arup Kumar Goswami Chief Justice (CJ) of Andhra Pradesh High Court Raj Iyer First Chief Information Officer of the US Army Hima Kohli Hima Kohli appointed as 1st Woman Chief Justice of Telangana High Court JK Maheshwari Justice Jitendra Kumar Maheshwari was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court. Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia appointed as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court informed the Ministry of Law and Justice. Lt Gen Shantanu Dayal Lt Gen Shantanu Dayal has been named the new Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS). Chief of the Army Staff: General Manoj Mukund Naravane Dr Raghu Ram Pillarisetti Well-known breast cancer surgeon from Hyderabad Dr Raghu Ram Pillarisetti has been named in the New Year’s Honours list of Queen Elizabeth II. Abhishek Yadav The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to appoint former India international Abhishek Yadav as its Deputy General Secretary. Faustin-Archange Touadera Re electd as Central African Republic President Claire Polosak Australia’s Claire Polosak is set to become the first female match official in a men’s Test match when she takes up the fourth umpire’s role in the third Test between India and Australia. Chairman of ICC: Greg Barclay. CEO of ICC: Manu Sawhney. Headquarters of ICC: Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Sumona Guha senior director for South Asia by US President-elect Joe Biden Tarun Chhabra Senior director for Technology and National Security of USA PK Purwar The Board of Directors of state-run Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) has re-appointed PK Purwar as Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of the telecom PSU. Subodh Kumar Jaiswal Subodh Kumar Jaiswal assumed the charge of Director General, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Abhishek Yadav Abhishek Yadav appointed as AIFF’s first Deputy General Secretary Mark Rutte Dutch(Netherland) Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his entire Cabinet resigned to take political responsibility for a scandal involving investigations into child welfare payments that wrongly labeled thousands of parents as fraudsters.However, the Rutte government will stay on in a caretaker role until parliamentary elections in March 2021. Museveni Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni wins sixth term as President
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Dushyant Dave Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Dushyant Dave resigned from his post with immediate effect saying he has forfeited his right to continue. Juri Ratas Estonia’s Prime Minister Juri Ratas resigns Khurelsukh Ukhnaa Mongolian prime minister submits resignation SPORTS Leon Mendonca Goa’s 14-year-old Leon Mendonca has become India’s 67th chess Grandmaster by winning the third and final norm at a tournament in Italy. Mendonca, who achieved the feat at 14 years, 9 months and 17 days, is the second GM from the coastal State. Chennai player G. Akash, had in July, become the country’s 66th Grandmaster. He became the 29th Youngest GM in the world. International Chess Federation Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland. Khelo India Ice Hockey Tournament begins in Chiktan, Kargil Khelo India Ice Hockey Tournament organised at Chiktan in Kàrgil, Ladakh. For the first time, the women team of Chiktan also participated in the Khelo India Games in Kargil district. There are 13 teams from different villages of Chiktan participating in the tournament, which include 11 men’s teams and 2 women’s teams. JSW Sports signs cricketer Rishabh Pant on Talent Management Contract JSW Sports has signed an exclusive talent management contract with Rishabh Pant who became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to clock 1,000 runs as he helped India to an almost unbelievable test series victory in Australia. Pant is the first cricketer to join the talent management roster of the $13-billion JSW Group’s sports arm, which currently manages commercial interests of Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik and wrestling star Bajrang Punia, among others. Khelo India Zanskar Winter Sport & Youth festival 2021 begins In Ladakh, the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Zanskar Winter Sport & Youth Festival 2021 kicked off on 18th January 2021. The 13- Day Zanskar Winter Sports Festival aims to open a new arena in Ladakh for adventure and Nature loving tourists and a boost for local Youth to hone up their skills in winter sports to represent India. A series of snow-based activities will be held for the next 13 days to promote tourism and economic activities in the Snowbound, picturesque Zanskar. Thailand Open title Men’s Category: Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) defeated Angus Long (Hong Kong) to clinch the Men’s Singles Title. Women’s Category: Carolina Marin (Spain) defeated Tai Tzu-Ying (Taiwan) to bag the Women’s Singles Title. Winners of Doubles Title: In the Men’s Doubles, Taiwan’s Lee Yang & Wang Chi-Lin beat Malaysia’s Goh V Shem & Tan Wee Kiong to bag the Doubles Title. In the Women’s Doubles, Indonesia’s Greysia Polii & Apriyani Rahayu defeated Thailand’s Jongkolphan Kititharakul & Rawinda Prajongjai to clinch the Doubles Title. Winners of Mixed Doubles: Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai defeated Indonesia’s Praveen Jordan & Melati Daeva Oktavianti to clinch the mixed doubles title. Oldest living Olympic champion Agnes Keleti turns 100 The oldest surviving Olympic champion, Ágnes Keleti, celebrates her 100th birthday. She is one of her country’s most successful Olympians, having won 10 medals for Hungary in gymnastics, at the Olympic Games Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956. Dhaka Marathon 2021: Jigmet Dolma from Ladakh wins 4th position Jigmet Dolma from India secured the fourth position in the Dhaka Marathon 2021. In the marathon, Hicham Lakohi of Morocco came first in the elite competition of the marathon in men’s category while Angela Jim Asunde from Kenya won the women’s category in the same event. In the full marathon, among the SAARC and local runners, Bahadur Singh of India became the champion in the men’s category and Pushpa Bhandari of Nepal became the champion in the women’s category.
