Current Affairs 13 January 2021

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 13 January 2021, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2021 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Airtel Signed MoU with NSIC for Digital Transformation of MSMEs under NSIC’s ICT Enabled Digital Servicesi.Bharti Airtel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) for the digital transformation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in order to achieve the goal of “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.
ii.With this MSMEs will be served with business automation and connectivity needs viz. data/voice connectivity, marketing solutions, cloud security and collaboration.
iii.It was signed by Pechimuthu Udayakumar, Director (Planning & Marketing), NSIC with Divya Sethi, Head – Emerging Business, Bharti Airtel.
iv.It should be noted that the MoU was signed under the NSIC’s ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Enabled Digital Services. Under this assistance, NSIC aggregates services of various technology providers as per the needs of MSME.
About National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)
It is an ISO 9001:2015 certified Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
Establishment– 1955
Chairman-Cum-Managing Director (CMD)– Vijayendra
Headquarter– New Delhi
About Bharti Airtel:
Chairman–  Sunil Bharti Mittal
Headquarter– New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

Flipkart, NITI Aayog Partnered to launch revamped Women Entrepreneurship PlatformAs part of the efforts to enhance community experience for women entrepreneurs in India, Flipkart & NITI Aayog have collaborated to launch the updated Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP). WEP is a first of its kind, unified access portal launched by NITI Aayog in 2017 to support Women Entrepreneurs.
i.The revamped platform has multiple regional language support, allows interaction  with women, fellow women entrepreneurs and mentors and a Question and Answer Portal.
ii.The community on WEP platform will connect women entrepreneurs who seek clarification on GST, funding, effects of the pandemic & progression of already established businesses.
iii.Through the platform, mentorship is also being offered to women mentees through a dedicated online mechanism being provided by FICCI-FLO’s  under Empowering the Greater 50% campaign.
Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP):
i.Initiated by NITI Aayog’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Amitabh Kant during the 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) at Hyderabad, Telangana. It aims to provide free credit ratings, mentorship, funding support to women entrepreneurs, apprenticeship & corporate partnerships.
About Flipkart:
CEO – Kalyan Krishnamurthy
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
About NITI Aayog:
CEO – Amitabh Kant
Headquarters – New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

Prakash Javadekar releases Management Effectiveness Evaluation of 146 NP & WLS, 2018-19 On January 11, 2021, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Prakash Javadekar released the ‘Management Effectiveness Evaluation(MEE) of 146 National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in India, 2018-19’ report.
i.Great Himalayan NP & Tirthan WLS of Himachal Pradesh Scored high and topped among the National Parks(NP) & Wild Life Santuaries(WLS).
ii.MEE is a framework for testing the effectiveness of Protected Areas in India.
iii.The report has been prepared by MoEFCC with technical inputs from Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
iv.The report listed Top 5 National Parks (NPs) & Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLS) based on MEE score in India.
v.The results of present assessment are encouraging with overall mean MEE score of 62.01% which is higher than the global mean of 56%.
Top Ranked NPs & WLS:

About MoEFCC:
Union Minister – Prakash Javadekar
Minister of State – Babul Supriyo
About Wildlife Institute of India (WII):
WII is an Autonomous Institution of the MoEFCC
Chairman – R.P. Gupta (Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change)
Location – Dehradun, Uttarakhand
<<Read Full News>>

India becomes 2nd Largest Manufacturer of PPE Kits & Suits

Union Minister for Textiles, Smriti Irani has stated that India has become the 2nd Largest Manufacturer of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kits & Suits, China is the leading manufacturer. India has achieved the feat in a record 3 months’ time during the lockdown caused by Pandemic in March 2020.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

4th One Planet Summit (OPS) 2021 held Virtually to Protect Biodiversity; Key Initiatives Launchedi.On January 11, 2021, 4th edition of One Planet Summit (OPS) 2021 was virtually organized by France, the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank from Paris (France) to prepare negotiations for setting global biodiversity targets in order to protect nature in next decade.The theme of the summit is “Let’s act together for nature!”.
ii.These negotiations will be utilized at a UN conference on biodiversity to be held in China in October 2021. It was postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19.
iii.The event was opened by Secretary-General of the UN Antonio Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, and President of the World Bank Group David Malpass.
iv.The summit was not attended by India, Brazil, Russia, and the United States (US).
v.Notably, the US President-elect Joe Biden is a strong proponent of climate issues as he pledged to preserve 30% of American lands and waters by 2030. But the leader behind the absence of US leaders is that he does not take office until January 20, 2021.
About France:
Capital– Paris
Currencies-Euro, CFP franc
About World Bank:
Headquarters– Washington, D.C., United States
<<Read Full News>>

