Current Affairs 2 March 2021

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 2 March 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

S.Jaishankar addressed virtual 5^th Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2021i.On February 26-28, 2021, the 5th Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2021 was virtually convened by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India and Pune International Centre (PIC) on the theme “Post Covid-19 Global Trade and Finance Dynamics”.
ii.Its inaugural session was addressed by Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, MEA on “Resilient Global Growth in a Post-Pandemic World”.
iii.The dialogue saw the discussions between COVID-19’s impact on trade and finance, on the world and on Asia as well as strategies to deal with this impact.
About Ministry of External Affairs:
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Constituency– Gujarat
Minister of State– Vellamvelly Muraleedharan
<<Read Full News>>

Pandemic to leave 375 Million Children in India with Health, Economic Impacts: SoE 2021 reportAccording to the State of India’s Environment 2021 (SoE 2021) Annual report released by Down to Earth Magazine in association with Centre for Science & Environment (CSE), India is set to begin a ‘pandemic generation’ as 375 million children (0-14 year-olds) may suffer long-lasting impacts such as underweight, stunting & increased child mortality, to losses in education & work productivity due to pandemic.

• Over 500 Million children have been forced out of school globally with India accounting for 50% of such Children.
• 115 Million people may get pushed into extreme poverty by pandemic (majority of them live in South Asia).
• India was ranked 117 out of 192 nations in terms of sustainable development behind all South Asian countries except Pakistan.
• The report also highlights Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) evaluation of 88 Major Industrial clusters in India based on which Tarapur, Maharashtra emerged the most polluted cluster in India.

Report on Environment issues
Air Pollution

• In 2019, 1.67 Million Indians lost their lives due to air pollution. The economic cost of this was USD 36, 000 million which is equivalent to 36% of India’s GDP.

Water Pollution

• During the pandemic, there was no significant improve in the water quality of Indian rivers. River Ganga ran even more dirtier during the COVID-19 period.

India’s Flora & Fauna under threat

• In India, 438 plant species (of which 95% are flowering plants & food crops) & 889 vertebrates and Invertebrates are under threat.
• Over the last 4 years, the area occupied by tigers has shrunk by around 17, 000 Sq Kms.

About Centre for Science & Environment (CSE):
Director General – Sunita Narain
Location – New Delhi
<<Read Full News>>

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India, Pakistan agree to observe ‘2003 Ceasefire Agreement’India & Pakistan agreed to strictly observe the ‘2003 Ceasefire Agreement’ along the Line of Control (LoC) with effect from the midnight of February 24/25, 2021.  It was announced by the two countries after discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGsMO) of both Countries.

• With this both countries will abide by all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) & sectors of the International Border to achieve mutually beneficial & sustainable peace along the borders.

About the 2003 ceasefire agreement:

The ceasefire agreement was reached in November 2003, four years after the Kargil War along the entire stretch of the India-Pakistan frontier.

• It facilitated the opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalkot routes, paving the way for bus and truck services linking the two Kashmirs for the first time in six decades and encouraging cross-LoC contacts, exchanges, travel, and trade.
• The ceasefire also enabled India to complete the construction of a fence near the LoC to prevent Pakistan’s infiltration of terrorists into Kashmir, a project that it had begun a couple of decades earlier but had to suspend due to Pakistan’s artillery fire.

What is the need of agreeing to 2003 ceasefire agreement?

• The agreement comes in the wake of over 5000 instances of Cross Fire Violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control (LoC) and other areas in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 46 fatal casualties in 2020 like Pulwama attack & Balakot Operation by India & Pathankot airbase attack in 2016 followed by attack at the garrison in Uri and the Indian response with a surgical strike along the border.
• Inorder to reduce these kind of attacks in the border & to enhance peace between the countries, 2003 ceasefire agreement were agreed to follow by both the nations.
• During the Parliament session in February, Union Minister of State for Home, G Kishan Reddy stated that a total of 10, 752 cases of ceasefire violations have taken place along India’s Border with Pakistan in the last 3 years.
• Due to this, 72 security personnel & 70 civilians have been killed.
• The agreement is expected to improve the security situation on the ground in Kashmir.Because After signing the 2003 ceasefire agreement, there were no single bullet sound in the border of India-Pakistan till 2006.

