Weekly Current Affairs 16th January - 22nd January 2021

FINANCE AND BANKING

• SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank remain systemically important banks: RBI
  • The RBI recently clarified that 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’.
• Small finance banks’ low NPA ratio reflects better credit risk management: RBI
  • Small finance banks (SFBs) have been able to keep non-performing assets (NPAs) under control through relatively better management of their portfolios.

• RBI withdraws 3 circulars on excess pension recovery
  • The Reserve Bank of India recently said rules regarding recovery of excess or wrong pensions are being flouted, and withdrew three circulars concerning the same.

  ECONOMY

  • Forex reserves up by USD 758 million to lifetime high of USD 586.082 bn
    • The country’s foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 758 million to reach a record high of USD 586.082 billion in the week ended January 8, 2021.
  • Govt extends transmission charge waiver for solar projects facing delays
    • The government has allowed solar and wind-based generation projects to avail transmission charge waivers even if they fail to set up their plants within June 30, 2023 — the deadline set for projects to receive the benefit.
  • Tamil Nadu 11th state to implement ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ reform
    • As many as 11 states have implemented the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ reform so far, following which the central government has allowed them to raise an additional Rs 30,709 crore, an official statement by the Ministry of Finance said.

  NATIONAL

  • PM Modi launches World's largest COVID-19 vaccination drive in the country
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's vaccination drive against the novel coronavirus via video conferencing. Billed as the world's largest vaccination program, covering the entire length and breadth of the country.
  • Petroleum Ministry Launches 'SAKSHAM' Campaign
    • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched a month-long fuel conservation campaign of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) named SAKSHAM 2021.
  • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju assigned additional charge of Ministry of AYUSH
    • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of AYUSH.

  INTERNATIONAL

  • Joe Biden Sworn In As 46th President of The United States
    • Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States. 78-year-old Democrat took the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol.
  • 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 designation of a ‘Major Security Partner’ is a status unique to the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
  • Uganda's Yoweri Museveni re-elected as Uganda’s President
    • Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni extended his near 35-year grip on power, winning a sixth term, after an election. Museveni, 76, won 59% of the vote.

  STATES

  • First bird festival 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.
  • Kerala will soon have India's first ever Labour Movement museum
    • The country's first Labour Movement Museum, showcasing the history of world labour movement, would be launched in Kerala's houseboat tourism hub, Alappuzha.
  • UPSC Civil Services free coaching under One School, One IAS Program launched in Kerala
    • A scheme to provide free coaching to civil services and other competitive examinations to 10,000 meritorious but financially weak students across Kerala was launched by state Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.

  REPORT AND INDEXES

  • WEF Global Risks Report 2021
    • The World Economic Forum has published the WEF Global Risks Report 2021.
    • It contains findings of the latest Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS).
  • India Innovation Index 2020
    • NITI Aayog, along with the Institute for Competitiveness, released the second edition of the India Innovation Index in a virtual event. The first edition of the index was released in October 2019.
  • Adaptation Gap Report 2020
    • The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released the 2020 Adaptation Gap Report.
    • Annual adaptation costs in developing countries, including India, to the climate change are estimated at USD70 billion, but the figure could reach up to USD 300 billion in 2030, and to USD 500 billion in 2050, according to the report.

  SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  • 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.
  • KVIC to sign two MOUs with Ministry of Tribal Affairs
    • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs sign two MoUs.
  • KVIC signs MOUs with Ministry of Tribal Affairs aimed at creating local employment
    • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed two MoUs for purchase of Khadi fabric for tribal students, and on partnering of Tribal Affairs Ministry with KVIC as an implementing agency for Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP).

  DEFENCE

  • Indigenously developed landing gear systems for UAVs handed over to Navy by CVRDE
    • Retractable landing gear systems for unmanned aerial vehicles, indigenously built by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment here, a unit of the DRDO, were handed over to the Navy.

  DEFENCE

  • Indian, French air forces to conduct 5-day joint military drill near Jodhpur
    • Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force will carry out a five-day bilateral air exercise 'Ex-Desert Knight 21' at Air Force Station Jodhpur that is expected to see Rafale jets of the two countries engaging in complex maneuvers to enhance operational coordination.

