CURRENT AFFAIRS CAPSULE (MARCH 2021)

Libyan parliament votes to approve interim unity govt

INTERNATIONAL In Libya, the parliament has voted to approve an interim
unity government to lead the war-ravaged nation to
WTO urges member states to license more COVID-19
NATION
December elections. The parliament has approved the
vaccine manufacturing in developing countries cabinet of interim Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah,
New chief of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi with 121 of the 132 lawmakers present voting in support.
Okonjo-Iweala has urged its member states to work with

AL
pharmaceutical companies to license more COVID-19
vaccine manufacturing in developing countries in order
to triple global production.
China Parliament approves 5-year plan
China formally approved the outline of its 14th five-year
plan (2021-25), which highlights a number of key
strategic projects to be pursued as a priority, including
India wants Chabahar port on key corridor the first dam in Tibet on the lower reaches of the Yarlung
India wants Chabahar port to be included in the 13-nation Zangbo or Brahmaputra, a Sichuan-Tibet railway line
International North South Transport Corridor that extends near the India border, and a push for self-sufficiency in
from India to Russia, and expand INSTC membership by emerging industries such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
including Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, said External Affairs
Minister S. Jaishankar said. US Congress passes 1.9 trillion dollar COVID-19
relief bill
At least 1 in 7 children lived under stay-at-home The US House of Representatives gave final approval to
policies during COVID-19 pandemic, putting mental the landmark 1.9 trillion dollar COVID-19 relief bill.
health at risk, warns UNICEF Eligible Americans will receive $1,400 cheques under
UNICEF has warned that at least one in seven children a $400 billion measure contained in the Bill. Another
lived under stay-at-home policies during the COVID-19 $350 billion will be directed towards vaccine distribution,
pandemic, putting their mental health and well-being at risk. assistance to State and local governments and to fund
tax credits for those with children.
Switzerland: People voted in favour of banning full
face coverings in public places US, Australia, India & Japan agree to deliver one
In Switzerland, people have voted in favour of banning billion doses of COVID vaccine to much of Asia by
full face coverings in public places. Dubbed as ‘burqa end of 2022
ban’ by media and campaigners, the proposal was put The leaders of the US, Australia, India and Japan have
into referendum after years of debate in the country agreed to deliver one billion doses of coronavirus
following similar bans in some European countries. vaccine to much of Asia by the end of 2022.
WHO approves first single dose regimen COVID-19
Nepal’s ruling party splits vaccine by Janssen for emergency use
Nepal’s ruling party of ex-Maoist rebels and fellow The World Health Organization (WHO) approved a
communists split after the top election body ruled its vaccine developed by Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), for
name was unlawful, pushing the country into further emergency use in all countries and for COVAX roll-out.
political uncertainty. The decision comes on the back of the European
US offers temporary refuge to tens of thousands of Medicines Agency (EMA) authorization.
Venezuelans UNSC urges Somalia’s govt to organize elections
The U.S. will allow tens of thousands of Venezuelans to without delay
seek refuge, in a significant policy shift from the Trump The U.N. Security Council urged Somalia’s government
era. Temporary Protected Status is being offered to to organize elections without delay in a resolution that
people who fled political repression and economic chaos stressed the pressing threat to the country’s security
in the South American country. from al-Shabab and armed opposition groups.
First Quad summit took place on March 12 A decade of war in Syria killed over 388,000
The first ever summit of the leaders of the Quadrilateral The overall death toll for Syria's civil war has reached
Framework or ‘Quad’ took place virtually on March 12. 3,88,652 since it began a decade ago this month, the
United States, Japan and Australia comprise the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Quadrilateral Framework. The figures includes almost 1,17,388 civilians, among
them more than 22,000 children.
In a first, China launches ‘virus passport’ India supplies over 5.86 cr doses of Made in India
China has launched a health certificate programme for COVID vaccines to nearly 71 countries
Chinese international travellers, leading the world in India has supplied over 5 crore 86 lakh doses of
plans for so-called virus passports. The digital certificate, indigenous Covid19 vaccines to nearly 71 countries till
which shows a user’s vaccination status and virus test date. Out of the total supply over 81 lakh doses have
results, is available for Chinese citizens via a programme been given free of cost as grant aid to 37 countries
on Chinese social media platform WeChat. whereas 1 crore 65 lakh doses have been sent under the
Armenian PM dismisses country's Chief of General COVAX facility route to around 31 countries.
Staff Onik Gasparyan France enters third wave of Corona pandemic, says
In Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan relieved the French Prime Minister
country's Chief of General Staff Onik Gasparyan of his French Prime Minister Jean Castex told that France had
duties. Prime Minister Pashinyan has been under pressure entered a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, as the
from the military to step down following a deadly conflict with seven-day average of new cases rose above 25,000 for
Azerbaijan. the first time since Nov 20.
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EU regulator backs AstraZeneca vaccine after safety Summit on Climate to underscore the urgency and the
investigation economic benefits of stronger climate action. The two-
The EU’s drug watchdog said it is convinced the benefits of day summit will be held virtually on 22 and 23 April.
AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risks US suspends all trade engagement with Myanmar
following an investigation into reports of blood disorders that until elected government returns
prompted more than a dozen nations to suspend its use. United States is immediately suspending all engagement
Dutch election: PM Mark Rutte claims victory with Myanmar under a 2013 trade and investment
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's party has won the most agreement until the return of a democratically elected
seats in parliamentary elections. This victory hands Mr Rutte government, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said
a mandate to form a new coalition government led by his WHO report says animals are likely source of COVID-19
centre-right VVD party, with a fourth term as prime minister. A joint WHO-China study on the origins of COVID-19
Indian-Israeli collaboration testing oral COVID vaccine says that transmission of the virus from bats to humans
An Indian-Israeli collaboration has reportedly developed through another animal is the most likely scenario and
an oral vaccine named for COVID-19, one that can be that a lab leak is “extremely unlikely,” according to a draft
swallowed like a pill instead of being injected, as is the copy obtained by The Associated Press.
norm. Oravax, the company developing the vaccine, is a Global leaders push for new pandemic treaty
joint venture between Premas and Oramed. World leaders pushed for a new international treaty to
U.K. to unveil global focus in defence modernisation prepare for the next global pandemic — and avoid the
unseemly scramble for vaccines hampering the COVID-19
plans
response. Leaders from 25 countries, the European Union
The U.K. government will unveil much-anticipated
and the World Health Organization (WHO) sought to get
military modernisation plans, vowing to bolster its
the ground rules down in writing to streamline and speed
defence of British interests “across multiple domains and up the reaction to future global outbreaks.
in all corners of the globe”.
China cuts Hong Kong’s elected seats
China, Russia propose new security dialogue platform China’s legislature formally approved sweeping changes to
China and Russia have proposed setting up a new
Hong Kong’s electoral system that will see a sharply
“regional security dialogue platform” to address security
reduced share of directly elected representatives and a
concerns of countries in the region.
tightening of Beijing’s control in the Special Administrative
Germany extends lockdown till 18th April to break Region (SAR). While previously 35 of its 70 members
3rd wave of COVID-19 were directly elected, that number has been reduced by 15.
Germany is extending its lockdown until April 18 and
Presidential elections to be held on April 11 with
calling on citizens to stay at home for five days over the
strict social distancing rules in Peru
Easter holidays to try to break a third wave of the In Peru, the presidential elections will be held on April 11
COVID-19 pandemic.
with strict social distancing rules in place to protect
Myanmar junta defends crackdown voters amid the Covid-19 pandemic, head of the
Myanmar’s junta defended its seven-week crackdown country's electoral body announced.
that has left more than 260 democracy protesters dead,
insisting it would not tolerate “anarchy”. NATIONAL
Bangladesh celebrating historic event of liberation
from Pakistan, birth centenary of its founding father ISRO successfully launches Brazil's Amazonia 1 satellite,
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Bangladesh is celebrating the historic event of its liberation NATI
along with 18 other passenger satellites
India’s PSLV-C51 rocket loaded with 19 satellites from
from Pakistan and the birth centenary of its founding father Brazil, USA and India lifted off from the rocket port at
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This year also marks 50 years of
the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan. ON
Sriharikota successfully. After four stages of separation, the
rocket launched Brazil's 637 kilogram Amazonia 1 satellite,
its primary passenger. Later after a gap of more than an
Israel Polls: Final results confirm political deadlock
In Israel, the Central Election Commission has said that
with 100 per cent of votes counted, Prime Minister AL
hour it launched the remaining 18 passenger satellites.
PM Modi inaugurates ‘Maritime India Summit 2021’
Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party and his Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Maritime
natural allies had won 52 seats in the 120-seat Knesset India Summit 2021’ through video conferencing. The
falling short of magical figure of 61. three-day Summit was be held till 4th of March.
Suez Canal temporarily halts navigation Jaideep Bhatnagar takes over as Principal DG, PIB
Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has temporarily Mr. Jaideep Bhatnagar has taken over as Principal Director
suspended navigation through one of the world’s busiest General, Press Information Bureau. Mr. Bhatnagar is an
shipping lanes until the grounded container vessel MV Officer of the Indian Information Service belonging to 1986
Ever Given is refloated. Batch.