Note – In February, 2021, Lieutenant General B. S. Raju was appointed as the new Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), he is expected to take charge in March or April, 2021.He will succeed Lt General Paramjit Singh.

Madagascar President inaugurated Advanced Digital Cobalt Therapy Machine Bhabhatron-II donated by Indiai.The President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, inaugurated advanced digital cobalt therapy machine “Bhabhatron-II” for cancer treatment at the Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Hospital (HJRA) in Antananarivo in the presence of India’s Ambassador to Madagascar Abhay Kumar.
ii.It should be noted that Bhabhatron-II is donated by India to Madagascar under the cooperation in the health sector. It is developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
About Madagascar:
Capital– Antananarivo
Currency– Malagasy ariary
<<Read Full News>>

IAF gifts 1971 war helicopter to Bangladesh: Golden Jubilee of 1971 warIn order to mark the Golden Jubilee of 1971 War of Liberation, IAF (Indian Air Force) Chief RKS Bhadauria gifted a Legacy Alouette III Helicopter to Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), in return BAF gifted a legacy F-86 Sabre aircraft to the IAF.

• The exchange of aircraft took place in Dhaka during RKS Bhadauria’ 4-day visit to Bangladesh in February, 2021.

IAF chief inducted into ‘Mirpur Hall of Fame’

• IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria was inducted into the ‘Mirpur Hall of Fame’ at Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Dhaka.

IAF Chief’s visit to Bangladesh
IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria is in Bangladesh on the invitation of Bangladesh Air Chief (BAF) Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat.
During the visit,

• IAF paid tributes to the martyrs of 1971 Liberation War by placing a wreath at the altar of Shikha Anirban, Dhaka.
• He also visited BAF Base in Chattogram & St Martin’s Islands.
• He held discussions with BAF officers at BAF Base Zahurul Haq.

About Bangladesh:
Prime Minister – Sheikh Hasina
Capital – Dhaka
Currency – Bangladeshi Taka
<<Read Full News>>

BANKING & FINANCE

Current inflation target band appropriate for next 5 years: RBI reporti.In accordance with the internal report from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) namely ‘Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for the year 2020-21″ on the theme “Reviewing the Monetary Policy Framework”, India’s medium-term inflation target of 4% with a +/-2 % tolerance band is appropriate for the country. This is in lieu of the RBI’s flexible inflation targeting (FIT) mandate.
ii.India adopted the flexible inflation targeting framework in 2016 and the government is due to review the same before March 31, 2021.
iii.The period of study in this report is from October 2016 to March 2020.
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
Formation– 1 April 1935
Governor– Shaktikanta Das
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Deputy Governors– 4 (Bibhu Prasad Kanungo, Mahesh Kumar Jain, Michael Debabrata Patra, and M Rajeswar Rao)
<<Read Full News>>

Alliance Insurance launched SMEInsure to insure 5 crore Small and Medium Enterprisesi.In order to provide financial security to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), small shop and business owners on February 28, 2021, Alliance Insurance launched SMEInsure.  It is a portal to insure 5 crore Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) under the insurance category.
ii.Notably, the portal will provide insurance services in a phygital format i.e. physical, through individual personal assistance and digital insurance through the portal.
iii.The target of Alliance Insurance is to reach more than 5 crore SMEs in the first year and expect a revenue of Rs 10 crore. Approximately 97% of the SMEs in India are not insured.
About Alliance Insurance:
Chief Executive Officer & Principal Officer– S. V. Thakkar
Headquarter– Mumbai, Maharashtra
<<Read Full News>>

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

GDP grows 0.4% in Q3FY21, India exits technical recession:NSOi.In accordance with the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) second advanced estimate, the growth of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated at 0.4% in Q3FY21 (October-December, 2020) stating India’s exit from technical recession.
ii.On the other hand, for full FY21, a contraction of 8% (-8%) was projected which is higher than the forecasts of the Economic Survey (7.7%) and the Reserve Bank of India-RBI (7.5%).
iii.For FY20 also, NSO lowered the economic growth to 4% from 4.2%.
About Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI):
Minister of State (MoS), Independent Charge – Rao Inderjit Singh
<<Read Full News>>