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ITBP wins IHAI National Ice Hockey Championship The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has won the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI) 10th National Ice Hockey Championship trophy after a win over Ladakh in the finals in Gulmarg. The match was held at Gulmarg Ice Rink. Ladakh has been considered as the capital of ice hockey in India where local men and women play this game with great enthusiasm. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IIT Hyderabad sets up ‘TiHAN-IIT’ testbed for autonomous navigation systems The Department of Science and Technology has sanctioned 135 crore to IIT Hyderabad under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) to set up a Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation(TiHAN) and Data Acquisition Systems. 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica flagged off The 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica was flagged off on January 05, 2021, from Mormugao Port, Goa. The chartered ice-class vessel MV Vasiliy Golovnin has been chosen for the prestigious 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) mission journey and will reach Antarctica in 30 days. India’s major fuel supplier, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) has supplied Jet A1 fuel, lubes and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) for the mission. NIC and CBSE jointly launch CollabCAD Software National Informatics Centre (NIC) along with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) are jointly launching CollabCAD software, a collaborative network, computer-enabled software system, providing a total engineering solution from 2D drafting and detailing to 3D product design for students and faculty of engineering graphics curriculum. NIC, CBSE and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog will also jointly release a comprehensive e-book on CollabCAD 3D modeling. This ebook 1.0 is ready for public release through the CollabCAD portal and will guide CAD students, beginners, and professionals in understanding and using CollabCAD software. It is designed and authored by the CollabCAD Group of NIC, New Delhi. Tesla sets up its Indian subsidiary in Bengaluru, Karnataka The US-based electric and clean energy company Tesla has opened a fully-owned subsidiary in India with its offices in Bengaluru.The company has been registered with an authorised capital of 15 lakh and a paid-up capital of Rs.1 lakh. Rajnath Singh unveils India’s first indigenously developed driverless metro car Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the country’s first indigenously designed and developed Driverless Metro Car at the BEML manufacturing facility in Bengaluru . According to BEML, state-of-the-art driverless metro cars, being manufactured at the company’s Bangalore Complex, are made up of stainless-steel body with a capacity of carrying 2280 passengers in six-cars Metro train-set. BEML bagged a total order of 576 cars for Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)’s MRS1 project and the supply is scheduled progressively up to January 2024. NASA targets final test of ‘world’s most powerful rocket’ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is looking to carry out the eighth and final test in its “Green Run” test series. This eighth stage termed “hot fire,” will bring to an end a series of tests which, NASA says, will gradually bring together the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) to life for the very first time. The core stage of the SLS will form the backbone of what NASA says will be the “most powerful rocket in the world” and will power its next-generation human Moon Missions. MeitY collaborates with Amazon to set up India’s first quantum computing lab The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to develop a Quantum Computing Applications Lab in the country. The lab is meant to provide access to quantum computing development environment for the developer, scientific and academic communities. The Union Budget 2020-21 had proposed to spend Rs 8,000 crores on the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications. Harsh Vardhan chairs 148th session of WHO Executive Board Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare digitally chaired the 148th session of WHO Executive Board, through Video Conference.