Bloodiest day in Myanmar as at least 114 protestors Govt to form Centre of Excellence in gaming & other
killed related areas in collaboration with IIT Bombay
Myanmar witnessed the bloodiest day in the ongoing The Union Government has decided to form Centre of
protest against the military government as at least 114 Excellence in gaming and other related areas in
protestors were killed across the country. collaboration with IIT Bombay
President Biden Invites 40 World Leaders to Leaders Principal Scientific Adviser to GOI launches
Summit on Climate Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship
US President Joe Biden has invited 40 world leaders, The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the
including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the Leaders' Government of India under its Waste to Wealth Mission
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has launched the Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship to IISc in top 100 list in natural sciences
recognize students, community workers or Self-Help The Indian Institute of Science broke into the top 100 in
Groups, SHGs and municipal or sanitary workers who the natural sciences category of the QS World University
are engaged in tackling the enormous challenge of Rankings by Subject 2021.
waste management, scientifically and sustainably. Bengaluru and Shimla among 'Most liveable' cities
IAF to participate for 1st time in Exercise Desert Flag across country
beginning in UAE In the recently released Ease of Living Index-2020 and the
Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate for the first time in Municipal Performance Index-2020, Bengaluru emerged
Exercise Desert Flag which is beginning in Al-Dhafra as the top performer in the Million Plus category. In the
airbase in UAE. Exercise Desert Flag is an annual multi- Less than Million category, Shimla was ranked the highest
national large force employment warfare exercise hosted in ease of living. In the Million plus category, Indore has
by the United Arab Emirates Air Force. emerged as the highest-ranked municipality, followed by
Surat and Bhopal.
Rajya Sabha TV and Lok Sabha TV merges, now to
be known as Sansad TV Education Minister congratulates 12 Indian
Rajya Sabha TV and Lok Sabha TV have been merged Institutions on securing position in top 100 in QS
and now it will be known as Sansad TV. Retired IAS World University Rankings
officer Ravi Capoor has been appointed as its Chief Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has
Executive Officer. congratulated 12 Indian Institutions on securing a position
in top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject
Union Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot launches 2021.These institutions are IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi,
'Sugamya Bharat' App and handbook 'Access - The IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, IISC Bangalore, IIT Guwahati,
Photo Digest' IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, JNU, Anna University,
Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar University of Delhi, and O P Jindal University
Chand Gehlot launched the 'Sugamya Bharat' App and a
handbook titled 'Access - The Photo Digest' through a India grants NRs 44.17M to build new school building
video conference in New Delhi. The App and the under Nepal-Bharat Maitri Development Partnership
handbook have been developed by the Department of India has extended a grant of 44.17 million Nepali
Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Rupees to Nepal to build a new school building in
Rupandehi district of the country under the Nepal-Bharat
Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, Govt has identified Maitri Development Partnership.
toy sector as a champion sector with long-term vision
Education Minister inaugurates New Delhi World
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said
Book Fair 2021
that the Government of India has identified the toy sector
Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’
as one of the champion sectors with a long-term vision
inaugurated the New Delhi World Book Fair 2021 -
and plan to develop toy clusters in the country.
Virtual Edition. ‘National Education Policy-2020’ is the
Army to induct 6,000 new light machine guns for theme of the book fair.
frontline troops India conducts successful flight test of SFDR
The Indian Army will begin inducting the first lot of 6,000 technology off Odisha coast
new Light Machine Guns (LMG) from Israel, with frontline Defence Research and Development Organisation has
troops on the borders set to receive them later this month. successfully carried out a flight demonstration based on
India, Norway to jointly work in marine spatial Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet technology from Integrated
planning for next 5 yrs Test Range Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
India and Norway have agreed to jointly work in the area of Govt constitutes National Committee headed by PM
marine spatial planning in the oceanic space for the next five to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence
years. The two countries have decided to extend support for The Government has constituted a National Committee
sustainable ocean resources utilisation to advance economic headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to
and social development in coastal areas. commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal IMPCL to sell products on Government e-Market portal
announces Project Development Cell for Biotechnology Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced (IMPCL) will sell products on Government e-Market
Project Development Cell for Biotechnology. Mr. Goyal (GeM) portal. The IMPCL and GeM has finalised a deal
made this announcement in Global Bio-India 2021 in this regard and now the Ayurvedic and Unani
conclave, a three-day event focusing on different aspects of medicines of IMPCL will figure on the GeM portal to
biotechnology which has been organized by DBT-BIRAC. hundreds of government sector buyers.
Indian Scientists design & develop low-cost optical Lift ban on blood donation by transgenders
spectrograph The Supreme Court of India asked the government to
Indian Scientists have designed and developed a low- respond to a plea challenging blood donation guideline
cost optical spectrograph. The spectograph can locate which ban transgender persons, members of the gay
sources of faint light from distant quasars and galaxies. It community and sex workers from donating blood.
has been successfully commissioned on the 3.6-Metre Govt to increase number of Jan Aushadhi stores to
Devasthal Optical Telescope near Nainital Uttarakhand. 10,000 by 2024, says Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan
Covaxin demonstrates interim clinical efficacy of Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has said that
81% in its phase-3 trial government will increase the number of Jan Aushadhi
Bharat Biotech has announced that Covid-19 vaccine stores to ten thousand by 2024. Today, there are seven
Covaxin demonstrated interim clinical efficacy of 81 per cent thousand 500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across various
in its phase three trial. districts of the country.
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Google to support 1 million rural women INS Karanj – 3rd Kalvari class submarine
entrepreneurs in India: Sundar Pichai commissioned into Indian Navy
Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the company would help Indian Navy’s third stealth Kalvari class Submarine INS
one million women in villages to become entrepreneurs by Karanj has been commissioned at the Naval Dockyard
providing business tutorials, mentorship and accelerator Mumbai through a formal commissioning ceremony. INS
programmes. Karanj would form part of the Western Naval
M Venkaiah Naidu compliments Mallikarjun Kharge on Command’s Submarine fleet and would be another
becoming new Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha potent part of the Command’s arsenal.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu complimented Nitin Gadkari inaugurates two Technology Centres,
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on becoming the new three Extension Centres of MSME
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. He said, leader Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,
of opposition plays a major role in smooth functioning of Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated the two Technology
the House. Centres and three Extension Centres of MSME virtually.
122 NACs identified under National Clean Air The Technology Centres which were inaugurated, have
Programme: Govt been set up at Visakhapatnam and Bhopal and the
The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Extension Centres at Srinagar, Jaipur and Nagaur.
has said that a total of 122 non-attainment cities, NACs Work on floating solar power plant in final stages
have been identified under the National Clean Air The country’s biggest floating solar power plant(100
Programme. More than two thousand 200 crore rupees megawatt), by generation capacity, till date being
have been released in the financial year 2020-21 to tackle developed by NTPC in the reservoir of its thermal plant
the problem of air pollution. at Ramagundam in Peddapalli district of Telangana is
PM inaugurates Maitri Setu between India and set to be commissioned by May-June next.
Bangladesh India, Japan space agencies review ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurating the Indian and Japanese space agencies have reviewed
Maitri Setu on Feni river connecting Sabroom in South cooperation in earth observation, lunar cooperation and
Tripura to Ramgarh in Bangladesh said that the bridge on satellite navigation, and also agreed to explore
Feni river connecting India and Bangladesh will help opportunities for cooperation in “space situational
improve connectivity and enhance economic opportunities awareness and professional exchange programme”.
for people of both the countries.
Digitisation of 4.50 cr pages of Records and
ISRO develops radar for joint earth observation Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi & the Non-
satellite mission with NASA Cooperation Movement inaugurated
ISRO has completed development of a Synthetic Aperture Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel has
Radar capable of producing high-resolution images for a joint inaugurated Digitisation of 4 crore 50 lakh pages of
earth observation satellite mission with the U.S. space agency Records and Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi & the Non-
NASA. The mission is targeted to be launched in 2022. Cooperation Movement.
157 new medical colleges approved under CSS in Mera Ration Mobile App for migratory ration card
three phases: Government holders launched
The Government said that 157 new medical colleges have Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
been approved under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Distribution launched Mera Ration Mobile App for the
(CSS) in three phases. These new medical colleges are benefit of those ration card holders who move to new
attached with existing district and referral hospitals. places in search of livelihood.
Railways Minister Piyush Goyal flags off 3000 HP GP Samanta Appointed As The New CSI For A Term
Cape Gauge Locomotive for export to Mozambique Of 2 Years
Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal today flagged off 3000 GP Samanta, an advisor in the Department of Statistics
HP Cape Gauge Locomotive indigenously developed by and information management (DSIM), Reserve Bank of
Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi through video India (RBI) was appointed as the 4th Chief Statistician of
conferencing along with Minister of Transport and India (CSI) for a term of 2 years.
Communications of Mozambique Janfar Abdulai.
PM inaugurates curtain raiser activities of the ‘Azadi
Cabinet approves 'PM Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi' as
Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ India@75
single non-lapsable reserve fund
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi flagged off the ‘Padyatra’
The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya
(Freedom March) from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN) as a single non-lapsable reserve
and inaugurated the curtain raiser activities of the ‘Azadi
fund for share of Health from the proceeds of Health and
Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (India@75).
Education Cess levied under Finance Act, 2007. The major
benefit of PMSSN will be enhanced access to universal and Isro launches sounding rocket RH-560 to study
affordable health care through availability of earmarked attitudinal variations
resources, while ensuring that the amount does not lapse at The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro)
the end of financial year. launched a sounding rocket from Satish Dhawan Space
Labour Minister launches convergence of ESI Scheme Centre, Sriharikota, to study attitudinal variations in the
with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in 113 districts neutral winds and plasma dynamics.
Union Minister for Labour and Employment Santosh Ranjit Hoskote released his New Poetry book titled
Kumar Gangwar launched the convergence of ESI ‘Hunchprose’
Scheme with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan The Indian poet, art critic, cultural theorist, and
Arogya Yojana, PM-JAY in 113 districts of Chhatisgarh, independent curator Ranjit Hoskote released his recent
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. 8th poetry collection titled ‘Hunchprose’in English.