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI cancels Licence of Vasantdada Nagari Sahakari Bank, Osmanabad (Maharashtra)i.On January 8, 2021, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of Osmanabad (Maharashtra)-based Vasantdada Nagari Sahakari Bank Ltd.to carry on banking business with immediate effect under Section 22(1) read with Section 56 of Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949.
ii.The banking business includes acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits as defined in Section 5(b) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
iii.The bank has failed to comply with the requirements of Section 11(1) read with Section 56 of Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949 and Section 22(3) (a), 22(3) (b), 22(3) (c), 22(3) (d) and 22(3) (e) of BR Act.
About Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation:
Establishment– 1978
Chairman– Michael Debabrata Patra (Deputy Governor, RBI)
Headquarter– Mumbai, Maharashtra
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Establishment – 1 April 1935
Governor– Shaktikanta Das
Deputy Governors– 4 (Bibhu Prasad Kanungo, Mahesh Kumar Jain, Michael Debabrata Patra, and M Rajeswar Rao)
<<Read Full News>>

RBI’s 22^nd FSR 2021Released: Banks gross NPA may rise to 13.5% by Sep 2021i.On January 11, 2021, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the 22^nd issue of its bi-annual Financial Stability Report (FSR) 2021. It stated that gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) may rise to 13.5% by September 2021, from 7.5% in September 2020 under the baseline scenario.
ii.In case of severe stress scenario, it is projected that the GNPA ratio will rise to 14.8% which would be 24-year high. It was 15.7% in March 1997.
iii.Banks GNPA and net NPA (NNPA) declined and stood at 7.5% and 2.1%, respectively, in September 2020.
iv.The above mentioned information is based upon the RBI’s macro stress tests covering the first six months (April-September) of the FY20-21.
Static points about Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
-It was established on the recommendation of the Hilton Young Commission.
-RBI is responsible only for printing the currency notes. Minting of coins is done by the Government of India.
-Dr. Manmohan Singh is the only Prime Minister to have also served as the Governor of RBI.
<<Read Full News>>

KVGB Signs MoU with Jai Kisan, a Fintech platform for Expanding Financial Service Access in KarnatakaOn January 12, 2021 Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Jai Kisan, to expand access to financial services for individuals and businesses in Karnataka, including farmers and non-farmer entrepreneurs.

• Jai Kisan is a rural-focused fintech platform of Greenizon Agritech Consultancy Pvt Ltd

Key People
MoU was signed by P Gopikrishna, Chairman of KVGB, and Arjun Ahluwalia, founder and CEO of Jai Kisan in Dharwad, Karnataka
About Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB):
Formed–  12th September 2005
HeadOffice– Dharwad, Karnataka
Chairman– P Gopi Krishna
Sponsor Bank– Syndicate Bank((Syndicate Bank was amalgamated into Canara Bank w.e.f 1st April 2020).
About Jai Kisan:
Founder, CEO– Arjun Ahluwalia
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
<<Read Full News>>

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

GDP to expand by 10.1% in FY22: ICRAIn accordance with the report by rating agency ICRA (formerly Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited), India’s real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) will expand by 10.1% in FY2022 with multi-speed recovery. However in absolute terms India’s GDP will “mildly” surpass the levels of FY20.

• The rating agency had projected a 8% contraction for FY21.