  DEFENCE

  • DRDO develops India's first indigenous machine pistol ASMI
    • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the country's first indigenous machine pistol ASMI.

  EVENTS

  • Prarambh: Startup India International Summit
    • The two day ‘Prarambh’, Startup India International Summit concluded in New Delhi, with members of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries participating in the inaugural event.

  EVENTS

  • 15th IAMAI India Digital Summit 2021
    • Industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is hosting its flagship two-day annual summit — 15th India Digital Summit 2021 — virtually.

  AWARDS AND REWARDS

  • IFFI’s Indian Personality of the Year Award
    • Veteran actor, director and singer Biswajit Chatterjee was the recipient of the 'Indian Personality of the Year' award at the 51st edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

  EVENTS

  • Quaide Milleth Awards
    • Bilkis dadi, the face of the Shaheen Bagh anti-CAA protests, and social activist and writer Harsh Mander of Karwan-e-Mohabbat were presented the Quaide Milleth Award for Probity in Political and Public Life at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi.

  EVENTS

  • Chief of Army Staff Commendation
    • Incumbent Chief Controller, Amresh Kumar Chaudhary has been awarded prestigious “Chief of Army Staff Commendation" for his outstanding contribution to Armed Forces during critical period of Covid19 pandemic and its various operations.

  SPORTS

  • Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21
    • The Border–Gavaskar Trophy is a Test series played between India and Australia. If the series is drawn, then the country holding the trophy previously retains it.
    • India defeated Australia at The Gabba (Brisbane’s Cricket Ground) to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21. India scored the required 324 runs on the final day of the tour to clinch the series by 2-1.

  EVENTS

  • BWF world junior rankings
    • Young shuttlers Varun Kapur and Samiya Imad Farooqui have attained career-best second spots in their respective categories in the latest BWF's junior world rankings, which features six Indians in the top-10.

  EVENTS

  • Ladakh: Khelo India 1st Zanskar Winter Sports Festival begins
    • In Ladakh, Khelo India 1st Zanskar Winter Sports Festival began.

" >

FINANCE AND BANKING

• SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank remain systemically important banks: RBI
  • The RBI recently clarified that 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’.

• Small finance banks’ low NPA ratio reflects better credit risk management: RBI
  • Small finance banks (SFBs) have been able to keep non-performing assets (NPAs) under control through relatively better management of their portfolios.

• RBI withdraws 3 circulars on excess pension recovery
  • The Reserve Bank of India recently said rules regarding recovery of excess or wrong pensions are being flouted, and withdrew three circulars concerning the same.

  ECONOMY

  • Forex reserves up by USD 758 million to lifetime high of USD 586.082 bn
    • The country’s foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 758 million to reach a record high of USD 586.082 billion in the week ended January 8, 2021.
  • Govt extends transmission charge waiver for solar projects facing delays
    • The government has allowed solar and wind-based generation projects to avail transmission charge waivers even if they fail to set up their plants within June 30, 2023 — the deadline set for projects to receive the benefit.
  • Tamil Nadu 11th state to implement ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ reform
    • As many as 11 states have implemented the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ reform so far, following which the central government has allowed them to raise an additional Rs 30,709 crore, an official statement by the Ministry of Finance said.

  NATIONAL

  • PM Modi launches World's largest COVID-19 vaccination drive in the country
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's vaccination drive against the novel coronavirus via video conferencing. Billed as the world's largest vaccination program, covering the entire length and breadth of the country.
  • Petroleum Ministry Launches 'SAKSHAM' Campaign
    • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched a month-long fuel conservation campaign of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) named SAKSHAM 2021.
  • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju assigned additional charge of Ministry of AYUSH
    • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of AYUSH.

  INTERNATIONAL

  • Joe Biden Sworn In As 46th President of The United States
    • Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States. 78-year-old Democrat took the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol.
  • 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 designation of a ‘Major Security Partner’ is a status unique to the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
  • Uganda's Yoweri Museveni re-elected as Uganda’s President
    • Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni extended his near 35-year grip on power, winning a sixth term, after an election. Museveni, 76, won 59% of the vote.