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Centre announces new scheme for tourist vehicle Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors to
operators to boost tourism be operational in 2022
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors will
announced a new scheme for tourist vehicle operators. become operational in 2022 informed Railways's Minister
Any tourist vehicle operator may apply for an All India Piyush Goyal in Lok Sabha.
tourist authorization and permit through online mode.
Rajya Sabha passes National Commission for Allied
Centre reconstitutes panel for studying Sarasvati river & Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020
The Centre has reconstituted an advisory committee to The Rajya Sabha passed the National Commission for
chalk out a plan for studying the mythical Sarasvati river Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020. The Bill
for the next two years, after the earlier panel’s term seeks to regulate and standardise the education and
ended in 2019. The committee would continue to be practice of allied and healthcare professionals. It defines
chaired by the Culture Minister. ‘allied health professional’ as an associate, technician, or
technologist trained to support the diagnosis and
Rajya Sabha passes National Institutes of Food
treatment of any illness, disease and injury.
Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill,
2019 Cabinet approves closure of Handicrafts &
Rajya Sabha passed the National Institutes of Food Handlooms Export Corporation of India Ltd
Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, The Union Cabinet has approved the closure of
2019 today. The bill aims to declare certain institutions of Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation of India
Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management to Limited (HHEC). The Corporation has been continuously
be the institutions of national importance. incurring losses since financial year 2015-16 and not
earning sufficient income to meet its running expenses.
Allow transgenders to enrol in NCC: Kerala HC
Kerala High Court directed the Centre and the National Need to take quick and decisive steps to stop
Cadet Corps (NCC) to amend the enrolment criteria second peak of Coronavirus, says PM
under Section 6 of the National Cadet Corps Act and Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need to take
include transgender persons in it for their enrolment in quick and decisive steps to stop the emerging "second
the NCC. Justice Anu Sivaraman ordered the Centre and peak" of Corona immediately. He warned that a
the NCC to take steps to amend the Act in six months. countrywide outbreak can occur if this growing pandemic
is not stopped now.
386 electric charging stations installed in 13 states,
UTs: Prakash Javadekar Government says there is no proposal to appoint a
Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister regulator for social media
Prakash Javadekar has said that a total of 386 electric The Union government has said that there is no proposal
charging stations have been installed in 13 States and to appoint a regulator for social media. In a written reply
Union Territories in the Lok Sabha, Electronics and Information
Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
Cabinet approves MoU between India, Maldives on
Cooperation in Sports & Youth Affairs Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan appointed as
The Union Cabinet was apprised of a Memorandum of Chairman of international body Stop TB Partnership
Understanding (MoU) signed between the Union Ministry Board
of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Youth, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh
Sports and Community Empowerment of Maldives for Vardhan has been appointed as the Chairman of the
cooperation in Sports and Youth Affairs. international body Stop TB Partnership Board.
Parliament passes bill providing outer limit of 24
India, Kuwait to establish Joint Commission to
weeks for Medical Termination of Pregnancy
enhance ties
Parliament has passed the Medical Termination of
India and Kuwait have decided to establish a Joint
Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 with the Rajya Sabha
Commission to enhance and deepen the ties of fraternity
approving it. The Bill provides for an outer limit of 24
and friendship and support ways of cooperation in all
weeks for medical termination of pregnancy.
fields.
P.K. Sinha, Principal Adviser to PM, resigns
P.K. Sinha, Principal Adviser in the Prime Minister’s SC stays ban on teachers contesting elections
Office (PMO), has relinquished his high-profile position The Supreme Court of India stayed a Kerala High Court
on personal grounds. decision barring aided school teachers and non-teaching
staff from contesting Assembly elections or engaging in
Govt. appoints new chiefs for CRPF, NSG political activities.
The Union government named senior IPS officer Kuldiep
Singh as the new Director General (DG) of the Central AIM, NITI Aayog, AWS announce new initiatives to
Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Another IPS officer of the boost innovation, entrepreneurship in India
1986 batch M.A. Ganapathy of Uttarakhand cadre has Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and Amazon Web
been named as the DG of National Security Guard (NSG). Services announced new initiatives to strengthen the
innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in India.
Indian Army decommissions two of longest serving
artillery systems from service Govt introduces Vehicle Scrapping Policy for
Indian Army has decommissioned two of the longest phasing out of unfit, polluting vehicles
serving artillery systems from service. The 130mm Self Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari
Propelled M-46 Catapult Guns and the 160mm Tampella introduced the Vehicle Scrapping Policy in the
Mortars were decommissioned today at Mahajan Field Lok Sabha aimed at creating an eco-system for phasing
Firing Ranges. out unfit and polluting vehicles.
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Govt will soon establish women helpline centres in Defence Ministry inks contract with MDSL for supply
foreign countries for distressed overseas residents: of 1,300 Light Specialist Vehicles to Indian Army
Smriti Irani Defence Ministry signed a contract with Mahindra
Government will soon establish women helpline centres Defence Systems Limited for supply of 1,300 Light
in foreign countries for distressed overseas residents. Specialist Vehicles to the Indian Army at a cost of ₹1056
The Helpline Centres are being set up in other countries crore. The induction of vehicles is planned to be
with the assistance of the Ministry of External Affairs. completed in four years.
8.76 gigawatt renewable energy capacity added in Parliament passes Constitution (Scheduled Castes)
the country during year 2019-20 Order (Amendment) Bill, 2021
The New and Renewable Energy Ministry has informed The Parliament has passed the Constitution (Scheduled
that a total of 8.76 gigawatt renewable energy capacity Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2021 with Rajya Sabha
has been added in the country during the year 2019-20. passing it. The Bill seeks to modify the list of Scheduled
Castes in Tamil Nadu. The Bill replaces the entry for the
UNDP launches ''Sahi Disha'' campaign to celebrate Devendrakulathan community with Devendrakula Velalar
women''s livelihoods in rural India which includes Devendrakulathan, Kalladi, Kudumban,
The UNDP has launched ''Sahi Disha'' campaign to Pallan, Pannadi and Vathiriyan.
celebrate women''s livelihoods and entrepreneurship in
rural India. U.P., M.P. sign deal on Ken-Betwa link work
The governments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
Indo-Uzbekistan field Training Exercise culminates have signed an agreement that nudges forward a long-
in Uttarakhand stalled multi-crore, controversial project to link the Ken
The second edition of Indo-Uzbekistan Joint Field and the Betwa rivers and irrigate the water-deficient
Training Exercise, EXERCISE DUSTLIK-II culminated Bundelkhand region, spread over both States, and
after 10 days of mutual learning. provide electricity.
Defence Ministry inks contract with Bharat Dynamics Centre asks states, UTs to increase gap between two
Limited for nearly 5,000 Anti-Tank Guided Missiles doses of Covishield between four & eight weeks
Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Centre has written to States and Union Territories to increase
Dynamics Limited for supply of four thousand 960 the interval between two doses of COVISHIELD to 4 to 8
MILAN-2T Anti-Tank Guided Missiles to Indian Army. weeks based on recommendation of National Technical
Lok Sabha passes Mines and Minerals (Development Advisory Group on Immunization, NTAGI and NEGVAC.
and Regulation) Amendment Bill Union Cabinet approves Covid-19 vaccination for all
Lok Sabha has passed the Mines and Minerals above 45 years of age from April 1
(Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2021. Centre has opened Covid19 vaccination for everyone
The Bill seeks to amend the Minerals (Development and aged above 45 starting 1st of April. Briefing the media
Regulation) Act 1957 and provide for removal of after the Cabinet meeting in New Delhi yesterday, Union
distinction between captive and merchant mines. The Bill Minister Prakash Javadekar requested all eligible people
empowers the Central Government to issue directions to immediately register and get vaccinated.
regarding composition and utilization of funds maintained
Cabinet okays signing of MoU between UPSC,
by the District Mineral Foundation.
Afghanistan's IARCSC
Arindam Bagchi assumes charge as new Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a
Spokesperson of MEA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Union
A 1995 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Arindam Public Service Commission (UPSC), India and
Bagchi assumed charge as the new Spokesperson of Independent Administrative Reforms and Civil Services
Ministry of External Affairs. Commission (IARCSC), Afghanistan.
ISRO to establish space technology incubation CJI Justice recommends Govt to appoint Justice N V
center at NIT Rourkela Ramanna as next Chief Justice of India
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will set Chief Justice of India Justice S A Bobde has
up a Space Technology Incubation Center (S-TIC) at the recommended Union Government to appoint the senior
National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (NIT most Supreme Court Judge Justice N V Ramanna as the
Rourkela) to carry out research and product next Chief Justice of India.
development in space technology field. Rajya Sabha approves Bill empowering Delhi L-G
Power Minister Shri R K Singh launches GRAM The Rajya Sabha passed the Government of National
UJALA in Bihar Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill that seeks to
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, R empower the Lieutenant-Governor in Delhi. The Bill
K Singh launched the ‘GRAM UJALA’ programme in Arrah, states that the government in the national capital territory
Bihar. Under the programme, 15 Million (1.5 Crore) LEDs of Delhi means the “Lieutenant-Governor”.
with 3 years of warranty will be given to rural customers on Lok Sabha passes Juvenile Justice (Care and
submission of working condition incandescent bulbs. Protection of Children) Amendment Bill 2021
India crosses milestone in setting up of 70 thosuand Lok Sabha has passed the Juvenile Justice (Care and
Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres Protection of Children) Amendment Bill 2021. The Bill
providing healthcare to more than 41 crore people seeks to amend the Juvenile Justice (Care and
India has crossed a key milestone in universal primary Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and include authorizing
healthcare. The target of operationalizing 70 thousand District Magistrate including Additional District Magistrate
Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres by 31st to issue adoption orders to ensure speedy disposal of
March has been achieved ahead of time. cases and enhance accountability.
