CURRENT AFFAIRS CAPSULE (FEBRUARY 2021)

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CURRENT AFFAIRS CAPSULE (FEBRUARY 2021) Vietnam re-elects party leader Trong after secretive congress Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong was re-elected, a victory that makes him the most powerful leader in decades. UK opens visa scheme to allow Hong Kong residents to become citizens A visa scheme to allow Hong Kong residents to come to the UK opened, with some 3 lakh people expected to apply. Military seizes power in Myanmar, announces 1 year emergency The Myanmar Military Tatmadaw has announced a one year state of emergency in the country. The Vice President Myint Swe has been made the acting President and all powers have been transferred to the Commander in Chief Min Aung Hlaing. U.K. variant mutation causes concern The U.K. has reported a key mutation in the coronavirus variant called B.1.1.7, or the ‘U.K. variant, that studies say makes it more infectious, better equipped to thwart immune systems and slightly reduce the potency of vaccines. Sputnik V vaccine shows 91.6% efficacy An interim analysis of a Phase-3 trial of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 shows the vaccine is safe and has 91.6% efficacy. The 91.6% efficacy was seen 21 days after the first dose. US extends New START Nuclear Arms Control Treaty with Russia for five years United States has extended the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) nuclear arms control treaty with Russia for five years. Now the pact has been extended to 5th February 2026. China announces plans to provide 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to COVAX China announced that the country plans to provide 10 million doses of a Covid-19 vaccine to developing countries through the global vaccine sharing initiative COVAX. India to get 97 million vaccine doses from COVAX India is likely to get nearly 97 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, nearly half of it by March end, under an agreement with the international COVAX facility. India supplies 56 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccines internationally under grant; over 100 lakh doses commercially MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, India has so far supplied vaccines to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait and South Africa. Supplies made under grant amount to 56 lakh doses and commercial supplies amount to over 100 lakh doses.

Bangladesh to receive 12.79 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from WHO-COVAX facility The COVAX initiative for equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines has announced that Bangladesh will receive 12.79 million doses of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine by June this year. Indonesia bans forced religious attire in schools Indonesia has banned public schools from making religious attire compulsory, after the story of a Christian student being pressured to wear a headscarf in class went viral. Indonesia, a Muslim-majority country, officially recognises other religions. H-1B visa registration for 2022 to begin on March 9, lottery results to be notified by March 31 In the United States, registration process for the H-1B visa application for the next fiscal year will begin on March 9 and the successful applicants through a computerised draw of lots would be notified by March 31. Afghanistan receives 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine from India Afghanistan received 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine from India, the first to arrive in the country. The vaccines were produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII), which is producing the AstraZenecca/Oxford University vaccine for mid- and low-income countries. COVID-19: India becomes fastest country to reach six million vaccinations in world Union Health Ministry has said, in the last 24 days, India has become the fastest country to reach six million vaccinations in the world. USA took 26 days to reach the mark while UK took 46 days to reach six million vaccinations. WHO team concludes investigation of origin of COVID-19 virus in Chinese city Wuhan The World Health Organization team of experts investigating the origin of Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan said that the virus most probably got transmitted to humans via an intermediary species. Joe Biden revokes the national emergency order used to fund former President Donald Trump's Mexico border wall project. United States President Joe Biden has revoked the national emergency order used to fund former President Donald Trump's Mexico border wall project. Japan officially approves Pfizer vaccine The Japanese Government has officially approved a coronavirus vaccine developed by the US pharmaceutical company Pfizer. The vaccine is the first to be given the green light for use against the coronavirus in the country.

US Senate acquits former President Donald Trump for second impeachment trial The US Senate has acquitted former President Donald Trump for a second time blocking the Democrat’s attempt to punish him for the storming of the Capitol by his supporters.


Ethiopian forces cross into Sudanese territory; marks latest flare-up in long-standing border dispute Ethiopian forces crossed into Sudanese territory, marking the latest flare-up in a long-standing border dispute. The Sudanese foreign ministry stated that Ethiopia’s trespass into Sudanese land is an act of aggression and unfortunate, unacceptable escalation, which could have dangerous repercussions on security and stability in the region. WHO team finds signs of COVID outbreak much wider in Wuhan in December 2019: Report Investigators from the World Health Organisation (WHO) looking into the origins of coronavirus in China have discovered that signs of the outbreak were much wider in Wuhan in December 2019 than previously thought. Mexico receives shipment of 870,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from India Mexico received a shipment of 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine from India. The government said that the country prepares to prioritize older people in the next phase of its vaccination campaign. France passes Bill to battle extremism Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a Bill that would strengthen oversight of mosques, schools and sports clubs to safeguard France from radical Islamists and ensure respect for French values. Oxford jab gets WHO green light The World Health Organization (WHO) had listed two versions of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving the green light for them to be rolled out globally through COVAX. Myanmar military promises new election; Aung San Suu Kyi faces additional charge Myanmar’s military junta promised that there would be an election and it would hand over power as police filed an additional charge against toppled former leader Aung San Suu Kyi. U.S. will pay over $200 million to WHO U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that his country would pay the World Health Organization (WHO) $200 million by the end of this month.

India to gift 2 lakh vaccine doses to UN peacekeepers

India announced a gift of 2,00,000 doses of vaccine to

the UN Peacekeeping Forces. The announcement was

made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. US agrees for talks with Iran and other world powers on nuclear deal The US has agreed to the idea of taking part in talks involving Iran and world powers with a view to reviving a landmark nuclear deal. Earlier, Iran vowed to limit its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of economic sanctions under the 2015 deal.

US officially re-joins Paris climate agreement overturning Donald Trump's decision to exit The United States has officially rejoined the Paris Agreement. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a tweet said it is a good day in our fight against the climate crisis, as the United States is once again a Party to the Paris Agreement.

India, China complete Pangong Tso withdrawal India and China have completed disengagement on the north and south banks of Pangong Tso (lake) in eastern Ladakh.

Russian Scientists have detected first case of transmission of Avian Flu to humans and ed WHO Russia has said that its scientists have detected the first case of transmission of the H5N8 strain of Avian Flu to humans and aid the World Health Organization in this regard. China says, it supports India in hosting BRICS 2021 China said it supports India in hosting this year’s BRICS meeting. This will be the third time India will host the BRICS Summit after 2012 and 2016.

Every adult will get first coronavirus vaccine shot by Jul 31: UK govt The British government declared that every adult in the country would get a first coronavirus vaccine shot by 31st July. This is at least one month earlier than its previous target, as it prepared to set out a cautious plan to ease the UK’s lockdown.

India sends COVID-19 vaccine to Mongolia In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, India has sent 13 boxes of COVID-19 vaccine to Mongolia. The vaccine was sent from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai to Mongolia.

Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar hands over 1 lakh additional doses of commercially procured COVID vaccines to Mauritius External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar handed over one lakh additional doses of commercially procured Made in India COVID vaccines to Mauritius. India had earlier sent one lakh doses of Made in India COVID-19 vaccines to the island nation.

USA records its 500,000th COVID-19 death on Feb 22 The USA recorded its 500,000th COVID-19 death on February 22, that’s more than twice the COVID-19 fatalities registered in Brazil, which ranks second on the list. The U.S., with about 4 per cent of the world's population, has recorded 25 per cent of the COVID-19 cases and 20 per cent of the fatalities.

Nepal's Supreme Court reinstates Parliament dissolved by govt in December last year In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court of Nepal reinstated the dissolved House of Representatives. A five-member Constitutional Bench led by Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana annulled the government’s decision to dissolve the House of Representatives on the 20th of December 2020.

Ghana becomes 1st country to receive Coronavirus vaccines through Covax vaccine-sharing initiative The western African country Ghana has become the first country to receive Coronavirus vaccines through the Covax vaccine-sharing initiative. Around six lakhs doses of the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India arrived in Ghana's Capital Accra.