  STATES

  • First bird festival 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.
  • Kerala will soon have India's first ever Labour Movement museum
    • The country's first Labour Movement Museum, showcasing the history of world labour movement, would be launched in Kerala's houseboat tourism hub, Alappuzha.
  • UPSC Civil Services free coaching under One School, One IAS Program launched in Kerala
    • A scheme to provide free coaching to civil services and other competitive examinations to 10,000 meritorious but financially weak students across Kerala was launched by state Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.

  REPORT AND INDEXES

  • WEF Global Risks Report 2021
    • The World Economic Forum has published the WEF Global Risks Report 2021.
    • It contains findings of the latest Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS).
  • India Innovation Index 2020
    • NITI Aayog, along with the Institute for Competitiveness, released the second edition of the India Innovation Index in a virtual event. The first edition of the index was released in October 2019.
  • Adaptation Gap Report 2020
    • The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released the 2020 Adaptation Gap Report.
    • Annual adaptation costs in developing countries, including India, to the climate change are estimated at USD70 billion, but the figure could reach up to USD 300 billion in 2030, and to USD 500 billion in 2050, according to the report.

  SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  • 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.
  • KVIC to sign two MOUs with Ministry of Tribal Affairs
    • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs sign two MoUs.
  • KVIC signs MOUs with Ministry of Tribal Affairs aimed at creating local employment
    • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed two MoUs for purchase of Khadi fabric for tribal students, and on partnering of Tribal Affairs Ministry with KVIC as an implementing agency for Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP).

  DEFENCE

  • Indigenously developed landing gear systems for UAVs handed over to Navy by CVRDE
    • Retractable landing gear systems for unmanned aerial vehicles, indigenously built by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment here, a unit of the DRDO, were handed over to the Navy.

  DEFENCE

  • Indian, French air forces to conduct 5-day joint military drill near Jodhpur
    • Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force will carry out a five-day bilateral air exercise 'Ex-Desert Knight 21' at Air Force Station Jodhpur that is expected to see Rafale jets of the two countries engaging in complex maneuvers to enhance operational coordination.

  DEFENCE

  • DRDO develops India's first indigenous machine pistol ASMI
    • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the country's first indigenous machine pistol ASMI.

  EVENTS

  • Prarambh: Startup India International Summit
    • The two day ‘Prarambh’, Startup India International Summit concluded in New Delhi, with members of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries participating in the inaugural event.

  EVENTS

  • 15th IAMAI India Digital Summit 2021
    • Industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is hosting its flagship two-day annual summit — 15th India Digital Summit 2021 — virtually.

  AWARDS AND REWARDS

  • IFFI’s Indian Personality of the Year Award
    • Veteran actor, director and singer Biswajit Chatterjee was the recipient of the 'Indian Personality of the Year' award at the 51st edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

  EVENTS

  • Quaide Milleth Awards
    • Bilkis dadi, the face of the Shaheen Bagh anti-CAA protests, and social activist and writer Harsh Mander of Karwan-e-Mohabbat were presented the Quaide Milleth Award for Probity in Political and Public Life at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi.

  EVENTS

  • Chief of Army Staff Commendation
    • Incumbent Chief Controller, Amresh Kumar Chaudhary has been awarded prestigious “Chief of Army Staff Commendation" for his outstanding contribution to Armed Forces during critical period of Covid19 pandemic and its various operations.

  SPORTS

  • Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21
    • The Border–Gavaskar Trophy is a Test series played between India and Australia. If the series is drawn, then the country holding the trophy previously retains it.
    • India defeated Australia at The Gabba (Brisbane’s Cricket Ground) to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21. India scored the required 324 runs on the final day of the tour to clinch the series by 2-1.

  EVENTS

  • BWF world junior rankings
    • Young shuttlers Varun Kapur and Samiya Imad Farooqui have attained career-best second spots in their respective categories in the latest BWF's junior world rankings, which features six Indians in the top-10.

  EVENTS

  • Ladakh: Khelo India 1st Zanskar Winter Sports Festival begins
    • In Ladakh, Khelo India 1st Zanskar Winter Sports Festival began.