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National Commission for Allied and Healthcare SC lays down timeline for accident information reports
Professions Bill passed by Parliament to regulate The Supreme Court has directed police stations to send
practice of allied and healthcare professionals accident information reports to Motor Accident Claims
Parliament has passed the National Commission for Allied Tribunals and insurers within 48 hours of a road
and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2021. The Bill seeks to accident. This is part of a set of eight directions issued
set up a National Commission for Allied and Healthcare by the court to prevent delays in disbursement of
Professions to regulate and standardize the education and compensations to victims.
practice of allied and healthcare professionals. 6th round of India-Australia Dialogue on
Majestic Tulip garden on foothills of Zabarwan Disarmament, Non-Proliferation & Export Control
Mountains, J&K opened for visitors takes place virtually
Asia's largest tulip garden, situated on the banks of the Dal The sixth round of India-Australia Dialogue on Disarmament,
Lake in Kashmir was opened to the public. The majestic Non-Proliferation and Export Control was held virtually. The
garden in the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains. two sides exchanged views on contemporary issues of
mutual interest in the areas of nuclear, chemical, biological
NHAI to develop world class ‘Wayside Amenities’ at
disarmament and non-proliferation, conventional weapons,
more than 600 locations
outer space security and strategic export control.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will
develop world class ‘Wayside Amenities’ at more than Centre proposes upto 25 % tax concession on
600 locations across 22 states in the next five years. Out purchase of new vehicles on submission of
of these, 130 are targeted for development in 2021-22. scrappage certificate
Centre has proposed up to 25 percent tax concession on
Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Vajra’ commissioned to the
the purchase of new vehicles on submission of scrappage
Indian Coast Guard
certificate. Under the draft rules, people will get 25
Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Vajra’ was commissioned by
percent concession on the purchase of personal vehicles
General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff today at
with vehicle scrappage certificate while on the purchase of
Kattupalli in Chennai. This is the sixth in the series of
commercial vehicles, the tax relief will be 15 percent.
seven Offshore Patrol Vessel constructed by M/s Larsen
& Toubro Ltd 22 routes inaugurated under UDAN scheme in 3 days
A total of 22 new flights under regional connectivity
Army's evaluation criteria arbitrary, says SC
scheme UDAN were started in the last three days, said
ordering permanent commission to women officers
the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The Supreme Court said that women officers must be
considered for permanent commission (PC) subject to Indian Navy to take part in French Naval Exercise in
disciplinary and vigilance clearance. The court also Bay of Bengal along with other QUAD member Countrie
made strong observations about the Army's evaluation India is to participate in France-led naval drill La Perouse for
criteria to grant permanent commission to officers, the first time in the Bay of Bengal next month. Australia,
calling it "arbitrary and irrational". Japan and the US will also participate in La Perouse, but
India’s first-ever participation is seen as a significant step.
UIDAI, FCI get new heads in govt. reshuffle
The Modi government appointed Saurabh Garg as the President undergoes successful bypass surgery
CEO of Unique Identification of Authority of India President Ram Nath Kovind underwent a cardiac bypass
(UIDAI), Sanjeev Kumar as Chairman of Airports surgery successfully at the All India Institute of Medical
Authority of India and Atish Chandra as CMD of Food Sciences (AIIMS), the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. The
Corporation of India (FCI) in a large-scale reshuffle. surgery was successful.
Poll bond sale can go ahead, says SC Centre asks states to prepare a District Action Plan
The Supreme court rubbished the charge of electoral to check spread of COVID-19
bonds facilitating anonymous and hefty donations from The Centre has asked states to prepare a District Action
corporate houses to different political parties. Anyone Plan to check the spread of COVID 19. Under this plan,
buying bonds would have to fulfil KYC (Know Your states have been asked to set up Emergency Operations
Customer) norms, the court said. Centers with a team to monitor the indicators, growth
and spread of the virus round the clock.
India- Bangladesh sign 5 MoUs, announce new train
connecting Dhaka to New Jalpaiguri
India and Bangladesh signed 5 MoUs in the fields of BANKING & ECONOMY
Disaster Management, trade, NCC, ICT and setting up of
sports facilities on the concluding day of the 2-day long Last date for filing of GST returns for 2019-20 fiscal
official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
MoU signed for implementation of City-Specific
NATIONAL
extended till March 31
Finance Ministry has extended the due date for
furnishing of the Annual returns GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C
Action Plans in 132 cities under NCAP
for the financial year 2019-20 to 31st of this month.
Representatives of State Pollution Control Boards,
Urban Local Bodies Institutes of Repute (IoR) for 132 CBDT chief Mody gets another 3-month extension
identified cities signed a Memorandum of Understanding The re-appointment of Pramod Chandra Mody as
(MoU) for implementation of city specific action plans Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). has been extended for a further period of three months.
Mr Mody, a 1982-batch Indian Revenue Service officer,
Cochin Shipyard Ltd. delivers MV 'Sindhu', passengers was appointed as the CBDT chief in February 2019.
cum Cargo Vessel for Andaman & Nicobar
Cochin Shipyard Ltd. delivers MV 'Sindhu' A 500 pax IDBI Bank to set-off accumulated losses after
passengers cum 150 MT Cargo Vessel built indigenously declaring Q4 FY21 results
for Andaman and Nicobar. IDBI Bank is planning to set off accumulated losses of
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about ₹44,500 crore against the balance standing to the total in the first nine months of 2020-21 to a record
credit of the Securities Premium Account (SPA) after the $67.54 billion, 22% higher than the same period in 2019-
declaration of its fourth quarter (Q4FY21) financial results. 20. FDI equity flows accounted for a large chunk of this
inflow, growing 40% in the same period to $51.47 billion
GST collections up by 7 % to ₹1.13 lakh cr in February
in the April to December 2020 period, compared with
GST collections crossed the ₹1 lakh crore-mark for the
$36.77 billion dollars during the same months in 2019.
fifth month in a row in February, rising 7% annually to
over ₹1.13 lakh crore. AM/NS, Odisha ink ₹50,000-cr. steel plant pact
The Odisha government signed a memorandum of
Govt releases 18th weekly installment of ₹four understanding (MoU) with Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel for
thousand crore to states to meet GST compensation setting up a 12 million tonne (MT) per annum capacity
shortfall steel project at an estimated investment of ₹50,000 crore
Union Government has released the 18th weekly in Kendrapara district.
installment of four thousand crore rupees to the states to
meet the GST compensation shortfall. Out of this, over EPFO retains annual rate of interest at 8.5%
three thousand 677 crore rupees has been released to The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation decided to
23 States and over 322 crore rupees has been released retain 8.5% annual rate of interest on provident fund deposits
to the three Union Territories with Legislative Assembly. for 2020-2021 for its more than five crore subscribers.
Spectrum auction sees bids worth ₹77,146 crore China sets economic growth target ‘above 6%’ for
The Union government received bids worth ₹77,146 crore 2021, defense budget to be hiked by 6.8%
on the first day of the auction for telecom airwaves, China has set an economic growth target of above
exceeding its own pre-bid estimates of about ₹45,000 crore. 6 per cent for 2021. China’s planned defense spending will
be about 209 billion U.S. dollars, up by 6.8% from 2020,
BPCL to sell Numaligarh refinery stake for ₹9,876 cr.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) has decided to sell PLI plan will lead to output of $520 bn: PM
its entire 61.65% stake in Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) for Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Production-
nearly ₹9,876 crore to a consortium of Oil India (OIL) and Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, introduced by the
Engineers India (EIL) and the Assam government. government for about 13 sectors, will lead to production
worth $520 billion in the country over the next five years.
India is home to 177 billionaires; Ambani, Adani
retain top 2 spots, says Hurun Rich List Indian Bank okays divesting stake in ASREC
India has retained its third position on the list of countries State-owned Indian Bank will divest stake in joint venture
with a maximum number of billionaires. According to Hurun entity ASREC (India) Ltd as part of asset monetisation
Global Rich List 2021, there are a total of 209 Indian exercise. The bank holds a 38.26 per cent stake in
billionaires in the world, including 32 living outside the ASREC (India) Ltd. ASREC is an asset reconstruction
country. Out of the 209, India is home to 177 resident dollar company in which Bank of India, Union Bank of India,
billionaires. Reliance India Chairman Mukesh Ambani has LIC and Deutsche Bank are the shareholders.
retained the spot of India's wealthiest man. Utkarsh SFB files papers for ₹1,350-cr. IPO
PM Modi says India will invest 82 billion dollars in Utkarsh Small Finance Bank (SFB) has filed preliminary
port projects by 2035 papers with markets’ regulator SEBI to raise ₹1,350
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India will crore through an initial share sale.
invest 82 billion dollars in port projects by 2035. ICICI Bank cuts home loan rate to 6.70 per cent
Prime Minister has emphasized on creating world class ICICI Bank cut interest rate on home loans to 6.7%, at
maritime infrastructure through various reforms to par with market leader SBI, as part of a limited period
achieve the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. offer. The lender said the interest rate offering, valid till
State Bank of India reduces home loan rates to 6.7 March 31, is the lowest in a decade.
per cent HDFC ERGO launches Business Kisht Suraksha cover
State Bank of India has reduced home loan interest rates HDFC ERGO General Insurance has launched the
to 6.7 per cent. The Bank has said that, the interest rate “Business Kisht Suraksha” cover with the aim of
of 6.70 per cent will be charged for loans up to ₹75 lakhs protecting the balance sheet of Microfinance Institutions
and 6.75 per cent for loans above ₹75 lakhs. (MFIs), financial institutions and banks if any catastrophe
or a natural disaster occurs.