India starts shipping COVID-19 vaccines to Africa under COVAX facility India has started shipping COVID-19 vaccines to Africa under the COVAX facility. India plans to supply


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one crore or 10 million vaccine doses to Africa and 10 lakh to United Nations health workers under GAVI's COVAX facility. Biden revokes Trump’s immigrant visa ban The Biden administration took another step to undo the previous government’s immigration policy legacy by revoking Donald Trump’s suspension of new immigrant visas, which had been in effect since late April last year. The order had been extended through to March 31 by Mr. Trump. UNGA President welcomes ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir has welcomed the agreement between India and Pakistan on ceasefire along the Line of Control and other sectors. South Korea begins mass immunization drive against coronavirus South Korea began a mass immunization drive by giving coronavirus shots from AstraZeneca to staff and residents at nursing homes. Authorities plan to inoculate 70% of the population of 52 million by November. US House of Representatives approves 1.9 trillion dollar Corona virus stimulus fund In the United States, the House of Representatives approved a 1.9 trillion dollar Corona virus stimulus fund. The package seeks to boost vaccinations and testing and stabilise the economy. Bharat Biotech signs deal to send 20 mn Covaxin doses to Brazil Hyderabad-based vaccine maker Bharat Biotech has signed an agreement to supply 20 million doses of its Covid-19 shot Covaxin to Brazil during the second and third quarters of 2021. India & Bahrain join hands for Renewable Energy India and Bahrain have agreed to forge deeper engagement in the field of renewable energy. The Joint Working Group in the field of Renewable Energy which held its first meeting in virtual format, underscored the importance of renewable energy to meet climate change goals. Smriti Irani inaugurates 8th India International Silk Fair Textiles Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the 8th India International Silk Fair on Virtual Portal. The fair is considered to be India’s biggest silk fair, being held under one roof on Indian Silk Export Promotion Council’s virtual platform.

VP M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ in National Capital Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav, a National Tribal Festival at Dilli Haat in INA in the National Capital. It will continue till 15th of this month.

RS Sharma to take over as CEO, National Health Authority RS Sharma, former Chairman of TRAI has been appointed the new CEO of National Health Authority,

NHA. Sharma will replace Indu Bhushan who is currently heading the NHA as CEO. 137 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity installed in country, says RK Singh The New and Renewable Energy Ministry said that around 137 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity has been installed in the country which is 36.48 per cent of the total installed electricity generation capacity in the country. Prime Minister inaugurated Chauri Chaura Centenary Celebrations on Feb 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chauri Chaura Centenary Celebrations at Chauri Chaura, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh through video conferencing. This day marks 100 years of the Chauri Chaura incident, a landmark event in the country’s fight for independence. HAL gets contract for 83 LCAs in ₹48,000 cr. Deal Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was awarded the contract to manufacture 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at an estimated cost of ₹48,000 crore. Praveen Sinha takes over as CBI’s interim chief The Department of Personnel and Training issued a notification appointing Mr. Praveen Sinha, a 1988-batch Gujarat cadre IPS, to take over as the CBI’s interim chief till the appointment of a regulator director. Boeing inks agreement for aircraft repair Aircraft manufacturer Boeing announced strategic collaboration agreements with Air Works of India for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the Navy’s P-8I long range maritime patrol aircraft and the VIP transport fleet of the IAF. Education Ministry to name residential schools, hostels after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose The Ministry of Education has decided to name residential schools and hostels funded under Samagra Shiksha of the Ministry as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose residential schools or hostels. Indian Navy receives 3 Mk III Advanced Light Helicopters from HAL The Indian Navy received three "made in India" Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The helicopters are customised for coastal security. Boeing 737 fin structures to be made in Hyderabad Aerospace major Boeing announced the addition of a new production line at its joint venture, Tata Boeing Aerospace, in Hyderabad to manufacture vertical fin structures for the 737 family of planes. CM Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurated Assam’s First Heliport at Majuli Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Assam, inaugurated the first Heliport of Assam in Majuli district. This heliport is aimed to boost the tourism of Majuli, the World’s largest river island.

At least 14 killed in flash flood in India after glacier collapse At least 14 people are dead and 150 missing after a piece of a Himalayan glacier fell into a river and triggered


a huge flood in northern India. The floodwaters burst open a dam and a deluge of water poured through a valley in the state of Uttarakhand. PM Modi dedicates to nation four infrastructure projects worth ₹4,700 crore at Haldia in West Bengal Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation four infrastructure projects worth four thousand and seven hundred crore rupees at Haldia in West Bengal. Centre allocates ₹16,000 cr for PM Fasal Bima Yojana Government has allocated 16 thousand crore rupees for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for 2021-22 to boost the safety of farmers' crops. Five-day national horticulture fair begins in Bengaluru This year’s edition of the five-day national horticulture fair being organized by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) has begun at the Institute’s Hessarghatta campus on the outskirts of Bengaluru city. Prime Minister inaugurates World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the World

Sustainable Development Summit 2021 via video conferencing. The theme of the summit is ‘Redefining Our Common Future: Safe and Secure Environment for All’. Rajya Sabha passes Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2021 Rajya Sabha passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2021. It will replace Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Ordinance of 2021 which merged the Jammu and Kashmir cadre of the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and Indian Forest Service with the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territory cadre, also known as AGMUT cadre. India-US Joint Military Exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' begins in Rajasthan The India-US Joint Military Exercise 'YUDH ABHYAS' commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan with unfurling of the National Flags of both the countries. The 14-day exercise is focused upon joint training on Counter Insurgency and terrorism under the United Nation's mandate NCAP to be implemented in 122 cities across country: Environment Minister Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has informed that the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) will be implemented in 122 cities across the country. As per latest census, Kaziranga National Park records 93 thousand 491 birds In Assam, the Kaziranga national park has recorded a total of 93 thousand 491 birds as per the latest census.

Govt launches new Central Sector Scheme titled 'Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs The Ministry of Agriculture has said that the government has launched a new Central Sector Scheme titled 'Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Produce Organizations (FPOs)' and it has committed resources in this regard with a budgetary provision of ₹6,865 crore.

As Twitter seeks talks, Ministers move to Indian-made app “Koo” Amid the ongoing tussle between the union government and Twitter over blocking of content and accounts related to the farmers’ protest, Union Ministers and government departments are setting up accounts on “Koo”, a Made-in-India alternative to Twitter.

Rajya Sabha passes Major Port Authorities Bill 2020

giving greater autonomy to major ports in country

Rajya Sabha passed the Major Port Authorities Bill,

2020. The bill seeks to provide for regulation, operation

and planning of major ports in the country and provide

greater autonomy to these ports.

Nitin Gadkari to launch India's first CNG tractor

India's first-ever diesel tractor, converted to Compressed

Natural Gas (CNG), will be formally launched by the

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin

Gadkari. The conversion, carried out jointly by Rawmatt

Techno Solutions and Tomasetto Achille India.

Lok Sabha gives nod to Arbitration and Conciliation

(Amendment) Bill 2021

Lok Sabha gave its nod to Arbitration and Conciliation

(Amendment) Bill 2021. The Bill contains provisions to deal

with domestic and international arbitration. It defines law for

conducting conciliation proceedings. The Bill replaces

an Ordinance with the same provisions promulgated on

4th November last year.

Upper ceiling for family pension raised from ₹45,000

to ₹1,25,000 per month

Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and

Pensions, Dr.Jitendra Singh said that in a far reaching

reform regarding family pensions the upper ceiling has

been raised from ₹45,000 to ₹1,25,000 per month.

J&K joins hands with UK Space Agency’s

programme for collaborative projects on Impact

Based Flood Forecasting

In a significant move to put an impact based flood

forecasting mechanism in place, the Union Territory of

J&K is joining hands with the UK Space Agency’s

programme for collaborative projects on 'Impact Based

Flood Forecasting using Earth Observation (EO) based

Information'. BHEL bags order to supply 2 Super Rapid Gun Mounts for Indian Navy frontline ships State-run engineering firm BHEL has bagged an order from the Indian Navy for supplying two Super Rapid Gun Mounts (SRGM), main guns standardised for all warships of the Indian Navy. Govt launches website for 'India Toy Fair - 2021' The website for India Toy Fair - 2021, the country's first

such event to be held virtually was jointly launched by Union ministers Smriti Irani, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, and Piyush Goyal.