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The 148th session of the Executive Board has been organised from 18-26 January 2021. WHO has declared the Year 2021 as the Year of Global Solidarity and Survival. 15th India Digital Summit 2021 begins The India Digital Summit, the flagship event of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is one of the biggest conferences for the digital industry was held at New Delhi. Honourable Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & IT and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is the chief guest,inaugurated the Summit. The theme for this year’s summit, which is being held virtually is ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat – Start of New Decade’ in line with the government’s ‘Make for the World’ Initiatives. Infosys receives Google Cloud Partner Status Infosys has recently announced that it has been accredited with the Google Cloud Partner Specialization in the data and analytics space. Infosys is among the top global system integrators which have been accredited with this specialization. Infosys has received this recognition as the company has successfully demonstrating end-to-end capabilities on Google Cloud including warehousing on the cloud and data ingestion. DEFENCE Indian Army inks pact with Goa Shipyard to get 12 fast patrol boats Indian Army has inked a contract with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) to procure 12 Fast Patrol Boats for surveillance and patrolling of large water bodies, including those in high altitude areas like Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh. GRSE delivers 8th landing craft utility ship to Indian Navy Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has delivered the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV class vessel ‘IN LCU L-58’ (Yard 2099) to the Indian Navy. The amphibious ships, to be based in the strategic location of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is close to various routes leading to the South China Sea. GRSE Chairman & Managing Director: Rear Admiral V K Saxena. GRSE Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal. BEL and Indian Navy inks pact for initial supply of Laser Dazzlers The Indian Navy has signed a contract with the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), to procure Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation Dazzlers (Laser Dazzlers). Initially, agreement has been signed for 20 Laser Dazlers. The Laser dazzler technology has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and would be manufactured by BEL, Pune plant. Bharat Electronics Limited Chairman & Managing Director: M V Gowtama. Bharat Electronics Limited Headquarters: Bengaluru. India & Israel successfully test MRSAM air defence system India and Israel successfully tested a Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) defence system. The MRSAM missile defence system has been developed jointly by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to deal with airstrikes by enemy countries. DRDO develops India’s first indigenous machine pistol ASMI The Pune-based facility of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army’s Mhow-based Infantry School have jointly developed India’s first indigenous 9mm machine pistol named ‘Asmi’. The pistol is likely to have a production cost lower than Rs 50,000 each and has export potential as well. Indian Army inks $20 mn contract to buy SWITCH drones The Indian Army has recently signed a contract with Mumbai-based drone manufacturing company, ideaForge, to procure high-altitude variant of SWITCH unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The total cost of the deal is approximately USD 20 million. However, the quantity of UAVs to be procured is not disclosed. These UAVs will be delivered to the Indian Army over a period of one year. BSF launches Operation ‘Sard Hawa’ at Rajasthan border The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched “Operation Sard Hawa” on the western international border of Rajasthan.The week-long operation has been launched on 21 January 2021 and will continue till 27 January 2021, keeping in view Republic Day of India.
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Sushant Singh Rajput Marg’: Road in South Delhi to be Named After SSR A stretch of road in Andrews Ganj in south Delhi will soon be named after the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput as the area’s civic body has cleared a proposal for it. SDMC’s Congress councillor Abhishek Dutt in September 2020 had moved the proposal to name the road after the actor. Andaman and Nicobar Command to conduct joint military exercise ‘Kavach’ The Indian Army is to conduct a large scale joint military exercise Kavach in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. The exercise is to be held under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command. The Joint Military Exercise Kavach will involve Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard. Coastal defence exercise “Sea Vigil 21” conducted second edition of the biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise “Sea Vigil-21” will be conducted.Assets of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Customs and other maritime agencies participated in the exercise. The exercise held along the entire 7,516-km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India. Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh. India set to procure more MiG-29s, Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft from Russia The government is set to procure 21 MiG-29 and 12 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft from Russia, days after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of 83 Light Combat Aircraft Tejas from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Centre will also purchase the upgrades of the aircraft’s existing fleets. The MiG-29s are expected to be acquired at “relatively lower prices” and will add to 59 such jets already with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The 12 Sukhoi-30MKIs, on the other hand, will add to the existing fleet of 272 such fighter aircraft already contracted from Russia for around $15 billion, with the majority of them licensed to be produced by HAL. Along with the 83 new Tejas, to be inducted in the January 2024-December 2028 timeline, the additional MiG- 29s and Sukhois will curb the decline in the number of IAF fighter planes and will add more firepower to the draining strength of the air force. DRDO hands over Motor Bike Ambulance Rakshita to CRPF Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi-based DRDO laboratory, handed over Rakshita, a bike-based casualty transport emergency vehicle to CRPF in a ceremony held at CRPF Head Office in New Delhi. The bike ambulance will help in overcoming the problems faced by Indian security forces and emergency health care providers. The bike ambulances will provide life-saving aid for evacuation of injured patients from low intensity conflict areas. Indo-French Exercise Desert Knight-21 begins Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force are conducting a bilateral Air exercise, Ex Desert Knight-21 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. DRDO successfully conducts captive and release trial of SAAW The DRDO successfully conducted captive and release trial of indigenously developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from Hawk-I aircraft of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) off the Odisha coast. This was the 9th successful mission of SAAW conducted by DRDO till now and the first test conducted from the Hawk-i aircraft. The 125 Kg class smart weapon SAAW was successfully test-fired from Indian Hawk-Mk132 of HAL. SAAW is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad. IMPORTANT DAYS DRDO Celebrates 63rd Foundation Day on 1st January 2021 The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) observed the 63rd Foundation Day of its establishment on January 01, 2021. DRDO was established in 1958. Secretary Department of Defence Research and Development & Chairman DRDO: Dr G Satheesh Reddy. World Braille Day: 4 January World Braille Day is observed globally on 4th January since 2019. The day is marked remembering the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille – for people with visual disabilities. World Day Of War Orphans January 6
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Journalist Day Observed in Maharashtra on 6 January The Journalist Day is observed by Maharashtra state government on 6th January every year in the memory of late journalist Balshastri Jambhekar. Balshastri Jambhekar is known as ‘The Father of Marathi Journalism’. The first newspaper in the Marathi language named ‘Darpan’, was published on January 6, 1832, the date which also marks the birth anniversary of Balshastri Jambhekar. “World Hindi Day” celebrated globally on 10th January The day marks the anniversary of first World Hindi Conference which was inaugurated on January 10, 1975, by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi. However, the celebration of first World Hindi Day was commenced on 10 January 2006 by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. It must be noted that the National Hindi Day is celebrated in India on September 14 every year. On that day in 1949, the constituent assembly adopted Hindi, written in Devanagari script, as the official language of the Union. National Youth Day: 12 January National Youth Day is celebrated in India every year on 12 January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The Theme of 2021 is “YUVAAH – Utsah Naye Bharat Ka”. National Road Safety Month 2021: 18 January – 17 February The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways observes the National Road Safety Week every year in the second week of January. World Hindi Day World Hindi Day or Vishwa Hindi Diwas is celebrated on January 10 every year to mark the importance and fascinating history of Hindi. Indian Army Day Army Day is observed on January 15 every year because it was this day in 1949 when General KM Cariappa took over the charge of Indian Army from British General Sir Francis Butcher. Armed Forces Veterans Day Indian Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated on 14th of January every year to honour services rendered by veterans of the Army.This year is being celebrated as Swarnim Vijay Varsh. It marks 50th Anniversary of 1971 Indo-Pak War. NDRF Celebrates its 16th Raising Day The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrated its 16th Raising Day on 18th January. National Girl Child Day National Girl Child Day in India is celebrated on January 24 every year. National Voters Day National Voters’ Day is observed annually on 25 January This year, the Election Commission of India is observing the 11th National Voters’ Day with the theme ‘Making Our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed.’ International Day of Education: January 24 International Day of Education: 24 January The third International Day of Education will be marked under the theme ‘Recover and Revitalize Education for the COVID-19 Generation’. National Tourism Day of India: January 25 BOOK AND AUTHOR BOOK AUTHOR “Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World” Fareed Zakaria ”Flying Blind”: India’s Quest For Global Leadership Mohamed Zeeshan "Making of a General – A Himalayan Echo” Lt. Gen. Konsam Himalay Singh,