Exports dip 0.25% after rising for 2 months, imports
grow 7% NPCI Partners SBI Payments to launch “RuPay
India’s merchandise exports dipped 0.25% in February SoftPoS” for Merchants
to $27.67 billion dollars, while imports of goods rose National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and SBI
almost 7% to $40.55 billion. The trade deficit widened by Payments have partnered to launch “RuPay SoftPoS” for
25.8% from February 2020 to $12.88 billion. Indian merchants. The RuPay SoftPoS solution will
Union Govt amends Insurance Ombudsman Rules provide a cost-effective acceptance infrastructure to
for better resolution of policyholders’ complaints retailers at a nominal cost.
Union Government has amended Insurance Ola plans to invest $2 billion in TN two-wheeler factory
Ombudsman Rules for better resolution of policyholders’ On around 500 acres of land in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri
complaints regarding insurance service deficiencies. It is district, Ola Electric Mobility Pvt. Ltd is building what it
also intended to improve the working of the Insurance calls a ‘Future Factory’. This factory will produce
Ombudsman mechanism and resolution of complaints in 10 million e-scooters every year, making it the largest
a timely, cost-effective and impartial manner. two-wheeler maker globally.
FDI equity inflow crosses $51 billion IndusInd Bank promoters’ stake increases marginally
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the country The shareholding of IndusInd Bank promoters in the private
grew 24% to $9.2 billion in December 2020, taking the sector lender has increased marginally to 16.56 per cent.
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Banks lower home loan rates to a ten year low Centre releases Revenue Deficit Grant of over ₹6,194
The interest rates on home loans have hit a decadal low crore to 14 States
as several leading banks slashed their lending rates in The Centre has released Revenue Deficit Grant of over
the past few days. Nationalized banks like State Bank of ₹6,194 crore to 14 States.With the release of this
India, HDFC, ICICI and Kotak Mahindra Bank have installment, a total amount of ₹74,340 crore has been
reduced their rates to a 10-year low level. released to eligible States as Post Devolution Revenue
Deficit Grant in the current financial year.
WCD Ministry signs agreement with Invest India in
MFI gross loan portfolio grew 6.4% as of Dec.
New Delhi to enhance cooperation
The gross loan portfolio of the microfinance sector grew
Union Ministry of Women and Child Development signed
by 6.4% to ₹2.27 lakh crore as of December 2020 as
an agreement with Invest India in New Delhi to enhance
against ₹2.13 lakh crore a year earlier, according to a
cooperation with an aim to enhance co-operation in the report by credit information bureau CRIF High Mark.
thematic areas of Nutrition, Child Protection and
Development, Women Empowerment and convergent PLI: Centre’s nod for 33 API applications
capacity building in mission mode. The government has approved 33 applications with a
committed investment of ₹5,082.65 crore under the
Defence & Aerospace sectors receive FDI worth production linked incentive scheme for active
₹4191 crore till January this year pharmaceutical ingredients.
Defence and Aerospace sectors have received foreign
India's industrial output slips back into negative
direct investment worth of four thousand 191 crore
territory in January
rupees till January this year. This was stated by Minister
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) declined by 1.6 per
of State for Defence, Shripad Naik in a written reply in
cent in January on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, as against
the Rajya Sabha.
1.56 per cent growth in the previous month, according to
More than 81% accounts under Stand Up India the data released by the National Statistical Office.
Scheme belong to women entrepreneurs: Govt SEBI Forms Expert Group Under PMAC to Examine
Government has said that more than 81 percent Feasibility of SPACs
accounts under Stand Up India Scheme and about 68 Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had
percent of loan accounts under MUDRA scheme belong formed the Group of Experts under its Primary Market
to women entrepreneurs. Advisory Committee (PMAC) to check the feasibility to
implement Special Purpose Acquisition Companies
Banks wrote off ₹1.2 lakh cr. in 9 months
(SPACs) like structures in India.
Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur said
in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that banks have Karur Vysya Bank and Cholamandalam in co-lending
written off bad loans to the tune of ₹1.15 lakh crore pact
during the first three quarters of the current fiscal (FY21). Karur Vysya Bank and Cholamandalam Investment and
Finance Company Ltd (Chola), the financial services arm
Cairn wins nod from U.S., U.K., other courts for $1.4 of the Murugappa Group, have announced a co-lending
bn award partnership.
Courts in five countries including the U.S. and the U.K.
Finance ministry asks Sebi to revoke 100-year
have given recognition to an arbitration award that asked
maturity rule on AT1 bonds
India to return $1.4 billion to Cairn Energy plc.
The finance ministry has written to the Securities and
India's GDP to expand by 12.6 percent says Exchange Board of India (Sebi), requesting it to withdraw
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and a rule that fixes the tenor or maturity of all perpetual
Development bonds at 100 years.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Gautam Adani beats Musk, Bezos with biggest wealth
Development (OECD) has raised the projection for surge
India’s economic growth rate by 4.7 percentage points at Gautam Adani has added more billions to his wealth than
12.6 per cent for 2021-22. It, however, pegged economic anyone else in the world this year on the back of investor
growth rate to come down to 5.4 per cent in 2022-23. excitement around his ports-to-power plants conglomerate.
The net worth of Adani has jumped $16.2 billion in 2021 to
GST compensation shortfall released to States $50 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
reaches to one lakh six thousand crore rupees
The GST compensation shortfall released to States has BNP Paribas Cardif has sold a 4.99% stake in SBI
reached to one lakh six thousand crore rupees. Finance Life Insurance
Ministry has released the 19th weekly instalment of two The foreign partner of SBI Life Insurance, BNP Paribas
thousand 104 crore rupees to the States to meet the Cardif (BNPPC), sold the major part of its share in SBI
GST compensation shortfall. Life through the open market process. Over 5 crore
shares are sold which is around 4.99% stake.
LIC-owned IDBI Bank exits PCA framework Axis Bank Launches Wear N' Pay NFC-Enabled
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removed IDBI Bank Wristband for Contactless Payments
from its enhanced regulatory supervision, or the Prompt Axis Bank has unveiled three NFC (near-field
Corrective Action (PCA) framework, after almost four communication)-enabled wearable tech to promote
years, on improved financial performance. contactless payments in India.
Govt. defers merger of BSNL, MTNL Bank credit grows by 6.63 per cent
The merger of the two telecom public sector units — According to the recent data released by the Reserve
BSNL and MTNL — has been deferred due to financial Bank of India (RBI), bank credit rose by 6.63 per cent to
reasons, including high debt of MTNL, the government ₹107.75 lakh crore and deposits grew by 12.06 per cent
informed Parliament. to ₹149.34 lakh crore in the fortnight ended February 26.
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February WPI inflation at 27-month high, rises to 4.17 twenty. Five more States namely, Arunachal Pradesh,
per cent Chhattisgarh, Goa, Meghalaya and Tripura have
The wholesale price-based inflation rose to 4.17 percent completed the “Ease of Doing Business” reforms
to hit 27 months high in February this year. WPI rose stipulated by the Department of Expenditure.
mainly due to rise in food, fuel and manufactured goods
prices. Retail inflation also climbed to a three-month high HDFC Bank’s MSME book grows 30% to cross ₹2-lakh cr
of 5.03 in February this year. HDFC Bank’s MSME book grew 30 per cent year-on-
year to cross the ₹2-lakh-crore-mark as of December-
RBI asks banks to implement image-based Cheque end, mainly boosted by the pandemic-induced ECLG
Truncation System in all branches by Sep 30 scheme under which it disbursed over ₹23,000 crore.
Reserve Bank of India has asked banks to implement the
image-based Cheque Truncation System (CTS) in all FPIs net buyers at ₹8,642 crore in March so far
branches by September 30 this year. The move is aimed Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have invested a net
at faster settlement of cheques resulting in better sum of ₹8,642 crore in Indian markets so far in March.
customer service. According to depositories data, FPIs poured in ₹14,202
crore into equities but pulled out ₹5,560 crore from debt
Trade deficit widens to $12.62 billion segment between March 1-19.
India’s exports grew marginally by 0.67% to $27.93 billion
Parliament passes Insurance Amendment Bill, 2021
in February while imports rose by 6.96% to $40.54 billion.
to increase FDI limit from 49% to 74%
The trade deficit widened to $12.62 billion in February The Parliament has passed the Insurance (Amendment)
compared with $10.16 billion a year earlier. Exports during Bill, 2021 with the Lok Sabha approving it today. The Bill
April-February 2020-21 period contracted by 12.2% to provides to increase the foreign direct investment limit
$256.18 billion compared with $291.87 billion in the year- from existing 49 percent to 74 percent.
earlier period.
RBI names panel for bank licences
No proposal to bring petroleum products under GST, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has named members of
says Govt the Standing External Advisory Committee (SEAC) for
The Union government said that there is no proposal right evaluating applications for universal and small finance
now to bring crude petroleum, petrol, diesel, aviation banks. Shyamala Gopinath, former Deputy Governor, RBI,
turbine fuel, natural gas under the Goods and Service Tax. has been appointed as the chairperson of the Committee.