ISRO Announces ‘Bhuvan’, A Desi Alternative To Google Maps In an attempt to compete with Google Maps, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and digital mapping and navigation technology solutions provider


MapmyIndia announced a collaboration to launch an indigenous mapping portal and geospatial service. The geospatial portals will be called 'Bhuvan', 'VEDAS' and 'MOSDAC'. Minority Affairs Ministry organising 26th Hunar Haat in New Delhi Minority Affairs Ministry is organising 26th Hunar Haat of indigenous artisans and craftsmen from across the country at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi from Saturday. The Hunar Haat will be organised with the theme of Vocal for Local from 20th February to 1st March this year.

PM Modi unveils several development projects worth ₹6100 cr in Kerala Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled several key development projects worth 6,100 crore rupees at INS Garuda Naval Air Station at Kochi in Kerala. The Prime Minister also inaugurated country's first full-fledged international cruise terminal, Sagarika at Cochin Port and Marine Engineering Training Institute of Cochin Shipyard Ltd. PM hands over indigenously designed and manufactured Arjun Main Battle Tank to the Army The Prime Minister handed over the indigenously designed and manufactured Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A) to the Indian Army. It has been indigenously designed and manufactured by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment of Defence Research and Development Organisation. Geospatial data policy liberalized In sweeping changes to the country’s mapping policy, the union government announced liberalisation of norms governing the acquisition and production of geospatial data, a move to help boost innovation in the sector and create a level playing field for public and private entities including maps. MDL delivers 3rd Scorpene submarine to Navy Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the 3rd Scorpene class conventional submarine, which will subsequently to be commissioned into service as INS Karanj, to the Indian Navy. Kiran Bedi removed as L-G of Puducherry Kiran Bedi was removed as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry on, 16 February. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has been given additional charge as the L-G of the Union territory. India to host a Workshop on 'COVID-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward'

India is hosting a Workshop on "COVID-19 Management:

Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward".

Tencountries - India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan,

Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Seychelles and Sri

Lanka will participate.

Modi lays foundation for longest bridge Prime Minister Narendra Modi digitally laid the foundation stone of the fifth bridge across the Brahmaputra that would be India’s longest. The 19.282 km four-lane bridge, expected to be completed by 2026-27, will connect Phulbari in Meghalaya and Dhubri in poll-bound Assam.

Govt approves proposals worth over ₹363 cr to increase level of processing & value addition of horticultural & agricultural produce Food Processing Industries Ministry has approved proposals worth over 363 crore rupees to increase the level of processing and value addition of horticultural and agricultural produce. This will result in increase in income of the farmers and create employment at the local level.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot releases 3rd edition of ISL Dictionary virtually Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot virtually released the third edition of the Indian Sign Language Dictionary having 10 thousand terms. The new dictionary contains 10 thousand terms of everyday use including academic, legal, administrative, medical, technical and agricultural terms. Cabinet nod for changes in juvenile law The Union Cabinet had approved a slew of amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, empowering the District Magistrates (DM) to issue adoption orders as well as monitor the implementation of the law. PM Modi chaired 6th meeting of Governing Council of NITI Aayog virtually on 20th of February Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the sixth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog virtually on 20th of this month.

L&T delivers 100th K9 Vajra howitzer to Army

Army Chief Gen Manoj Naravane flagged off the

100th K9 Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzer built by

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its armoured system complex

at Hazira in Gujarat. EAM S Jaishankar launches BRICS-2021 website External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar launched the BRICS-2021 website. The website will provide a comprehensive snapshot of the strong BRICS engagement and the exhaustive calendar of events during BRICS under the Chairship of India. India, Ethiopia sign agreements on visa facilitation & leather technology India and Ethiopia have signed two agreements related to visa facilitation and leather technology. The two countries also agreed to expand India and Ethiopia bilateral agenda especially defence, economic, S&T, digital and cultural cooperation.

Go Electric campaign launched to ensure energy security in the country The Central Government launched the Go Electric campaign to boost the adoption of electric mobility vehicles and electric cooking appliances to ensure energy security in the country. Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0 launched to expand immunization coverage across country Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan today launched Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0, (IMI 3.0) to expand immunization coverage across the country.


India successfully conducts joint user trials of indigenously developed Helina, Dhruvastra Anti-Tank Guided Missiles India successfully test fired indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile systems ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’, paving their induction into the Army and the Indian Air Force respectively. The defence ministry described the missiles as one of the most-advanced anti-tank weapons in the world.

Deendayal Port Trust crosses 100 Million Metric Tons in cargo handling Deendayal Port Trust has crossed 100 Million Metric Tons in cargo handling. Deendayal Port, erstwhile Kandla Port, situated in Kutch, Gujarat is one of the 12 Major Ports of India.

India, Maldives sign agreements on wide range of domains including fish processing, public broadcasting India and Maldives signed agreements on wide range of domains including fish processing, public broadcasting, sustainable urban development, road infrastructure and housing.

India signs 50-million-dollar Defence line of Credit agreement with Maldives India has signed a 50-million-dollar Line of Credit agreement in defence sector with the Maldives. The agreement will facilitate capability building in the maritime domain.

Pune International Centre to co-chair this year’s Asia Economic Dialogue The Pune International Centre will co-chair this year’s Asia Economic Dialogue that will be addressed by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and his counterparts from Japan, Australia, Maldives, Mauritius and Bhutan.

India becomes 1st country in world to identify need for action for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has said that India has become the first country in the world to identify the need for action for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. The abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver in the absence of secondary causes of fatty liver is a serious health concern as it encompasses a spectrum of liver abnormalities.

First-ever National Toy Fair to be organized from 27th of February to 2nd of March through virtual medium The first-ever National Toy Fair will be organized from 27th of February to 2nd of March through a virtual medium. It aims to boost toy manufacturing in the country and improve its global market share in line with the theme of Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

DRDO conducts two successful launches of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted two successful launches of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). The launches were carried out from a static vertical launcher from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

India and Mauritius sign Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement India and Mauritius have signed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement

(CECPA). This is the first trade Agreement signed by India with a country in Africa.

Govt. and AIIB sign loan agreement for USD 304 million Assam Intra-State Transmission System Enhancement Project Union Government and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) signed a loan agreement for a 304 million dollar Assam Intra-State Transmission System Enhancement Project to improve reliability, capacity and security of the power transmission network in the State of Assam.

Defence Acquisition Council approves capital acquisition proposals over worth ₹13,700 crore Defence Acquisition Council, DAC approved capital acquisition proposals of various weapons, platforms, equipment, systems required by the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. Three Acceptance of Necessities, AoNs for an overall cost of ₹13,700 crore were accorded.

Nitin Gadkari inaugurates 50 artisan-based SFURTI clusters spread over 18 states Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated 50 artisan-based Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries, SFURTI clusters spread over 18 States.

People above 60 years to get COVID-19 vaccine from March 1 Government will start administering COVID-19 vaccine to the people above 60 years of age from 1st of next month. Those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will also be vaccinated in this phase.

Union Cabinet recommends imposition of President's Rule in Puducherry The Union Cabinet has recommended imposition of President's Rule in Puducherry as Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayansamy resigned from the post and no party claimed to form the government and therefore the LG has recommended suspension of the UT Assembly.

2nd edition of Global Bio-India to be organised from 1st to 3rd March The second edition of Global Bio-India will be organised from 1st to 3rd March. The theme for this year is Transforming lives and tag line Biosciences to Bioeconomy. Global Bio-India 2021 is expected to have representatives from more than 50 countries with Switzerland being the partner country and Karnataka as its state partner till date.