" >

FINANCE AND BANKING

• SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank remain systemically important banks: RBI
  • The RBI recently clarified that 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’.

• Small finance banks’ low NPA ratio reflects better credit risk management: RBI
  • Small finance banks (SFBs) have been able to keep non-performing assets (NPAs) under control through relatively better management of their portfolios.

• RBI withdraws 3 circulars on excess pension recovery
  • The Reserve Bank of India recently said rules regarding recovery of excess or wrong pensions are being flouted, and withdrew three circulars concerning the same.

  ECONOMY

  • Forex reserves up by USD 758 million to lifetime high of USD 586.082 bn
    • The country’s foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 758 million to reach a record high of USD 586.082 billion in the week ended January 8, 2021.
  • Govt extends transmission charge waiver for solar projects facing delays
    • The government has allowed solar and wind-based generation projects to avail transmission charge waivers even if they fail to set up their plants within June 30, 2023 — the deadline set for projects to receive the benefit.
  • Tamil Nadu 11th state to implement ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ reform
    • As many as 11 states have implemented the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ reform so far, following which the central government has allowed them to raise an additional Rs 30,709 crore, an official statement by the Ministry of Finance said.

  NATIONAL

  • PM Modi launches World's largest COVID-19 vaccination drive in the country
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's vaccination drive against the novel coronavirus via video conferencing. Billed as the world's largest vaccination program, covering the entire length and breadth of the country.
  • Petroleum Ministry Launches 'SAKSHAM' Campaign
    • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched a month-long fuel conservation campaign of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) named SAKSHAM 2021.
  • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju assigned additional charge of Ministry of AYUSH
    • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of AYUSH.

  INTERNATIONAL

  • Joe Biden Sworn In As 46th President of The United States
    • Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States. 78-year-old Democrat took the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol.
  • 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 designation of a ‘Major Security Partner’ is a status unique to the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
  • Uganda's Yoweri Museveni re-elected as Uganda’s President
    • Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni extended his near 35-year grip on power, winning a sixth term, after an election. Museveni, 76, won 59% of the vote.

  STATES

  • First bird festival 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.
  • Kerala will soon have India's first ever Labour Movement museum
    • The country's first Labour Movement Museum, showcasing the history of world labour movement, would be launched in Kerala's houseboat tourism hub, Alappuzha.
  • UPSC Civil Services free coaching under One School, One IAS Program launched in Kerala
    • A scheme to provide free coaching to civil services and other competitive examinations to 10,000 meritorious but financially weak students across Kerala was launched by state Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.

  REPORT AND INDEXES

  • WEF Global Risks Report 2021
    • The World Economic Forum has published the WEF Global Risks Report 2021.
    • It contains findings of the latest Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS).
  • India Innovation Index 2020
    • NITI Aayog, along with the Institute for Competitiveness, released the second edition of the India Innovation Index in a virtual event. The first edition of the index was released in October 2019.
  • Adaptation Gap Report 2020
    • The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released the 2020 Adaptation Gap Report.
    • Annual adaptation costs in developing countries, including India, to the climate change are estimated at USD70 billion, but the figure could reach up to USD 300 billion in 2030, and to USD 500 billion in 2050, according to the report.

  SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  • 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.
  • KVIC to sign two MOUs with Ministry of Tribal Affairs
    • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs sign two MoUs.
  • KVIC signs MOUs with Ministry of Tribal Affairs aimed at creating local employment
    • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed two MoUs for purchase of Khadi fabric for tribal students, and on partnering of Tribal Affairs Ministry with KVIC as an implementing agency for Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP).

  DEFENCE

  • Indigenously developed landing gear systems for UAVs handed over to Navy by CVRDE
    • Retractable landing gear systems for unmanned aerial vehicles, indigenously built by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment here, a unit of the DRDO, were handed over to the Navy.

  DEFENCE

  • Indian, French air forces to conduct 5-day joint military drill near Jodhpur
    • Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force will carry out a five-day bilateral air exercise 'Ex-Desert Knight 21' at Air Force Station Jodhpur that is expected to see Rafale jets of the two countries engaging in complex maneuvers to enhance operational coordination.