Cabinet approves bill to set up DFI with initial capital Govt. cancels plan to borrow ₹20,000 crore
of ₹20 thousand crore The Union government has decided to cancel its ₹20,000
The Union Cabinet has approved a bill to set up crore borrowing scheduled for March 26 on review of the
Development Finance Institution (DFI) with an initial capital cash balance position, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said.
infusion of 20 thousand crore rupees. DFI is expected to
raise long-term funds for infrastructure development Sri Lanka secures $1.5 bn Chinese loan
projects in the country. Sri Lanka and China have signed a $1.5 billion currency swap
deal, the island nation’s central bank said, as it struggles with
Permission to new private banks for conducting govt- a major foreign exchange crisis and debt repayments.
related business will be given under RBI guidelines
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that SC refuses to extend 6-month loan moratorium
permission to new private banks for conducting government- period offered by RBI
related business will be given under the RBI guidelines. The Supreme Court of India refused to extend six-month
loan moratorium period offered by the Reserve Bank of
FM Nirmala Sitharaman says all banks will not be India and said complete waiver of interest during the
privatised moratorium could not be granted.
The Finance Minister said that all banks will not be
privatised and assured that wherever it happens, every Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2021
interest of the employees and staff will be protected. Lok Sabha has passed the Finance Bill 2021 today
which give effect to the financial proposals of the Central
Exports rise 17.3% to $14 bn in first 2 weeks of March Government for the year 2021-22.
India’s exports grew 17.3% to $14.22 billion during
Adani to add stake in GPL for ₹3,604 cr.
March 1-14 compared with a year earlier, according to
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) said it
the Commerce Ministry’s preliminary data. Imports
would acquire the 58.1% stake held by D.V.S. Raju and
during the period increased 27.8% to $22.24 billion,
family in Gangavaram Port Ltd. (GPL) for ₹3,604 crore.
leaving a trade deficit of $8.02 billion, the data showed.
Delhi HC stays Future on Reliance deal States to get ₹30,000-cr. in GST dues
The Delhi High Court ruled that Future Retail Limited The Centre will release ₹30,000 crore as GST
(FRL) and its promoters including Kishore Biyani compensation to States this month, from the
“deliberately and wilfully” violated the order of an compensation cess collections during the year, Finance
emergency arbitrator (EA) restraining FRL from going Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha.
ahead with its assets sale deal with Reliance Retail. Provident fund contribution limit raised to ₹5 lakh
P-notes investment climbs to 33-month high at per annum for tax-free interest
₹91,658 cr in Feb Government has raised the limit for tax exemption on
Investments through participatory notes (P-notes) rose to interest earned on provident fund contributions by
₹91,658 crore at February-end, making it the highest in employees to 5 lakh per annum in specified cases as
33 months, suggesting growing confidence of overseas against 2.5 lakh rupees proposed in the Budget.
investors. Health covers for COVID-19 get more life
20 states implement ease of doing business reforms Short term COVID-specific health covers Corona Kavach and
The number of states who have successfully completed Corona Rakshak will get a longer run with IRDAI permitting
the “Ease of Doing Business” reforms has reached to insurers to offer and renew them up to September.
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No digital tax if goods sold via India arm 2020-2021. The total amount of compensation released so
In a bid to provide a level-playing field, the government far for the year 2020-21 is 70 thousand crore rupees.
has decided not to levy 2% digital service tax if goods
Centre approves issuance of 16th tranche of
and services are sold through an Indian arm of foreign
electoral bonds
e-commerce players.
The Ministry of Finance has informed that the issuance
SEBI extends dividend policy to top 1,000 firms of the 16th tranche of electoral bonds will be open for
To strengthen corporate governance practices and sale from April 1 to 10. Electoral bonds have been
disclosure requirements, markets regulator SEBI decided pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to
that the top 1,000 listed firms listed on the stock political parties as part of efforts to bring transparency in
exchanges should formulate a dividend distribution policy. political funding.
Tata-Mistry Case: Supreme Court rules in favour of
Tatas against Mistry, sets aside NCLAT order AWARDS
The Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of Tata Sons,
allowing the conglomerate's appeals against the National RGIA gets Airport Service Quality award
Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) order
reinstating Cyrus Mistry as Chairman. NAT
Hyderabad International Airport has once again won
laurels in the annual Airports Council International
(ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey with the

IO
Anish Shah to helm M&M as MD, CEO airport being adjudged ‘Best Airport by Size and Region’
Anish Shah, deputy MD and group CFO, Mahindra & in Asia-Pacific Region for 2020, in its category of
Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) will take over as MD and CEO 15-25 million passengers per annum (MPPA).
effective April 2, the board announced.
Japan to fund A&N, metro expansion
In the first-ever official development assistance (ODA)
by ICC N
Ravichandran Ashwin declared Player of the month

India's premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was

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project in Andaman & Nicobar (A&N), Japan has approved named the ICC men's Player for the Month of February
grant aid worth ¥4.02 billion, or ₹265 crore, to improve the for his stellar show against England in a four-match Test
power supply in the islands, stressing the strategic series at home. England's Tammy Beaumont was

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geopolitical location of the islands for an open Indo-Pacific. adjudged the women's Player of the Month.
BharatPe launched D2R Finance to provide instant Chess player Koneru Humpy from Andhra Pradesh
liquidity for SMEs wins BBC ISWOTY for 2020
BharatPe, a fintech company for merchants launched its Chess player Koneru Humpy from Andhra Pradesh has won
lending product- Distributor to Retailer (D2R) Finance, to the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award (ISWOTY)
provide instant liquidity to empower Small and Medium for 2020, following a public vote. Former long jumper Anju
Enterprises (SMEs). Bobby George was given the Lifetime Achievement award
for her contribution to Indian sport. Emerging Player of the
HDFC Bank Named India’s Best SME Bank by Year award was won by shooter Manu Bhaker .
Asiamoney
HDFC Bank has been adjudged as the ‘India’s Best Bank Ambassador of India to Thailand receives King
for SMEs’ at the Asiamoney Best Bank Awards 2021. Bhumibol World Soil Day - 2020 Award for ICAR
Ambassador of India to Thailand Suchitra Durai received
With the latest $234-m fund-raise, Chennai-based the prestigious King Bhumibol World Soil Day - 2020
NBFC Five-Star turns a unicorn Award of Food and Agriculture Organization on the
Five Star Business Finance has raised $234 million in behalf of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
primary and secondary capital and has been valued at
$1.4 billion, up from $950 million in July 2019, making Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou wins 2020
it India's fourth unicorn in 2021. Ibrahim Prize
Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou has won the
HDFC Bank, SBI, others not adhering to norms on 2020 Ibrahim Prize ($5 million award) for Achievement in
bulk SMSes, says Trai African Leadership.
The telecom regulator released a list of 40 "defaulter" Grammys 2021: Beyonce Makes History
principal entities, including large banks like HDFC Bank, SBI The 63rd edition of the Grammys were historic for
and ICICI Bank, that are not fulfilling the regulatory norms Beyonce, who is now the female artist with the most
on bulk commercial messages despite repeated reminders. trophies. Beyonce has 28 Grammys now, surpassing the
Biocon ties with Brazil’s Libbs for generic drugs record held by singer Alison Krauss.
Biopharmaceutical major Biocon said wholly owned Record of the Year: Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish
subsidiary Biocon Pharma has formed a partnership with Album of the Year: Folklore by Taylor Swift
Brazilian firm Libbs Farmaceutica to unveil generic drugs Song of the Year:I Can't Breathe by H.E.R
in Brazil, the world’s sixth-most populous country. Holding awarded Best pundit at British Sports
Journalism Award
India to set up new DFI with initial paid-up capital of West Indies cricket great Michael Holding, who came out
around 3 bn dollars in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement, has
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that India is been named the ‘Best Pundit’ at the SJA British Sports
going to set up a new Development Financial Institution Journalism Awards 2020.
with initial paid-up capital of around 3 billion Dollars with
a lending target of 69 billion Dollars in next three years Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal awarded
2021 Pritzker prize
Centre releases GST compensation of 30 thousand French architects Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe
crore rupees to states as part compensation Vassal have been announced as the 2021 laureates of
Centre has released GST compensation of 30 thousand the Pritzker architecture prize — the award often referred
crore rupees to states as part compensation admissible for to as architecture’s highest honor.
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Amitabh Bachchan Honoured With FIAF Award Trivendra Singh Rawat
Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with the Trivendra Singh Rawat resigned as the Chief Minister of
International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) Award 2021. Uttarakhand, following a meeting with party president
J.P. Nadda.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman conferred
Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 Tirath Singh Rawat
The Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2020 is being Tirath Singh Rawat took oath as the Chief Minister of
conferred on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Uttarakhand on Wednesday (March 10). He replaced
The prestigious prize for the year 2019 is being conferred Trivendra Singh Rawat who had stepped down from the post.
on late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman.
Hamed Bakayoko
67th National Film Awards - 2019 were announced Prime Minister of Ivory Coast, Hamed Bakayoko, passed
Best Feature Film: Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian away in a hospital in Germany. He was appointed Prime
Sea (Malayalam) Minister in July, following the sudden death of his
Best Hindi Film: Chhichhore predecessor Amadou Gon Coulibaly.
Best Actor (shared): Manoj Bajpayee for Bhonsle (Hindi),
and Dhanush for Asuran (Tamil) Dadi Hriday Mohini
Best Actress: Kangana Ranaut for Panga (Hindi) Dadi Hriday Mohini, the chief administrator of the
and Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (Hindi) spiritual movement Brahma Kumaris, died at a private
Best Director: Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan for Bahattar hospital in Mumbai on Thursday. She was 93.