Centre issues guidelines and digital media ethics code for OTT, online streaming and social media platforms The Government issued guidelines and digital media ethics code for Over The Top (OTT), online streaming and social media platforms. As per the guidelines, social media platforms have to remove content involving nudity and morphed pictures of women within 24 hrs to ensure online safety and dignity of users, specially women users.

Same-sex marriages will cause havoc: govt. The Centre has opposed pleas to recognize same-sex marriage under the special marriage act. In its affidavit filed in the Delhi High Court in pleas seeking to recognise same-sex marriage, Centre said that there is a "larger legislative framework" that recognizes marriage only as between a man and a woman.


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Government extends ban on commercial international flights till March 31 Aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the suspension of international commercial passenger flight services till March 31st, 2021.

EC announces schedule for assembly polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry The Election Commission announced the schedule for assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, West Bengal and Puducherry. The counting of votes for all five assembly elections will take place on May 2 said the Election Commission (EC).

IWAI inks pact with MOL for transportation of LPG through inland waterways A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India and the MOL (Asia Oceania) Limited for transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas through barges on National Waterways-1 and National Waterways-2.

Common Service Centres to be integrated with e-daakhil portal to facilitate rural consumers E-Daakhil portal for Consumer grievance redressal is now operational in 15 States and Union Territories. The portal was launched by National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission on 7th September, 2020 for online redressal of consumer grievances.

SC exploring avenues to offer quick relief to accident victims The Supreme Court of India is exploring the creation of a nationwide online mechanism to help road accident victims and their families get compensation within a short time of the accident.

Economic Affairs Secy Tarun Bajaj gets additional charge of Dept of Revenue Secretary of Department of Economic Affairs Tarun Bajaj has been given additional charge of Department of Revenue. He has been given additional charge after superannuation of Revenue Secretary Dr Ajay Bhushan Pandey Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare finalizes products for ODOFP Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry has finalized the products for One District One Focus Product, ODOFP. The products have been identified from agricultural, horticultural, animal, poultry, milk, fisheries and aquaculture, marine sectors for 728 districts across the country.

January GST Revenue At Record High Of ₹1.2 Lakh Crore Ahead Of Budget Goods and services tax or GST revenue collected in January stood at ₹ 1.19 lakh crore. The GST revenues during January 2021 are the highest since introduction of GST.

Agricultural credit target enhanced to 16.5 lakh crore rupees in the next fiscal To provide adequate credit to farmers, the union government has enhanced the agricultural credit target

to 16.5 lakh crore rupees in next fiscal with focus on ensuring increased credit flows to animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries.

India's crude steel output falls 10.6 per cent to 99.6

MT in 2019

India's crude steel production fell by 10.6 per cent to

99.6 million tonnes (MT) in 2020, according to the World

Steel Association (worldsteel) report. India had produced

111.4 MT of crude steel in 2019. RBI strengthens grievance redress framework Enhanced disclosures on customer complaints and operationalisation of a cost-recovery framework have been prescribed by the RBI to strengthen and improve the efficacy of the grievance redress mechanism of banks. Highlights of Union Budget 2021-2022 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2021-2022 in the Lok Sabha. For the first time, Ms. Sitharaman presented a paperless Budget. The Budget proposals for this financial year rest on six pillars — health and well-being, physical and financial capital and infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India, reinvigorating human capital, innovation and R&D, and 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance'. India to emerge as most resilient economy after Germany in 2021: PHDCCI India will emerge as the most resilient economy after Germany in 2021 exhibiting a strong “economic resurgence” to the global economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the report released by industry body PHDCCI. HDFC logs ₹2,926 crore third-quarter net profit Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (HDFC) reported third-quarter net profit of ₹2,926 crore. Net interest income (NII) rose 26% to ₹4,068 crore. IOB, 2 others may exit PCA by March The Finance Ministry expects the remaining three public sector banks (PSBs) Indian Overseas Bank, Central Bank of India and UCO Bank to be out of the RBI’s prompt corrective action (PCA) framework in two months, as their financial health has improved. TMB profit surges 96% on lower provisions Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd.’s (TMB) reported standalone net profit for the third quarter ended December rose 96% to ₹181 crore on lower provisioning.

Exports rise 5.37%, trade gap narrows. According to the Commerce Ministry, India’s exports grew 5.37% to $27.24 billion in January 2021 from a year earlier, mainly driven by the pharmaceutical and engineering sectors. The trade deficit narrowed to $14.75 billion from $15.3 billion in January 2020. RBI picks firm to audit HDFC Bank’s IT infra HDFC Bank said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had appointed an external IT firm for carrying out a special audit of IT infrastructure of the bank under Section 30 (1-B) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 in the aftermath of repeated service outages.


RBI directs select NBFCs, UCBs to implement risk-based internal audit system The Reserve Bank has directed select Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Urban Co-operatives Banks (UCBs) to implement a risk-based internal audit system. In a notification, the RBI said all deposit taking NBFCs, all non-deposit taking NBFCs with asset size of 5,000 crore rupees and above and all urban cooperative banks with asset size of 500 crore rupees and above will have to implement the system by March 2022. Finance Ministry releases 14th weekly instalment of ₹6000 crore to states to meet GST compensation shortfall The Finance Ministry has released the 14th weekly instalment of six thousand crore rupees to the states to meet the GST compensation shortfall. Out of this, an amount of over five thousand five hundred 16 crore rupees has been released to 23 States and an amount of over 483 crore rupees has been released to the three Union Territories with Legislative Assembly who are members of the GST Council. CUB Q3 net profit slips 11% on provisions

Private sector lender City Union Bank Ltd.’s (CUB)

standalone net profit for the third quarter ended

December declined 11% to ₹170 crore from ₹192 crore. Sebi bans Kishore Biyani, others from securities mkt for one year Market Regulator SEBI barred Kishore Biyani and certain other promoters of Future Retail Ltd. from the securities market for one year for indulging in insider trading in the shares of the company. SBI Q3 net profit declines 6.9% to ₹5,196 crore on provisioning State Bank of India (SBI) reported a 6.9% decline in net profit to ₹5,196 crore for the third quarter ended December, from a year earlier. RIL arm to sell shale assets for $250 mn Reliance Marcellus, LLC (RMLLC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd., has signed agreements to divest all of its interest in certain upstream shale gas assets in Pennsylvania. RBI projects GDP at 10.5 percent in 2021-22 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that the monetary policy review has decided to continue with an accommodative stance of monetary policy to maintain status quo on key policy rates. The repo rate is kept unchanged at 4 percent and the reverse repo rate at 3.35 percent. The GDP growth is projected at 10.5 percent in the Financial Year 2021-22. Projection of CPI inflation has been revised to 5.2 percent for the fourth quarter of the current financial year. India's Forex reserves jump by 4.85 billion dollars to record high of 590.18 billion dollars The country's foreign exchange reserves rose by 4.85 billion US Dollars to touch a record high of 590.18 billion dollars in the week ended January 29. Forex reserves rose on account of an increase in foreign currency assets (FCA), a major component of the overall reserves.

Retail investors to be able to buy G-Secs directly:

RBI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said it would allow retail

investors to open gilt accounts with the central bank to

invest in government securities directly and without the

help of intermediaries.

SFL Q3 net profit rises 45% on business revival

Non-banking finance company (NBFC) Sundaram

Finance Ltd. has registered a 45% increase in net profit

for the quarter ended December 2020 to ₹242 crore due

to an uptick in most of its business segments.

Chola Financial posts 6% increase in Q3 profit

Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Ltd. (CFHL) reported

a 6% increase in its consolidated net profit for the third

quarter ended December to ₹455 crore.

Paypal to shut domestic payment services within

India from Apr 1

Digital payment solutions provider PayPal said it will stop

offering domestic payment services within India from

April 1. The US-based company will instead focus on

enabling more international sales for Indian businesses.

Pharma exports rise 12.4%

India’s exports of pharmaceutical products are growing

consistently, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry

Hardeep Singh Puri said in a reply to the Rajya Sabha.