  DEFENCE

  • DRDO develops India's first indigenous machine pistol ASMI
    • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the country's first indigenous machine pistol ASMI.

  EVENTS

  • Prarambh: Startup India International Summit
    • The two day ‘Prarambh’, Startup India International Summit concluded in New Delhi, with members of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries participating in the inaugural event.

  EVENTS

  • 15th IAMAI India Digital Summit 2021
    • Industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is hosting its flagship two-day annual summit — 15th India Digital Summit 2021 — virtually.

  AWARDS AND REWARDS

  • IFFI’s Indian Personality of the Year Award
    • Veteran actor, director and singer Biswajit Chatterjee was the recipient of the 'Indian Personality of the Year' award at the 51st edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

  EVENTS

  • Quaide Milleth Awards
    • Bilkis dadi, the face of the Shaheen Bagh anti-CAA protests, and social activist and writer Harsh Mander of Karwan-e-Mohabbat were presented the Quaide Milleth Award for Probity in Political and Public Life at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi.

  EVENTS

  • Chief of Army Staff Commendation
    • Incumbent Chief Controller, Amresh Kumar Chaudhary has been awarded prestigious “Chief of Army Staff Commendation" for his outstanding contribution to Armed Forces during critical period of Covid19 pandemic and its various operations.

  SPORTS

  • Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21
    • The Border–Gavaskar Trophy is a Test series played between India and Australia. If the series is drawn, then the country holding the trophy previously retains it.
    • India defeated Australia at The Gabba (Brisbane’s Cricket Ground) to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21. India scored the required 324 runs on the final day of the tour to clinch the series by 2-1.

  EVENTS

  • BWF world junior rankings
    • Young shuttlers Varun Kapur and Samiya Imad Farooqui have attained career-best second spots in their respective categories in the latest BWF's junior world rankings, which features six Indians in the top-10.

  EVENTS

  • Ladakh: Khelo India 1st Zanskar Winter Sports Festival begins
    • In Ladakh, Khelo India 1st Zanskar Winter Sports Festival began.

" >

FINANCE AND BANKING

• SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank remain systemically important banks: RBI
  • The RBI recently clarified that 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’.

• Small finance banks’ low NPA ratio reflects better credit risk management: RBI
  • Small finance banks (SFBs) have been able to keep non-performing assets (NPAs) under control through relatively better management of their portfolios.

• RBI withdraws 3 circulars on excess pension recovery
  • The Reserve Bank of India recently said rules regarding recovery of excess or wrong pensions are being flouted, and withdrew three circulars concerning the same.

  ECONOMY

  • Forex reserves up by USD 758 million to lifetime high of USD 586.082 bn
    • The country’s foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 758 million to reach a record high of USD 586.082 billion in the week ended January 8, 2021.
  • Govt extends transmission charge waiver for solar projects facing delays
    • The government has allowed solar and wind-based generation projects to avail transmission charge waivers even if they fail to set up their plants within June 30, 2023 — the deadline set for projects to receive the benefit.
  • Tamil Nadu 11th state to implement ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ reform
    • As many as 11 states have implemented the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ reform so far, following which the central government has allowed them to raise an additional Rs 30,709 crore, an official statement by the Ministry of Finance said.

  NATIONAL

  • PM Modi launches World's largest COVID-19 vaccination drive in the country
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's vaccination drive against the novel coronavirus via video conferencing. Billed as the world's largest vaccination program, covering the entire length and breadth of the country.
  • Petroleum Ministry Launches 'SAKSHAM' Campaign
    • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched a month-long fuel conservation campaign of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) named SAKSHAM 2021.
  • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju assigned additional charge of Ministry of AYUSH
    • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of AYUSH.

  INTERNATIONAL

  • Joe Biden Sworn In As 46th President of The United States
    • Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States. 78-year-old Democrat took the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol.
  • 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 designation of a ‘Major Security Partner’ is a status unique to the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
  • Uganda's Yoweri Museveni re-elected as Uganda’s President
    • Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni extended his near 35-year grip on power, winning a sixth term, after an election. Museveni, 76, won 59% of the vote.