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS          

ACC Approved 3 Months Extension in the Reappointment of CBDT Chairman Pramod Chandra ModyOn 28th February 2021, the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India announced that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a 3 months extension in the reappointment of Pramod Chandra Mody as Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
The 3-months extension is effective from 1st March 2021 to 31st May 2021 or until further notice.
Key Points:
i.Pramod Chandra Mody, 1982-batch Indian Revenue Service officer, was appointed as the Chairman of CBDT in February 2019 succeeding Sushil Chandra.
ii.In August 2019 he was reappointed as the Chairman of CBDT till 31st August 2020.
iii.His Tenure was extended in August 2020 for 6 months with effect from September 2020 to 28th February 2021.
About PC Mody:
i.Prior to his appointment as CBDT chief He served as the member of Administration in the CBDT.
ii.He has also served in various capacities in the Department of Income Tax.
Additional Info:
Tarun Bajaj, Secretary, Department of economic affairs has been given the additional charge of revenue secretary, following the retirement of the incumbent Ajay Bhushan Pandey on 28th February 2021.
About CBDT:
CBDT, a statutory authority that functions under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963.
Chairman– Pramod Chandra Mody
Headquarters– New Delhi

Indian Economist Ligia Noronha appointed Assistant SG & Head of UNEP NY Office

UN Chief Antonio Guterres has appointed Indian economist Ligia Noronha as Assistant Secretary-General (SG) and Head of the New York(NY) Office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). She will succeed fellow Indian and development economist Satya Tripathi. Ligia Noronha has previously worked as UNEP’s Economy Division based in Nairobi, Kenya and has worked on several agendas like inclusive green economies, sustainable consumption & production as well as on trade & sustainable finance.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS        

RSBVL Acquired Majority Equity Stake in skyTran Inc for USD 26.76 MillionReliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited (RSBVL), wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited(RIL), has acquired additional equity shares in skyTran Inc., investee company of RIL for USD 26.76 Million (around Rs.196 crore).

• With this acquisition, the shareholdings of RSBVL in skyTran has increased to 54.46% on a fully diluted basis.
• The law firms Covington & Burling LLP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP acted as legal counsel and IP counsel respectively to RIL.

Key Points:
i.The skyTran has developed a passive magnetic levitation and propulsion technology to implement personal transportation systems to solve the issues of traffic congestion across the globe.
ii.This has been developed to create a smart mobility solution.
iii.The system consists of computer controlled passenger pods running on its state-of-the-art, patented Passive Magnetic Levitation technology.
iii.This will also utilize cutting edge Information technology, Telecom and Internet of Things(IoT) and Advance materials to transport passengers in a fast, safe, green and economical manner.
About Reliance Industries Limited(RIL):
CMD– Mukesh Ambani
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Founded– 8 May 1973.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ISRO Successfully Launches Amazonia-1 & 18 other Satellites from SriharikotaOn February 28, 2021, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched 1 primary satellite ‘Amazonia-1’ & 18 co-passenger satellites from India (5) & USA (13) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The satellites were launched using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C51 (PSLV-DL Variant).

• PSLV C-51/Amazonia-1 mission is the 1st Dedicated PSLV Commercial Mission for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), which is the ISRO’s commercial arm (setup in 2019).
• This is ISRO’s 1st Launch of 2021. It has launched 14 Missions in 2021.
• With this India has totally launched 342 Foreign satellites from 34 countries.

Gist

<<Read Full News>>

Russia Launches ‘Arktika-M’ 1st satellite to monitor Climate change in ArcticOn February 28, 2021, Russia launched the ‘Arktika-M’, 1st satellite to monitor climate change in the Arctic Region. The satellite was launched from a Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.