During 2019-20, India’s exports of pharmaceuticals

were $20.58 billion with a growth rate of 7.6% over

the previous year.

Sri Lanka settles $400 million currency swap facility

with India

Sri Lanka has settled a USD 400 million currency swap

facility with India. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and

the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) had concluded the

USD 400 million currency swap agreement in July last

year under the SAARC currency swap framework.

Adani completes purchase of 23.5% stake in Mumbai

International Airport

Adani Group has completed the purchase of 23.5 per

cent stake in Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) from

two South African entities, marking the first step towards

acquiring a majority control in the country’s second-

busiest airport.

India's coal import rises by 15 per cent in December

The country's coal import rose by 15.1 per cent to 23.63

million tonnes (MT) in December 2020 compared to

20.52 MT in the year-ago month.

NABARD disburses ₹16,500 cr under rural infra fund

till Jan 31 this fiscal

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development

(NABARD) has disbursed ₹16,500 crore under the Rural

Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) during the

current financial year so far (up to January 31, 2021).

RBI receives complaints against 1,509 digital lending

apps

The RBI has received complaints against 1,509 digital

lending apps, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh

Thakur said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.


Defence gets ₹4.78 lakh crore, nearly 19% rise in capital outlay in Union Budget for 2021-22 In the Union Budget for 2021-22 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament, the allocation for the Defence services has been increased to ₹4.78 lakh crore compared to ₹4.71 lakh crore in the 2020-21 budget.

IOB returns to profit with ₹213 cr. Q3 net Public sector lender Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has reported a standalone net profit of ₹212.87 crore for the third quarter ended December against a loss of ₹6,075 crore in the year-earlier period.

CUB to restructure 1,326 pre-COVID accounts: MD Private sector lender City Union Bank (CUB) has identified 1,326 borrower accounts (pre-COVID) for restructuring during the fourth quarter, CEO and MD N. Kamakodi said

NDB has announced to invest $100 million into the NIIF Fund of Funds National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Ltd (NIIFL) has announced that New Development Bank (NDB) has committed to invest $ 100 million into the NIIF Fund of Funds (FoF).

RBI Restricts Withdrawals from Nashik's Independence Co-operative Bank The RBI has put restrictions on withdrawals from Independence Co-operative Bank Limited, Nashik because of the lender's present liquidity position.

IRDAI advises all insurance companies for issuance of Digital Insurance Policies via DigiLocker Insurance Regulatory Authority of India, IRDAI has advised all insurance companies for issuance of Digital Insurance Policies via DigiLocker. The Authority advised all insurers to enable their IT systems to interact with Digilocker facility to enable policyholders to use digilocker for preserving all their policy documents.

Exim Bank to provide $400 million for Maldives project Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) will provide $400 million to Maldives to fund Greater Male Connectivity Project. The 6.7 km Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) will be the largest civilian infrastructure project in Maldives.

Centre releases 15th installment of ₹6,000 crore to States to meet GST compensation shortfall The Ministry of Finance has released the 15th weekly instalment of ₹6,000 crore to the States to meet the GST compensation shortfall.

Equitas Small Finance Bank ties with MSRDC and Ocean Highway Facilities to launch India's first FASTag powered truck terminal Equitas Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) and Ocean Highway Facilities and Solutions Pvt Ltd. for launching country’s first FASTag powered truck terminal at Khalapur, Maharashtra on the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai – Pune Expressway.

Loan recovery: Ministry gives more power in the hands of NBFCs The Finance Ministry has operationalised a budget announcement that lowered the minimum loan size eligible for debt recovery by NBFCs under the SARFAESI law to ₹20 lakhs from the existing level of ₹50 lakhs.

India contributes nearly 24 pc to global pulses production: Narendra Singh Tomar India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world, contributing nearly 24 per cent to the global output, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said. India’s pulses production has grown to 24 million tonne (240 lakh tonne) from 14 million tonne (140 lakh tonne) in the last five-six years.

ONGC floats new subsidiary to buy own gas State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is forming a new subsidiary for gas business that could be used to bid and buy gas from the firm's own fields.

Bank credit grows 5.93%, deposits 11.06% Bank credit grew 5.93% to ₹107.05 lakh crore, while deposits rose 11.06% to ₹147.98 lakh crore in the fortnight ended January 29, RBI data showed. In the fortnight ended January 31, 2020, bank credit stood at ₹101.05 lakh crore and deposits at ₹133.24 lakh crore.

Exports surge 6.2%, imports rise 2% India recorded a 6.2% surge in exports in January 2021, marking the second month in a row that outbound trade recorded positive growth after the COVID-19 pandemic and global lockdowns dampened global trade through most of 2020. Imports also grew for the second successive month in January, rising 2%.

WPI quickens to 2.03% after easing in December Inflation in wholesale prices quickened to 2.03% in January, after easing to 1.2% in December 2020, led by a spike in manufactured products suggesting that producers were likely regaining pricing power, after the initial pandemic shock, amid rising commodity prices.

NBFCs’ stressed assets may rise to ₹1.5-1.8 lakh cr. by March-end Stressed assets of non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are likely to touch ₹1.5-1.8 lakh crore, or 6-7.5% of their assets under management (AUM) by the end of this fiscal, says a report.

RBI sets up panel for strengthening UCBs The Reserve Bank of India has set up of an eight-member expert committee on urban co-operative banks (UCBs) to examine their issues and provide a roadmap for strengthening the sector. The panel, to be headed by former RBI Deputy Governor NS Vishwanathan.

Adani firm completes acquisition of Dighi Port Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd had completed the acquisition of 100% stake in Dighi Port Limited (DPL) for ₹705 crore. It also made a commitment to invest ₹10,000 crore to develop it into an alternative gateway to JNPT in Mumbai.

Tatas to acquire 68 pc stake in BigBasket for ₹9,500 cr The Tata group is acquiring 68 per cent stake in online grocery platform BigBasket for around ₹9,500 crore as it bids to expand in the fast growing e-commerce space in India.

Union Cabinet approves production-linked incentive scheme for telecom sector The Union Cabinet has approved a production-linked incentive scheme for the telecom sector. Electronic and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, the production-linked incentive worth ₹12,195 Crore has been cleared for the telecom sector.


RBI issues rules for home finance firms The RBI issued directives to housing finance companies (HFCs) on maintenance of liquidity coverage ratio, risk management, asset classification and loan-to-value ratio. All non-deposit taking HFCs with asset size of ₹100 crore and above and all deposit taking HFCs shall pursue liquidity risk management, [adhering] to gap limits.

India will be one of fastest growing emerging market economies with a 10 per cent growth in next fiscal S&P Global Ratings has said that India will be one of the fastest growing emerging market economies with a 10 per cent growth in the next fiscal.

IndusInd Bank gets ₹2,021 cr capital boost from promoters IndusInd Bank has received ₹2,021 crore equity from promoters after conversion of preferential warrants into equity shares.

Piramal group gets RBI nod for DHFL acquisition Piramal Group said the Reserve Bank is understood to have approved the acquisition of debt-ridden DHFL by the group’s subsidiary as part of resolution process.

New PSE policy envisages at most 4 strategic-sector firms The new public sector enterprises policy envisages that the strategic sectors have limited number of players restricting it to maximum four public sector enterprises of a holding nature.

RBI curbs on Deccan Urban Coop. Bank The Reserve Bank of India said it has barred Karnataka-based Deccan Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd. from granting fresh loans or accepting deposits and customers cannot withdraw more than ₹1,000 from their savings account for a period of six months.

Banks cannot disclaim responsibility on lockers: SC Banks cannot wash their hands of any liability if any harm is caused to their customers’ lockers or safe deposits in an era when miscreants can manipulate technology to gain access to electronically-operated bank lockers, the Supreme Court observed in a judgment.

IKEA operator Ingka to invest ₹5,500 cr. in India Ingka Centres, part of the Ingka Group that operates IKEA Retail, said it plans to invest about ₹5,500 crore, or more than €600 million, to set up its first shopping centre in India.