  STATES

  • First bird festival 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.
  • Kerala will soon have India's first ever Labour Movement museum
    • The country's first Labour Movement Museum, showcasing the history of world labour movement, would be launched in Kerala's houseboat tourism hub, Alappuzha.
  • UPSC Civil Services free coaching under One School, One IAS Program launched in Kerala
    • A scheme to provide free coaching to civil services and other competitive examinations to 10,000 meritorious but financially weak students across Kerala was launched by state Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.

  REPORT AND INDEXES

  • WEF Global Risks Report 2021
    • The World Economic Forum has published the WEF Global Risks Report 2021.
    • It contains findings of the latest Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS).
  • India Innovation Index 2020
    • NITI Aayog, along with the Institute for Competitiveness, released the second edition of the India Innovation Index in a virtual event. The first edition of the index was released in October 2019.
  • Adaptation Gap Report 2020
    • The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released the 2020 Adaptation Gap Report.
    • Annual adaptation costs in developing countries, including India, to the climate change are estimated at USD70 billion, but the figure could reach up to USD 300 billion in 2030, and to USD 500 billion in 2050, according to the report.

  SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  • 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.
  • KVIC to sign two MOUs with Ministry of Tribal Affairs
    • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs sign two MoUs.
  • KVIC signs MOUs with Ministry of Tribal Affairs aimed at creating local employment
    • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed two MoUs for purchase of Khadi fabric for tribal students, and on partnering of Tribal Affairs Ministry with KVIC as an implementing agency for Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP).

  DEFENCE

  • Indigenously developed landing gear systems for UAVs handed over to Navy by CVRDE
    • Retractable landing gear systems for unmanned aerial vehicles, indigenously built by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment here, a unit of the DRDO, were handed over to the Navy.

  DEFENCE

  • Indian, French air forces to conduct 5-day joint military drill near Jodhpur
    • Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force will carry out a five-day bilateral air exercise 'Ex-Desert Knight 21' at Air Force Station Jodhpur that is expected to see Rafale jets of the two countries engaging in complex maneuvers to enhance operational coordination.

  DEFENCE

  • DRDO develops India's first indigenous machine pistol ASMI
    • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the country's first indigenous machine pistol ASMI.

  EVENTS

  • Prarambh: Startup India International Summit
    • The two day ‘Prarambh’, Startup India International Summit concluded in New Delhi, with members of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries participating in the inaugural event.

  EVENTS

  • 15th IAMAI India Digital Summit 2021
    • Industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is hosting its flagship two-day annual summit — 15th India Digital Summit 2021 — virtually.

  AWARDS AND REWARDS

  • IFFI’s Indian Personality of the Year Award
    • Veteran actor, director and singer Biswajit Chatterjee was the recipient of the 'Indian Personality of the Year' award at the 51st edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

  EVENTS

  • Quaide Milleth Awards
    • Bilkis dadi, the face of the Shaheen Bagh anti-CAA protests, and social activist and writer Harsh Mander of Karwan-e-Mohabbat were presented the Quaide Milleth Award for Probity in Political and Public Life at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi.

  EVENTS

  • Chief of Army Staff Commendation
    • Incumbent Chief Controller, Amresh Kumar Chaudhary has been awarded prestigious “Chief of Army Staff Commendation" for his outstanding contribution to Armed Forces during critical period of Covid19 pandemic and its various operations.

  SPORTS

  • Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21
    • The Border–Gavaskar Trophy is a Test series played between India and Australia. If the series is drawn, then the country holding the trophy previously retains it.
    • India defeated Australia at The Gabba (Brisbane’s Cricket Ground) to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21. India scored the required 324 runs on the final day of the tour to clinch the series by 2-1.

  EVENTS

  • BWF world junior rankings
    • Young shuttlers Varun Kapur and Samiya Imad Farooqui have attained career-best second spots in their respective categories in the latest BWF's junior world rankings, which features six Indians in the top-10.

  EVENTS

  • Ladakh: Khelo India 1st Zanskar Winter Sports Festival begins
    • In Ladakh, Khelo India 1st Zanskar Winter Sports Festival began.