Key Points:
–India’s general Government (Centre + states) fiscal deficit is projected to moderate to 8.5% of GDP in FY2022 from the 12.0-12.5% of the GDP expected in FY21.
–The current account balance will have a modest deficit of US$15-20 billion (or 0.6% of GDP) in FY2022 from a surplus of US$35-40 billion in FY2021.
–Retail inflation is forecasted at 4.6% for FY22 against the projected 6.4% for FY21.
Recent Related News:
i.In accordance with the official data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Union ministry of statistics and programme implementation (Mospi) on August 31, 2020, India’s gross domestic product (GDP) contract by 23.9% (-23.9%) in April-June period quarter of 2020 due to downfall in businesses and livelihood amid COVID-19 pandemic induced nationwide lockdown restrictions.
About ICRA:
Managing Director (MD)– N. Sivaraman
Headquarter– Gurgaon, Haryana

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS        

Ministry of Power, BEE organize the 30th National Energy Conservation Awards 2020On 11th January 2020, the Ministry of Power in association with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) organized the 30th National Energy Conservation Awards 2020 (NECA 2020). R.K. Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power and New & Renewable Energy  was the Chief Guest of the event.
i.Around 57 units from 5 sectors (Industry, Transport, Building, Institution & Appliance)  were awarded for their energy conservation & energy efficiency efforts.
ii.Around 409 units participated in NECA 2020, they have together saved 3, 007 Million units & substantial thermal energy savings resulting in savings of INR 1, 503 Crores.
iii.During the event,

• Standards and Labelling Programme for Air Compressors & Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV on voluntary basis was initiated.
• SAATHEE (State-wise Action on Annual Targets & Headways on Energy Efficiency) – A portal for State Designated Agency (SDA) for state level activities was also launched.

iv.Energy Management Centre, Kerala bagged the 1st Prize in the State Designated Agencies Category for its effective energy conservation programmes.
v.Indian Railways bagged 13 awards at NACA 2020
About Ministry of Power:
Minister of State (Independent Charge) – RK Singh
About  Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE):
Director General- Abhay Bakre
Headquarters- New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

Indian Student among Winners of NASA app Development Challenge

Aryan Jain, a high school student Gurugram is part of the 6-member winning team of National Aeronautics & Space Administration’s (NASA) Artemis Next-Gen STEM – Moon to Mars App Development Challenge. The challenge was to develop an app to visualize the Lunar South Pole to assist in mission planning and exploration activities.  The main aim of the NASA Artemis Mission is to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS          

Japarov Sadyr Nurgojoevich Elected as President of KyrgyzstanJaparov Sadyr Nurgojoevich was elected as the president of Kyrgyzstan after securing nearly 80% votes. He belongs to the ‘Patriotic’ Political Party.
About Japarov Sadyr Nurgojoevich:
i.He served as the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan till 14th November 2020 after which his official powers in office are suspended due to the pending results of the January 2021 presidential election.
ii.He served as the acting president of the country after the resignation of Sooronbay Jeenbekov.
Note- After his resignation, Talant Mamytov, speaker of Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament became the acting president of the country.
Presidential Elections
The presidential elections took place on January 10, 2021. His closest competitor, Adakhan Madumarov took less than 7% votes.
About Kyrgyzstan:
It is officially called the Kyrgyz Republic and also known as Kirghizia.
Capital– Bishkek
Currency–  Kyrgyzstani Som(KGS)

PM Narendra Modi to head High Level Committee to mark Netaji’s 125th Birth Anniversary

A High Level Committee headed by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has been constituted to commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The 1-year long celebrations will begin from 23rd January, 2021. Other members of the committee are Amit Shah, Union Home Minister; Manmohan Singh, Former Prime Minister; Ghulam Nabi Azad, MP; Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha; Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha; Mamta Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal; Sourav Ganguly, President of BCCI; Musician AR Rahman and others. The celebrations will take place in Delhi, Kolkata & other places associated with Azad Hind Fauj (INA), both in India & overseas.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS        

CCI Approves Acquisitions of Adani Green Energy Ltd, Ecom Express Private Limited & 100% Acquisition of Virtusa CorporationOn January 11, 2021 The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the following acquisition:
i.Total SE Acquires Minority Stake in Adani Green Energy Through Total Renewables SAS.
ii.PG Esmeralda Pte. Ltd Acquires Stake in Ecom Express Private Ltd
iii.Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA), Atago Investment Pte Ltd. (GIC Investor) and CPP Investment Board Private Holdings Inc. (CPPIB Investor) Acquires 100% Equity Interest and Joint Control in Virtusa Corporation.
iv.BPEA will acquire Virtusa through Austin HoldCo.
<<Read Full News>>