“Gazing Eastwards: Of Buddhist Monks and Romila Thapar Revolutionaries in China”
“Unscripted: Conversations on Life and Cinema”. Vidhu Vinod
‘The Commonwealth of Cricket’ Ramchandra Guha
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Abdul Kalam- Ninaivugalukku A P J M Nazema Maraikayar Maranamillai(immortal memories) ‘Right Under our Nose’ Giridharan
Manohar Parrikar – Off the Record Subha Prabhu. “The Population Myth: Islam, Family Planning and S Y Quraishi Politics in India” ‘A textbook of Urban Planning and Geography’ Dr. Sameer Sharma
”Sabarimala Vijnaanakosham,” a book written by KS Vijayanath
A book on India’s tours Down Under by R. Kaushik A book titled ‘India’s 71-Year Test: The Journey to Triumph in Australia’ and one which reflects on India’s previous 12 tours Down Under, was launched. The book, a Bradman Museum initiative, is authored by senior cricket scribe R. Kaushik, and it chronicles a rivalry that has given a fillip to Test cricket. “Modi India Calling – 2021” Book Released The book contains various photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi captured during his “107 overseas and bilateral visits”. The book is the idea of BJP leader Vijay Jolly and it was released by Adesh Gupta, the Delhi BJP president. The book has been published by Maneesh Media and has 450 pages containing thousands of photographs of the PM Modi. OBITUARY Shantanu Mohapatra Legendary Odia musician, Shantanu Mohapatra passed away. Joseph Venniyoor Indira Joseph Venniyoor, Renowned broadcaster, All India Radio veteran, and the first English news announcer of Travancore Radio, passed away John Fulton Reid Hailed as one of New Zealand’s finest Test batsmen – John Fulton Reid breathed his last as he lost a long-battle to cancer at the age of 64. Buta Singh Former Union minister and senior Congress leader Buta Singh passes away. Vilas Patil Undalkar Former Maharashtra cabinet minister and seven-time Congress MLA Vilas Patil Undalkar has passed away. Narendra ‘Bull’ Kumar Ace mountaineer Colonel Narendra ‘Bull’ Kumar, who helped India secure the Siachen Glacier, passed away.He was responsible for the success of Operation Meghdoot in 1984. He was the first Indian to climb Mount Nanda Devi. He climbed Mount Everest in 1965, Mount Blanc( highest peak in the Alps), and later Mount Kangchenchanga. He earned the nickname ‘Bull’ for relentlessly charging into everything he did. Taran Kootenhayoo Canadian actor Taran Kootenhayoo, who was known for his role in indie drama Bella Ciao, died. He was 27 years old. Michael Kindo Former India hockey player and 1975 World Cup-winning team member Michael Kindo died Turlapati Kutumba Rao Veteran journalist and orator (public speaker) Sri Turlapati Kutumba Rao has passed away. Neil Sheehan Pulitzer Prize-winning author & journalist Neil Sheehan passed away. Shashikumar Madhusudan Chitre Renowned astrophysicist Professor Shashikumar Madhusudan Chitre passes away Ved Mehta Celebrated Indian-American novelist Ved Mehta, who overcame blindness and became widely known as the 20th-century writer most responsible for introducing American readers to India, has died at his home. Kamal Morarka
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Former Union Minister Kamal Morarka Passes Away Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Legendary Indian classical musician and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan died at his residence in Mumbai. K G Shankar The BJP’s nominated legislator, K.G. Shankar, died due to cardiac arrest at his residence. Dr V Shanta Renowned oncologist, medical pioneer and head of the famous Cancer Institute, Chennai, Dr V Shanta, passed away. Mata Prasad Former Arunachal Governor Mata Prasad has passed away. Narendra Chanchal Popular bhajan singer Narendra Chanchal passed away in New Delhi. Narendra Luther Well-known poet, historian, author and retired bureaucrat Narendra Luther passed away Larry King The iconic American radio and television host, and paid spokesman, Larry King, has passed away. Rabi Mishra Eminent Odiya Actor Rabi Mishra passes away Unnikrishnan Namboothiri Malayalam actor Unnikrishnan Namboothiri passes away A Madhavan Tamil writer A Madhavan passes away Chitra Ghosh Chitra Ghosh, the youngest daughter of Sarat Chandra Bose and niece of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, passed away. Satya Paul Veteran Indian Fashion Designer Satya Paul passes away Madhavsinh Solanki Former Gujarat Chief Minister Madhavsinh Solanki passes away Anil Panachooran Kerala poet and lyricist Anil Panachooran passes away Michael Kindo Olympic bronze and World Cup-winning hockey player Michael Kindo passed away. Alan Burgess The world’s oldest living first-class cricketer Alan Burgess has passed away at the age of 100. Following his death, India’s Raghunath Chandorkar is now the oldest first-class cricketer alive. Modibo Keita Former Mali PM Modibo Keita passes away Bob Brett Australian Legendary tennis coach Bob Brett passes away
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