Government released ₹1 lakh Crore as GST compensation shortfall to States The GST compensation shortfall payment has reached the crucial level of 100000 Crore rupees. The Ministry of Finance released the 17th weekly installment of ₹5,000 crore to the States to meet the GST compensation shortfall.

SBI launches YONO Merchant app to tap retail, enterprise players SBI Payment Services Pvt. Ltd launched YONO Merchant App to expand the digitization of merchant payments in India.

BioAsia 2021 attracts support from corporates in life sciences BioAsia 2021, which is all set to go live in its 18th edition from February 22 in Hyderabad, is being backed by corporates in the life sciences sector.

P-notes investment slips to ₹84,976 crore at January-end Investment through participatory notes (P-notes) in the Indian capital market dipped marginally to ₹84,976 crore as on January 31 after hitting 31-month high value at the end of the preceding month.

India Ratings raises banking sector outlook to ‘stable’ India Ratings and Research revised its outlook on the overall banking sector to ‘stable’ for the FY22 from ‘negative’ even as it saw higher stress emerging in the retail loan segment, going ahead.

DHFL auditor Grant Thornton reports further fraud of ₹6,182 cr. Dewan Housing Finance Corporation (DHFL) said its transaction auditor, Grant Thornton, had reported further fraudulence amounting to ₹6,182 crore in the company.

RIL to hive off oil-to-chemicals into new unit with $25-bn loan Reliance Industries has announced that it plans to carve out its oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business into an independent unit with a $25-billion loan from the parent, as it looks to unlock value by selling stakes to global investors such as Saudi Aramco.

Shipments to China rose 16.2% in 2020 India’s exports to China rose 16.2% to $20.87 billion in 2020 compared with the preceding year on account of healthy growth in shipment of ores, iron and steel and aluminum and copper, data from the Commerce Ministry showed. The trade deficit fell 19.4% to $45.91 billion as India’s imports from the neighbor shrank 10.9% to $66.8 billion.

Qualcomm, Bharti tie up for 5G in India Bharti Airtel and U.S.-based chipmaker Qualcomm Technologies announced a collaboration for accelerating 5G in India.

Centre lifts embargo on private banks to undertake govt related banking transactions The Centre has lifted embargo on private sector banks for conduct of government related transactions. They include taxes and other revenue payment facilities, pension payment and small saving schemes. Earlier, only few private banks were permitted for such transactions.

Govt approves PLI Scheme for IT Hardware and Pharmaceuticals Union Cabinet approved Production Linked Incentive Scheme for IT Hardware. The scheme proposes incentives to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the value chain of IT Hardware. The total cost of the proposed scheme is around ₹7,350 crore over four years. The Union Cabinet also approved Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals over a period of Financial Year 2020-21 to 2028-29. The Scheme will benefit domestic manufacturers, help in creating employment and is expected to contribute to the availability of a wider range of affordable medicines for consumers.

SEBI moots concept of ‘accredited investor’ Regulator SEBI sought comments on the proposal to introduce the concept of ‘accredited investors’ in the Indian securities market. The comments can be sent to the regulator in a prescribed format latest by March 18.


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Global rating agency Moody's ups India's growth projection for FY22 to 13.7 per cent from 10.8 per cent estimated earlier Global rating agency Moody's upped India's growth projection for the financial year 2021-22 to 13.7 per cent from 10.8 per cent estimated earlier. The agency expects the Indian economy to contract by 7 per cent, lower than its previous estimate of 10.6 per cent contraction.

UK Court orders extradition of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi to India in PNB Scam case A UK magistrates' court ordered the extradition of fugitive Jeweller Nirav Modi, who is wanted in India in the Punjab National Bank scam case.

As reserves shrink, Sri Lanka seeks $2.2 billion from China Sri Lanka has again turned to China for a fresh injection of cash, the country is seeking $2.2 billion from Chinese banks.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs, CBIC sign MoU for exchange of data to enhance Ease of Doing Business in India The Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs have signed an MoU for exchange of data for enhancing ease of doing business in India and improve overall regulatory enforcement.

Gadkari urges auto firms to raise localisation to 100% Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday asked automobile manufacturers to increase the localization of components to 100%, failing which he said the Centre would consider raising basic customs duty on imports.

India Exits Recession With 0.4% Quarterly Growth India’s economy resurfaced to growth territory in the third quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2020-21, clocking a 0.4% rise in the gross domestic product (GDP), as per data from the National Statistical Office (NSO).

Fiscal deficit soars to ₹12.34 lakh cr. As per the data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), the Central government’s fiscal deficit soared to ₹12.34 lakh crore, or 66.8% of the revised Budget estimates at the end of January of the current fiscal.

Core sector output rises 0.1% in January India’s eight core sectors recorded a meagre 0.1% rise in output in January, propped up by a 5.1% rise in electricity, 2.7% growth in fertilisers and 2.6% growth in steel production, even as the other five sectors contracted.

Current inflation target band apt for next 5 years, says RBI report With the next review of the flexible-inflation targeting (FIT) framework coming up soon, the Reserve Bank of India, in the Report on Currency and Finance for FY21, said the current inflation target of 4% with a +/-2% tolerance band is appropriate for the next five years.

Pant wins ICC award India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has won the ICC’s inaugural Player of the Month award(January), South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month.

WCCB receives Asia Environmental Enforcement Award-2020

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has received

the Asia Environmental Enforcement Award-2020 awarded

by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Hilton Valentine The Animals guitarist Hilton Valentine, who created one of the most famous riffs in pop music in the 1960s, died at the age of 77. Alexei Navalny A Moscow court had sentenced Russian government critic Alexei Navalny to more than two years in prison despite nationwide protests and a Western outcry. Bhavya Lal Indian-American Bhavya Lal was appointed by NASA as

the acting chief of staff of the US space agency. Dominic Ongwen The International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, convicted former Ugandan warlord Dominic Ongwen of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ongwen was accused of 70 counts of crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, torture, sexual slavery and using child soldiers, between 2002 and 2004 in northern Uganda when he led a brigade of the LRA. Christopher Plummer Veteran Canadian actor Christopher Plummer, whose decades-long career featured an indelible star turn in "The Sound of Music" and an Oscar win late in life, died. He was 91. George Shultz Former US Secretary of State, George Shultz who significantly shaped foreign policy in the late 20th Century, has died at the age of 100. Akhtar Ali Tennis legend Akhtar Ali, a father figure in Indian tennis, passed away following prolonged illness. Akhtar was 81 and is survived by his son, current India Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali. Leon Spinks Leon Spinks, who won Olympic gold and then shocked the boxing world by beating Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight title in only his eighth pro fight, has died. He was 67. Rajiv Kapoor Actor-director Rajiv Kapoor, son of celebrated filmmaker-actor Raj Kapoor, died after a heart attack. He was 58. Rajiv Kapoor made his acting debut with 1983 film Ek Jaan Hain Hum. Aditya Mittal ArcelorMittal, one of the world's biggest steel producers, announced that Aditya Mittal would take over as chief executive officer (CEO) from his father, Lakshmi Mittal, who would take on the mantle of executive chairman.


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Mario Draghi The ex-head of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, has been sworn in as Italian Prime Minister. He has secured the support of almost all the main political parties, following the collapse of the previous administration last month. Okonjo-Iweala Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed as the first female and first African head of the World Trade Organization (WTO). P.B. Sawant Former Supreme Court judge P.B. Sawant passed away. Justice Sawant had been active in public affairs since his retirement in 1995. Justice Sawant has also served as chairman of the Press Council of India.

Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Congo''s president Felix Tshisekedi has appointed a new prime minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, further strengthening his control of the government over which his predecessor used to hold considerable influence.

Ajay Mathur India’s Ajay Mathur was elected as the next director general of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at a special virtual assembly.

Rama Jois Noted jurist and former Governor M. Rama Jois, 89, passed away. He was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Post retirement, Mr. Jois was made Governor of Bihar and later Jharkhand by the NDA government in the early 2000s.