Hoorain (Hindi) Marvin Hagler
Best Music Direction: D. Imman for Viswasam (Tamil) Former undisputed middleweight world champion
Best Children’s Film: Kastoori (Hindi) Marvelous Marvin Hagler has died at the age of 66. The
Best Film on Environment Conservation: Water American dominated the middleweight division from
Burial (Monpa) 1979 until his controversial defeat by Sugar Ray Leonard
Best Film on Social Issues: Anandi Gopal (Marathi) in April 1987
Best Film on National Integration: Tajmahal (Marathi)
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair
Entertainment: Maharishi (Telugu) Noted Kathakali artist Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair
Hindi Writer Prof. Sharad Pagare to be conferred passed away in Kozhikode, Kerala. Nation had awarded him
with Vyas Samman – 2020 with Padma Shri in 2017 for his contributions to Kathakali.
Well known Hindi writer Prof. Sharad Pagare will be Duarte Pacheco
conferred with the prestigious Vyas Samman - 2020 for Inter Parliamentary Union President Mr. Duarte Pacheco
his novel 'Patliputru Ki Samragi.' called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and witnessed the
Prakash Javadekar congratulates Mahinder Giri for proceedings of the Upper House. Mr. Pacheco is on a week
winning International Ranger Award long visit to India on the invitation of Indian Parliament.
Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Jeanine Anez
Prakash Javadekar has congratulated Mahinder Giri, Bolivia’s former President Jeanine Anez was sent to four
range officer of Rajaji Tiger Reserve for being the only month jail term. Investigators are probing allegations that
ranger from Asia to win the prestigious International .
she helped in a coup that led to the removal of longtime
leader Evo Morales from power in 2019.
PERSONS IN NEWS
Dilip Gandhi
(National and International) Former Union Minister and BJP leader Dilip Gandhi has
passed away. Gandhi has represented the Ahmednagar
Nicolas Sarkozy South constituency three times as an MP.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been John Magufuli
convicted of corruption. Judges found Sarkozy guilty of trying Tanzania's President John Magufuli has passed away at
to bribe a judge and of influence-peddling and sentenced a hospital in Dar es Salaam. He was 61. The President died
him to three years in jail, with two years suspended. of a heart ailment that he has battled for over 10 years.
Nand Kumar Singh Chauhan Samia Suluhu Hassan
BJP MP from Khandwa, Nand Kumar Singh Chauhan Tanzania’s Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan was
passed away in Medanta Hospital, Delhi-NCR. He had sworn in as the East African country’s first female
tested positive for COVID19 and was undergoing treatment president after the sudden death of John Magufuli .
at Delhi.
Sagar Sarhadi
Mary Kom Noted writer and filmmaker Sagar Sarhadi, known for
Six-time world champion pugilist Mary Kom has been films like "Kabhi Kabhie", "Silsila", and "Bazaar", passed
appointed as the Chairperson of the International Boxing away due to age related issues. He was 88.
Association's (AIBA) champions and veterans committee.
Vivek Murthy
George Muthoot US Senate has voted to confirm Indian-American
MG George Muthoot, chairman of Muthoot Group, Dr Vivek Murthy to be President Biden's Surgeon
India’s largest gold finance company, passed away at General, handing the administration one of its top public
the age of 72 in New Delhi. health officials amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Olivier Dassault Anil Dharker
French billionaire Olivier Dassault, a politician and scion Noted journalist and author Anil Dharker passed away in
of the Dassault aircraft-making family, was killed in a Mumbai. Anil Dharker was the founder and director of
helicopter crash. the Mumbai International Literary Festival.
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 India to play their inaugural WTC final against New
SPORTS Zealand in Southampton from June 18-22
India will play their inaugural World Test Championship
Vinesh Phogat bags Gold in Ukraine wrestling event final against New Zealand at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl
NA
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won the gold medal in
the women's 53-kg category at XXIV Outstanding Ukrainian
Stadium from June 18-22, confirmed BCCI president
Sourav Ganguly.
Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial in Kyiv, Ukraine.
T
Mumbai beats ATKMB to top table, bags ACL berth
Mumbai City FC scripted a 2-0 triumph over ATK Mohun
Mithali Raj becomes 1st Indian woman cricketer to
score 10K Int’l runs
Indian women’s cricketer Mithali Raj has become the first

I
Bagan (ATKMB) at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim to Indian woman cricketer that has completed 10,000
bag the ISL League Winners Shield and the coveted international runs in all the cricket formats. She also
AFC Champions League spot that comes with it. becomes the second woman cricketer at the international
level to complete 10000 runs.
O
West Indies' Pollard becomes 3rd international
cricketer to hit 6 sixes in an over
West Indies superstar cricketer Kieron Pollard has
Thomas Bach re-elected as International Olympic
Committee president until 2025

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become just the third batsman in international cricket to hit Thomas Bach was re-elected as president of the International
6 sixes in an over. Pollard achieved the feat when he hit Olympic Committee for a final four-year term with his
Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya out of the park 6 times in the immediate focus on this year's delayed Tokyo Games.

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6th over of West Indies' successful chase in the first T20I. Tare, Shaw power Mumbai to fourth title
Mary Kom settles for bronze Skipper Prithvi Shaw's marauding 73 off 39 balls
M.C. Mary Kom (51kg) settled for bronze in the 35th followed by former skipper Aditya Tare's unbeaten

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Boxam International Boxing Tournament in Castellon, hundred guided Mumbai to their most deserving Vijay
Spain after going down to American Virginia Fuchs in an Hazare title triumph with a crushing six -wicket victory
intensely-contested semifinal. over Uttar Pradesh. This is Mumbai's fourth Hazare title.
Tennis: Garbine Muguruza wins Dubai final
India beats England in final Cricket Test match,
Two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza
Qualifies for World Test Championship Final
claimed a first WTA title in almost two years after
India defeated England in the final Cricket test match at
winning the Dubai Championships.
Ahmedabad to enter the final of the inaugural edition of
the World Test Championship. With this win, India Government to set up Winter Sports Institute in
clinched the four-match series 3-1. Gulmarg, says Kiren Rijiju
Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that
Vinesh Phogat wins her 2nd gold in Matteo Pellicone the government is working to set up a Winter Sports
Ranking Series event Institute in Gulmarg, Kashmir. This season witnessed
Vinesh Phogat won her second gold medal in the Matteo unprecedented participation of Kashmiri youth.
Pellicone Ranking Series event and reclaimed the top
rank in her category in Rome. Bravo century guides West Indies to victory
Darren Bravo’s fourth ODI century guided the West
PV Sindhu settles for silver medal in BWF Swiss Indies to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka and a clean
Open Super 300 sweep of the three-match series in Antigua.
PV Sindhu settled for a silver medal in the BWF Swiss
Open Super 300 at Basel, as she went down against Indian women lose 5th ODI to South Africa by 5
World No. 3 Spaniard and reigning Olympic champion wickets, concede series 1-4
Carolina Marin in the final of the women's singles event. India women suffered a five-wicket defeat in the fifth and
final ODI against their South African counterparts to lose
Wrestler Bajrang Punia clinches gold in Matteo the series 1-4 at Lucknow.
Pellicon World ranking series in Rome
Dhanalakshmi breaks PT Usha's meet record at
World Championship bronze medallist Bajrang Punia
Federation Cup
has clinched a gold medal by defeating his familiar rival
S Dhanalakshmi of Tamil Nadu ran a meet record time of
Tulga Tumur Ochir of Mongolia in the Matteo Pallicone
23.26 seconds in the Federation Cup National Senior
World Ranking Series event in Rome.
Athletics Championships in Punjab's Patiala. With her timing
Guptill stars as New Zealand claims T20 series Dhanalakshmi beat PT Usha's 23-year-old, long-standing
A century opening stand by Martin Guptill and Devon meet record of 23.30 seconds set in Chennai in 1998.
Conway saw New Zealand clinch the Twenty20 series Nikhat Zareen stuns two-time world champion
against Australia. Set 143 for victory in the fifth and final Nazym Kyzaibay
match, New Zealand won by seven wickets with 27 balls India boxer Nikhat Zareen beat two-time world champion
to spare and took the series 3-2. Nazym Kyzaibay of Kazakhstan to enter the women’s 51kg
Djokovic beats Federer’s record for most weeks at semifinal at the Bosphorus Boxing Tournament in Istanbul.
the No. 1 spot India beat England in final T20I to clinch five-
Novak Djokovic set a new landmark of 311 weeks as match series, 3-2
world number one, one week longer than Roger Federer India beat England by 36 run in the fifth and final T20
Manish Kaushik clinches gold at Boxam International at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
International Tournament With this win, India have clinched the five-match series 3-2.
Manish Kaushik clinched gold as Indian boxers concluded ISSF World Cup: Yashaswini Deswal wins 1st gold
their impressive campaign at the Boxam International medal for India in Women's 10 Meter Air Pistol final
Tournament with 10 medals in Castellon, Spain.
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Yashaswini Deswal bagged the first gold medal for India India beat England by seven runs in final ODI to
in the Women's 10 Meter Air Pistol final of the clinch series 2-1
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World India beat England by seven runs in the third and final
Cup at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting range . ODI in Pune last night to clinch the three-match series
2-1. Chasing a victory target of 330 runs, England could
Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia wins All England Badminton
only reach 322 for nine in 50 overs.