OBITUARY

Padma Bhushan Awardee Prof Shashikumar M. Chitre, Renowned Astrophysicist & Mathematician Passed Away at 84On January 11, 2021 Prof Shashikumar Madhusudan(M.) Chitre, globally renowned astrophysicist and mathematician passed away at the age of 84 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He is the recipient of Padma Bhushan. He was born on May 7, 1936 in India.
About Prof Shashikumar M. Chitre:
Professor 
He retired as a senior professor from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, in 2001
He served as the visiting professor of many universities across the world namely, University of Columbia, University of Virginia among others.
Pivotal Role
He was instrumental to establish the University of Mumbai – Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS) in the Kalina campus of the university.
Research Works
i.His scientific research was focused on solar physics, astrophysics and gravitational lensing.
ii.He performed extensive research on the Sun’s magnetic activity cycle, the solar dynamo theory, and the role of neutrals in the solar atmosphere.
Key Position
Among other posts, he served as the president of Astronomical Society of India & chairman of Indian National Committee for Astronomy and of Bombay Association for Science Education.
Honours
i.He received many awards including Padma Bhushan in 2012 for Science and Engineering & Indian National Science Academy(INSA) Vainu Bappu Memorial Medal – 1995 among others.
ii.He also was honored by fellowships by many prominent scientific institutions namely Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Indian Academy of Sciences and INSA among others.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Book Titled ‘Unscripted: Conversations on Life and Cinema’ Authored by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Abhijat JoshiThe book titled  ‘Unscripted: Conversations on Life and Cinema’  is authored by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Indian  film director, screenwriter and producer and Abhijat Joshi, Indian screenwriter. ‘Penguin eBury Press’ is the publisher of the book.
The book is scheduled to be released on January 25.
Essence of the Book
i.The book  gives a glance into the mind, method and madness of Vidhu Vinod Chopra, one of contemporary Hindi cinema’s best filmmakers.
ii.In this book, Vidhu Vinod Chopra speaks to his long-time collaborator and scriptwriter Abhijat Joshi about his journey.
About Vidhu Vinod Chopra:
i.He is the founder of Vinod Chopra Films and Vinod Chopra Productions.
ii.His well known films include, Parinda, 1942: A Love Story , Munna Bhai film series (Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. and Lage Raho Munna Bhai), 3 Idiots(2009)among others
iii.He is a winner of many awards including,  International Indian Film Academy(IIFA) Awards, Filmfare Awards
About Abhijat Joshi:
i.He is well known for his work with Vinod Chopra Productions,as the screenwriter for , 3 Idiots, PK (2014) and Sanju (2018)
ii.He is a professor of English at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, US, since 2003
iii.He won many awards including, National Film Award 2006 in the category Best Screenplay for the film  Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Filmfare Awards among others.

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Youth Day 2021: January 12i.National Youth Day(Yuva Diwas) is celebrated annually on January 12 across India to  recognise and honour the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
ii.The day also aims to encourage youth in India to become a better person and achieve an honourable life that contributed to the development of the country.
iii.This year(2021) marks the 158th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
Why January 12?
On this day, Swami Vivekananda was born in 1863 in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (currently- Kolkata, West Bengal, India)
iv.The opening ceremony of the 24th National Youth Festival and the closing ceremony of 2nd National Youth Parliament Festival(NYPF) will both take place in the Central Hall of Parliament on 12th January, 2021.
<<Read Full News>>

STATE NEWS

Punjab Cabinet approves One-Time Settlement Scheme for Traders On January 11, 2021, Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder singh approved the ‘One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for Recovery of Outstanding Dues – 2021’ for Traders to clear their Pending Arrears.

• The OTS will help Traders to settle their Pending arrears under the Punjab Value Added Tax Act, 2005 & Central Sales Tax Act, 1956.
• It will cost around INR 121.06 Crore to the Punjab Government.
• Will benefit Small & Medium Business Dealers/Traders who suffered due to COVID-19.
• Dealers who have filed assessments upto December 31, 2020 can apply under the scheme till April 30, 2021.

About Punjab:
RAMSAR Site – Beas Conservation Reserve, Harike Lake, Kanjli Wetland
Dam – Ranjit Sagar Dam
<<Read Full News>>

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