Satish Sharma Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Captain Satish Sharma passed away. He served as a Union Petroleum Minister (1993-1996) in the P.V. Narasimha Rao government. Disha Ravi Cllimate activist Disha Ravi has been sent to three-day judicial custody in toolkit case on February 19 by Delhi’s Patiala House Court. She was arrested by Delhi Police from Bengaluru on February 13 in connection with the formulation and dissemination in the ongoing farmers’ protest.

Swati Mohan Indian-American scientist Swati Mohan, who leads the guidance, navigation, and control operations of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, played a pivotal role in landing the U.S. space agency’s historic Perseverance rover on the Martian surface.

Mohan Delkar Lok Sabha Member from Dadra and Nagar Haveli Mohan Delkar was found dead in a Mumbai hotel. Delkar was elected to the 17th Lok Sabha for his seventh term in the house.

Vijay Sampla Vijay Sampla, a former Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and former BJP MP, took charge as the Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

Nikol Pashinyan Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned of an attempted military coup against him and thousands took to the streets of the capital to support him after the Army demanded he and his government resign. Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri Eminent poet and academic Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri passed away. He was 81. Namboothiri received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1994 for Ujjayiniyile Raappakalukal. The nation honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2014. Ligia Noronha United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the appointment of Ligia Noronha of India as Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the New York Office of the United Nations Environment Programme. Syed Mushtaq Trophy Final: Tamil Nadu lifts second title with seven-wicket win over Baroda Tamil Nadu defeated Baroda by seven wickets to clinch its second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 at the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad. Tai Tzu Ying, Anders Antonsen win men’s singles titles at BWF World Tour Finals Tai Tzu-ying won a dramatic cliffhanger women’s badminton World Tour Final in Bangkok, blocking reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin’s bid for a hat-trick of titles in three weeks. In Men’s category, Anders Antonsen denied Viktor Axelsen a third tournament win in three weeks. Lionel Messi's Contract Reportedly Worth $673 Million, Most Expensive for Athlete in Any Sport Lionel Messi’s most recent contract with Barcelona is worth up to €555 million over four seasons, the El Mundo newspaper reported. The newspaper said it is the most expensive contract ever signed by an athlete. Reduced allocation for sports The Union budget reduced the allocation for sports by ₹230.78 crore for the financial year 2021-22. In the next financial year, the fund allocated is ₹2,596.14 crore, down by 8.16% when compared to the last budget. Ashok Dinda Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket Indian bowler Ashok Dinda announced retirement from all formats of the game. The pacer represented India in 13 ODIs and nine T20Is, picking 12 and 17 wickets respectively. New Zealand makes it to World Test Championship final New Zealand became the first team to reach the final of the inaugural World Test Championship after Australia’s away series against South Africa was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ajay Singh re-elected Ajay Singh was re-elected the president of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) in the elections held at Gurugram.


Daruvala creates history India’s top racer Jehan Daruvala created history in the Formula 3 Asian Championship, scoring a breakthrough victory for Mumbai Falcons, an all Indian-outfit, in Abu Dhabi. Asian F3 Championship: Jehan Daruvala takes lead with 2nd straight victory Mumbai Falcons and Jehan Daruvala continued their winning spree with a second consecutive victory in the Asian Formula 3 Championship. Tennis: Russia drubs Italy to claim ATP Cup Russia crushed Italy 2-0 to win the ATP Cup with Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev in red-hot form leading into the Australian Open. Pakistan sweeps series Pakistan won its first series against South Africa since 2003 by 2-0 with a 95-run victory in the second Test on the fifth and final day. Set 370 to win, the Proteas were bowled out for 274. India loses first cricket test to England by 227 runs in Chennai England defeated India by 227 runs in the first Test at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai to go up 1-0 in the four-match Test series. Chasing a formidable victory target of 420 runs, India were bundled out for 192 runs in their second innings. Australian Open 2021: Hsieh Su-Wei becomes oldest first-time quarterfinalist in Grand Slam In Australian Open Tennis, 35-year-old Hsieh Su-Wei has become the oldest first-time quarterfinalist in a Grand Slam. West Indies beat Bangladesh by 17 runs in second Cricket Test West Indies beat Bangladesh by 17 runs in a thrilling second Cricket Test in Mirpur to complete a 2-0 series victory. Pakistan wins series Pakistan defeated South Africa by four wickets in the third and final T20I to clinch the three-match series 2-1. Ravichandran Ashwin becomes first bowler to dismiss left-handers 200 times in Tests Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has become the first player in the 143-year history of Test cricket to take 200 wickets against left-handed batsmen Naman Ojha announces his retirement Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha has announced his retirement after toiling on the domestic circuit for 20 seasons. Ojha represented India in all three formats. So bests Carlsen again, wins title Wesley So extended Magnus Carlsen’s title-drought by stunning him for the second time in as many finals this season to claim the $100,000 Opera Euro rapid online chess. India beat England by 317 runs in 2nd Test at Chennai, level four4-match series, 1-1 India won the second Test and levelled the series after England collapsed to 164 all out on day four of the

second Test chasing a notional 482 in Chennai. Ravichandran Ashwin led with his all-round brilliance as India thrashed England by 317 runs in the second Test to level the four-match series at 1-1.

Faf du Plessis retires from Test cricket Faf du Plessis has announced his retirement from Test cricket. Du Plessis ends his Test career with 4163 runs in the longest format, scored at an average of 40.02, involving 10 centuries and 21 fifties. Chris Morris becomes costliest ever player at IPL

auction for Rajasthan Royal Chris Morris became the costliest ever player at an IPL auction for Rajastyhan Royals at the IPL 2021 auction.

Morris was bought by Rajasthan Royals for a record-setting ₹16.25 crore. Japan Olympics Minister Hashimoto to accept role as head of Tokyo 2020

Japanese Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto, a woman who has competed in seven Olympic Games, intends to accept the job of Head of the Tokyo 2020 Organising

Committee. Elise Mertens, Aryna Sabalenka win women's

doubles title of Australian Open The Belgian and Belarus pair of Elise Mertens and Aryna Sabalenka has won the Women’s doubles final of the

Australian Open 2021. Ankita claims maiden WTA 250 doubles title

Ankita Raina, partnering Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova, captured her maiden WTA 250 doubles title, beating Anna Blinkova and Anastasia Potapova of Russia in the

final of the Phillip Island Trophy tennis tournament. Australian Open: Naomi Osaka lifts Women's title defeating Jennifer Brady Japan's Naomi Osaka defeated American Jennifer Brady

in the Australian Open final to win her fourth Grand Slam title. Alfiya Pathan wins first gold medal at Adriatic Pearl Tournament in Montenegro 2019 Asian junior Girls Champion Alfiya Pathan (81+kg)

showed superb form and fitness to notch up an easy 5-0 win against Daria Kozorev of Moldova and earned the first gold medal for India. Australian Open: Novak Djokovic Beats Daniil Medvedev To Win 18th Grand Slam Title

Defending Champion Novak Djokovic has won his ninth Australian Open title, beating Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided final at Melbourne Park. Vinka and Sanamacha win golds

Vinka (60kg) and T. Sanamacha Chanu (75kg) clinched gold medals as Indian youth boxers continued their outstanding show at the 30th Adriatic Pearl tournament

in Budva, Montenegro. Tech Mahindra signs Anand to mentor Global Chess

League Tech Mahindra Ltd. has signed Viswanathan Anand, five-time World chess champion, as the mentor for

the phygital (physical and digital) Global Chess League.