C’ships Men's title
Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia has won the All England India tops the medals tally with 15 gold, 9 silver &
Badminton Championships men's title as he defeated 6 bronze in ISSF Shooting World Cup
Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the summit clash. Japan's India topped the medals tally at the ISSF World Cup
Nozomi Okuhara won the women's title. with a whopping 30 medals in total - 15 gold, 9 silver and
6 bronze.
India's Singhraj wins gold in Para Shooting World
Cup 2021 Orleans Masters: Krishna Prasad Garaga, Vishnu
Indian para-athlete Singhraj won gold medal in the 2021 Vardhan lose Men's Doubles final
Para Shooting World Cup at Al Ain in the UAE. In Badminton, the Indian duo of Krishna Prasad Garaga
and Vishnu Vardhan Goud lost in the men's doubles final
Indian Style Wrestling Association of India gets of Orleans Masters.
government recognition
The Indian Style Wrestling Association of India (ISWAI) Formula One: Lewis Hamilton wins season-opening
has officially been recognised as a National Sports Bahrain Grand Prix
Federation (NSF) by the Sports Ministry, making it Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis
eligible to receive fund and support from the Hamilton has won the season-opening Bahrain Grand
government. Indian style wrestling is an indigenous sport Prix for Mercedes after an epic, knife-edge thriller with
played on mud. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen over the final laps.
India Legends beat Sri Lanka Legends in Road Rishabh Pant replaces injured Shreyas Iyer as
Safety World Series T-20 Captain of Delhi Capitals for upcoming IPL
India Legends defeated Sri Lanka Legends by 14 runs in Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the Delhi Capitals
the final of Road Safety World Series to clinch the title at captain for this year IPL as Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in the season after he dislocated his left shoulder during
Raipur, Chhattisgarh. ODI series against England.
ISSF World Cup: India's Divyansh Singh Panwar &
Elavenil Valarivan win gold medal MISCELLANEOUS
India's Divyansh Singh Panwar and Elavenil Valarivan
won the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team UN General Assembly adopts India's resolution to
event at the The International Shooting Sport Federation declare 2023 as International Year of Millets
(ISSF) World Cup being held in Delhi. The United Nations has unanimously declared 2023 as
Aishwary Tomar wins gold medal in men's 50m Rifle the International Year of Millets. The 193 member UN
3 Positions event General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by
India's Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won the gold India and supported by over 70 nations declaring 2023
medal in the men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the as the International Year of Millets.
ISSF World Cup in New Delhi. The 20-year-old became 1st consignment of ‘red rice’ flagged off to US
the youngest in history to win a shooting World Cup gold The first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off to the
in the 3 Positions event. US. Iron rich ‘red rice’ is grown in Brahmaputra valley of
Chinki Yadav wins gold in women's 25m pistol event Assam, without the use of any chemical fertilizer. The
Chinki Yadav won the gold medal as Indian shooters rice variety is referred as ‘Bao-dhaan’, which is an
swept the medals in the women's 25m Pistol event at the integral part of Assamese food.
ISSF World Cup in New Delhi More than 930 mn tonnes of food thrown away in
Indian trio of Rahi Sarnobat, Chinky Yadav and Manu waste bins every year: UN global report
Bhaker clinch Gold in Women's 25m pistol team event A new UN global report by UNEP and partner
In Shooting, India won gold in the women's 25m Pistol organization WRAP has revealed that more than 930
Team event at the ISSF World Cup in Delhi. India beat million tonnes of food is thrown away in waste bins every
Poland in the final to win the country's 10th gold. The year. In the Food Waste Index Report 2021 revealed
Indian women's team consists Rahi Sarnobat, Chinki that 17 per cent of the food available to consumers in
Yadav and Manu Baker. shops, households and restaurants is just dumped.

Indian team wins gold in 50 meter rifle Men’s Team UN Crime Congress kicks off in Japanese city of Kyoto
event at ISSF World Cup in Delhi The UN Crime Congress has kicked off in the Japanese city
Indian trio of Niraj Kumar, Swapnil Kusale and Chain of Kyoto with thorough anti-coronavirus measures in place.
Singh won the Gold medal in 50 meter rifle 3 positions France launches first military exercises in space
Men’s Team event at the ISSF World Cup in Delhi. The France launched its first military exercise , codenamed
Indian team comfortably defeated the Unites States "AsterX" in space this week to evaluate its ability to defend
47-25 in the final. its satellites and other defense equipment from an attack.
Mendonca wins Hungarian meet First Meeting of BRICS CGETI held under India’s
Young Indian GM Leon Luke Mendonca emerged victorious Chairship
in the 2nd Kumania GM chess tournament in Kisujszallas, The first Meeting of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic
Hungary, with a score of 6.5 points from nine rounds. and Trade Issues (CGETI) was held under India’s Chairship.
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The theme of BRICS this year is -"BRICS at 15: Intra BRICS Fellowship is a research fellowship awarded annually by
Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation, and Consensus”. the Department of Science and Technology of India.
REC, PFC sign pact to finance hydropower project in Pakistan test-fires Nuclear-capable Ballistic Missile
Bhutan ‘Shaheen-1A’
State-owned entities REC Ltd and Power Finance Pakistan conducted a successful flight test of ‘Shaheen
Corporation (PFC) have entered into a pact with Bhutan- 1-A’ (Hatf IV) a Nuclear capable Surface-to-Surface
based Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Ltd (KHEL) to finance ballistic missile. It has a range of 900 Kilometres.
a 600-megawatt hydroelectric project at Trashiyangtse in
the neighbouring country. New Book Titled “1232 km: The Long Journey
Chinese capital faces largest sandstorm in a decade Home” by Vinod Kapri
China's capital Beijing is facing a heavy sandstorm as the To mark the first Anniversary of lockdown due to COVID-
city was covered with a thick brown dust cover on Monday 19, HarperCollins India publication announced the release
morning due to heavy winds blowing in from northern parts of Vinod Kapri’s new book titled “1232 km: The Long
of China, reducing visibility to less than 1,000 meters. Journey Home”.

India’s arms imports down by 33%:SIPRI Traffic resumes in Suez Canal after stranded cargo
Arms imports decreased by 33% between 2011–15 and ship fully refloated
2016–20 while India continues to remain the second The cargo 'Ever Given' which has blocked Suez Canal for
largest arms importer after Saudi Arabia, according to a almost a week has been freed and is now on the move.
report from Swedish think tank SIPRI. Russia was the
largest arms supplier in both yearsFrance and Israel were India and US agree to revamp India-US Strategic
the second and third largest arms suppliers in 2016–20. Energy Partnership (SEP)
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and US
Italy signs International Solar Alliance under Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm have agreed to
amended ISA Framework Agreement revamp India-US Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP).
Italy on Wednesday signed the International Solar Alliance
under the amended ISA Framework Agreement. The World Wildlife Day 2021 observed on March 3
amendments to the Framework Agreement of the ISA World Wildlife Day is celebrated on March 3 every year.
entered into force, opening its Membership to all Member World Wildlife Day 2021 theme is "Forests and
States of the UN. Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet.”
World Bank to provide USD 200 million to Bangladesh India to commemorate Chabahar Day
to support COVID 19 affected youth, returnee migrants India will commemorate Chabahar Day on March 4 on
The World Bank has approved USD 200 million to help the margins of the Maritime India Summit-2021. The
Bangladesh to provide support and services to the low- event will be held virtually. Ministers from Afghanistan,
income urban youths impacted by COVID 19 pandemic Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan will
and the migrants who had to return involuntarily. participate in the event.
South Africa has world’s most dangerous roads;
International Women's Day to be celebrated on March 8
India in fourth place: Study
International Women's Day will be celebrated on the 8th of
South Africa has been ranked as the world’s most
March every year. The theme this year is - Women in
dangerous country to drive in while India came in at
leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.
fourth place, according to a research study undertaken
by international driver education company Zutobi. The International Day of Forests: 21st March
safest roads in the world can be found in Norway, with its International Day of Forests is celebrated on 21st March.
Scandinavian neighbour Sweden having the third safest The day was founded by the Food and Agriculture
roads while Japan took second place. Organization and United Nations in 2012.
Australian authorities declare natural disaster in
flood affected areas of New South Wales World Water Day being observed on March 22
In Australia, the government has declared a natural Every year March 22 is observed as World Water Day.
disaster in large swaths of New South Wales as heavy The theme of this year is 'valuing water'.
rains continue to batter the state.
Nation pays tributes to freedom fighters - Bhagat
India ranks 40th on International Intellectual Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev - on their martyrdom day
Property Index The nation paid tributes to freedom fighters - Bhagat Singh,
India ranked 40 among 53 global economies on the latest Rajguru and Sukhdev - on their martyrdom day on March
annual edition of the International Intellectual Property (IP) 23. On this day in 1931, British rulers had executed them in
Index. The United States, Japan and Europe remained at the Lahore for their revolutionary activities against the empire.
top of the global intellectual property rankings 2021.
India, Bangladesh making film titled ‘Bangabandhu’ World Tuberculosis Day being observed on March 24
On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh World Tuberculosis Day is observed on 24th March
Mujibur Rahman, India and Bangladesh are together every year. The theme of World TB Day 2021 - ‘The
making a film titled Bangabandhu by the renowned film Clock is Ticking’.
director Shyam Benegal.
World Theatre Day 2021:March 27
Swarna Jayanti scholarship for youths of Bangladesh World Theatre Day is annually observed across the
announced globe on 27th March to create awareness about the
Prime Minister Modi announced Swarna Jayanti importance of theatre arts.
scholarship for youths of Bangladesh. The Swarna jayanti
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