MISCELLANEOUS

India’s women’s contingent finishes at top in 30th Adriatic Pearl tournament in Budva, Montenegro In Boxing, Arundhati Choudhary in 69 kilogram category and Naorem Babyrojisana Chanu in 51 kilogram category won gold medals as India’s women contingent ended the 30th Adriatic Pearl tournament in Budva, Montenegro, with five gold, three silver and two bronze medals in addition to three male boxers winning bronze. India’s women’s contingent thus finished top of the podium at the tournament and took home the trophy. US golfer Tiger Woods hospitalized after a car crash Golf legend Tiger Woods suffered serious injuries to both legs as his car flew off the road near Los Angeles in the USA. Woods underwent surgery after the collision. Upul Tharanga announces retirement from international cricket Veteran Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga announced his retirement from international cricket after a career spanning 15 years and during which he also enjoyed a brief stint as captain. Motera stadium named after Modi The world’s largest cricket arena at Motera in Ahmedabad, the Sardar Patel Cricket Stadium, was renamed Narendra Modi Stadium and was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind. India to host WC qualifiers for Tent Pegging The World Cup Qualifiers for Equestrian Tent Pegging will be held for the first time in India from March 11-14. IOC names Brisbane as preferred bidder to host 2032 Olympic Games The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has named Brisbane, Australia as the preferred bidder to host the 2032 Olympic Games. India beat England by 10 wickets in third test India defeated England by 10 wickets in the third Test in Ahmedabad. India chased down a paltry target of 49 runs in the final session of the second day. Ravichandran Ashwin reached the milestone of 400 Test wickets, becoming the fastest Indian to the feat. J&K: 2nd edition of Khelo India Winter Games begins at Gulmarg In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the second edition of Khelo India Winter Games begins at Gulmarg. The five-day event will see the participation of athletes from across the country. Cricketer Yusuf Pathan announces retirement from all formats of game India's dashing batter Yusuf Pathan has announced his retirement from all formats of the game. He played 57 ODIs and 22 T20Is for India between 2007 and 2012. Vinay Kumar Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket Former India cricketer and Karnataka captain R. Vinay Kumar announced his retirement from international and First Class cricket. Vinay played one Test (against Australia at Perth in 2012), 31 ODIs and nine T20Is. Vinay was an outstanding performer in his 17-year domestic career.

Boxing: Deepak Kumar wins silver at Strandja Memorial Tournament in Bulgaria

In Boxing, Deepak Kumar (52kg) wins the silver medal at the 72nd Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria after losing the final face-off in a split decision

against Bulgaria’s Daniel Asenov in the men's flyweight. Indian men's skeet team wins bronze in ISSF World

Cup The Indian trio of Mairaj Ahmed Khan, Angad Vir Singh Bajwa and Gurjoat Khangura won the bronze medal in

men’s skeet team event at the International Shooting Sport Federation tournament (ISSF) Shotgun World Cup in Cairo.

Anindya Dutta Authored a New Book Titled “Advantage India: The Story of Indian Tennis”

Anindya Dutta , a banker turned author, penned a new book titled “Advantage India: The Story of Indian Tennis”, a chronicle of Indian Tennis. Advantage India

is a well-researched account of the journey of Indian tennis, with a special section on the Doubles game and on women’s tennis in India.

India hosted Indian Ocean Region Defence Ministers’ Conclave India hosted the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers’ Conclave on the side-lines of Aero India 2021. The broad theme of the conclave is ‘Enhanced Peace, Security and Cooperation in the Indian Ocean’. Pulitzer prize-winning Jhumpa Lahiri's new book 'Whereabouts’’ will release in April Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri is set to release her new novel titled “Whereabouts”. The book is about a woman protagonist and her journey through life. The book will be released in April. China's Tianwen-1 probe successfully enters Mars orbit. China's Tianwen-1 probe entered the orbit of the planet Mars, on February 11 state media said, after it is launched from southern China last July. UAE Makes History as Hope Probe Successfully Enters Mars Orbit UAE made history as its first-ever interplanetary Hope Probe mission successfully entered orbit around Mars. UAE has become the fifth country to launch the spacecraft into the orbit of MARS. India to fund USD 50M for restoration of 3 cultural heritage projects in Nepal India will provide Nepalese Rupees(NR) 142 million to Nepal for the restoration and conservation of three cultural heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. BBC World News banned in China, Britain says step will only damage China's reputation China has banned BBC World News from broadcasting in the country. The announcement comes one week after British media regulator Ofcom withdrew broadcasting license for state-owned China Global Television Network (CGTN) in the United Kingdom.


Pakistan Army conducts exercises in Thar Desert The Pakistan Army is holding a month-long exercise in the Thar Desert, located in the Sindh province, to prepare for conflict in extreme desert environments. The exercise, code-named ‘Jidar-ul-Hadeed’, began on January 28 and is scheduled to conclude on February 28. India, Nepal sign MoU for reconstruction of six secondary schools in Himalayan Nation India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the reconstruction of six secondary schools in the Himalayan nation. 12.4 million people in Syria face food insecurity this year, says WFP The World Food Program (WFP) said that an additional 4.5 million Syrians have become food insecure over the past year, bringing the total number of people on the brink of hunger to a record 12.4 million. Hyderabad gets recognition as 2020 Tree City of the World The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Arbor Day Foundation have recognized Hyderabad as a 2020 Tree City of World, for its commitment to growing and maintaining urban forests. Millions of people in Texas continue to shiver in cold In the United States, millions of people in Texas continued to shiver in the cold as they were forced to spend winter days with no electricity. American space agency NASA lands its fifth rover 'Perseverance' on Mars successfully The American space agency NASA successfully landed its fifth rover 'Perseverance' on Mars yesterday in a deep crater near the planet's equator called Jezero. Malaysia deports over 1,000 Myanmar nationals, defying court order Malaysia deported more than 1,000 Myanmar detainees back to their homeland just weeks after a coup, despite a court order halting the repatriation and a storm of criticism. Imran announces $50 mn defence credit line for Lanka Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced a $50 million defence credit line facility for Sri Lanka, even as the two countries stressed the need for “stronger partnership” in security, combating terrorism, organised crime and drug and narcotic trafficking, and intelligence-sharing. U.S. will seek to rejoin UNHRC: Blinken The U.S. will seek re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced as he humbly asked for the support of UN member states. Australia passes law aimed at making Google and Facebook pay for news content on their platforms Australia has passed a world-first law aimed at making Google and Facebook pay for news content on their platforms. The legislation had been fiercely opposed by the US tech giants, with Facebook blocking all news content to Australians over the row.

FATF decides to keep Pakistan on its Grey List till June this year Global money laundering watchdog the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided to keep Pakistan on its terrorism financing Grey list. Global military spending hits record levels Global military spending reached record levels in 2020 despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, a British think-tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said. Military spending reached $1.8 trillion last year — a 3.9% increase in real terms over figures for 2019. The U.S. remained the world’s largest defence spender in 2020 accounting for 40% of $738 billion globally. UN body recommends Bangladesh graduation from LDC The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) has recommended graduation of Bangladesh from the category of Least Developed Country (LDC) as it fulfilled the eligibility criteria in terms of per capita income, human assets and economic and environmental vulnerability. International Day of Women and Girls in Science International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed every year on the 11th of February. The year 2021 marked the 6th International Day of Women and Girls in Science. National Productivity Day 2021: February 12 The National Productivity Day is annually observed across India on 12th February to create awareness about productivity, that maximum output with optimum utilization of resources can be planned and achieved. World Radio Day: February 13 World Radio Day (WRD) is being celebrated across the Globe on February 13. The theme of World Radio Day 2021, "New World, New Radio”. International Mother Language Day: January 21 International Mother Language Day is observed on January 21. The theme for this year is "Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society". National Protein Day 2021: February 27 National Protein Day is annually observed across India on 27th February to create and raise awareness about the importance and health benefits of Protein. The theme of the National Protein Day 2021 is ‘Powering with Plant Protein’. Bhakti Movement Saint Guru Ravidas Jayanti being observed across the country Guru Ravidas Jayanti is being celebrated all across the country on 27th February. His influence on Indian culture is immense, especially in North India. National Science Day: 28th February National Science Day is celebrated every year on 28th of February to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’. On this day, Physicist CV Raman announced the discovery of the 'Raman Effect' for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930.

CURRENT AFFAIRS CAPSULE (FEBRUARY 2021)

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