•  Arktika is the First of two satellites launched by Russia for creating a Hydrometeorological & climate monitoring system to monitor the climate & environment in the Arctic.
• The second Arktika Satellite is set for launch in 2023.

Key Points

• The satellite will be able to monitor & take images every 15-30 minutes of the Arctic due to its highly elliptical orbit which passes over the northern latitudes.

‘Worst-case climate warming Scenarios’
In February 2021, a team of researchers from University of Edinburgh and Leeds and University College London stated that some of the largest losses in the last 30 years were from the Arctic Sea ice.
About Russia:
Capital– Moscow
Currency– Russian Rouble
President– Vladimir Putin
<<Read Full News>>

SPORTS

Wrestling: Vinesh Phogat wins Gold Medal at XXIV Outstanding Ukraining Wrestlers & Coaches Memorial TournamentIndian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat won the Gold Medal in the Women’s 53 Kg Category of XXIV Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial Tournament held at Kyiv (also known as Kiev), Ukraine.  She defeated Vanesa Kaladzinskaya of Belarus in the Final.

• The Event was held from February 26-28, 2021 and was organized by United World Wrestling.
• Vinesh Phogat has already qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics (to be held in July, 2021) after winning Bronze at the 2019 World Championships.
• She is the only Indian Woman Wrestler to have qualified for the Tokyo Games.

About United World Wrestling:
President – Nenad Lalovic
Headquarters – Corsier-sur-Vevey, outside of Lausanne, Switzerland

Odisha to host 2021 edition of Hero Indian Women’s League FootballOn 28th February, 2021 the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that the 2020-21 edition of Hero Indian Women’s League Football tournament will be hosted by Odisha state. The event was postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. Exact dates of the event are not yet finalised.
Note: India will host 2 International Women’s Football events in 2022.

• Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup – 2022
• FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – 2022

i.To regain the On-field sporting, Indian Senior team has undergone a 2-month long training camp starting from December 1, at Goa.
ii.3 International Matches were played against Serbia, Russia & Ukraine at Turkey.
About All India Football Federation (AIFF): 
President– Praful Patel
Headquarters– New Delhi
Founded- 1937
About Indian Women’s Football Team:
Captain- Loitongbam Ashalata Devi
Head Coach- Maymol Rocky (She is the first female and present head coach of India women’s national football team)

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Science Day 2021 – February 28 i.National Science day is annually observed across India on 28th February to commemorate the discovery of ‘Raman Effect’ by Indian Physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman(CV Raman) for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
ii.The First National Science Day was observed on 28th February 1987.
iii.The celebrations and events of the National Science Day 2021 are organised by the National Council for Science Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.
iv.The theme of the National Science Day 2021 is “Future of Science and Technology and Innovation(STI): Impact on Education, Skills and Work”. 
v.Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science and Technology released the first ever National S&T Databases on S&T Awards in India and Indian Origin Academicians Abroad at the National Science Day event.
<<Read Full News>>

Rare Disease Day 2021 – February 28i.Rare Disease Day is annually observed across the globe on the last day of February every year to create awareness to the general public regarding the rare disease and their effects on the lives of the affected people. The International Rare Disease Day is organised by EURORDIS.
ii.The Rare Disease Day 2021 falls on 28th February 2021 which also marks the 14th Rare Disease Day. 
iii.The rare disease day was launched by EURORDIS and its Council of National Alliances in 2008.
iv.The first Rare Disease Day was celebrated on 29th February 2008.
<<Read Full News>>

Zero Discrimination Day 2021 – March 1i.Zero Discrimination Day is annually observed across the globe on 1st March to highlight the needs to take actions to end the inequalities based on income, sex, age, health status, occupation, disability, sexual orientation, drug use, gender identity race, class, ethnicity and religion.
ii.The UN celebrated the first Zero Discrimination Day on 1st March 2014.
iii.The Zero Discrimination Campaign was launched by the UNAIDS – United Nations Programme on Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on 1st December 2013, World AIDS Day.
iv.“A butterfly” which is recognised as the sign of transformation is the symbol of Zero Discrimination.
About United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS):
Executive Director– Winnie Byanyima
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
<<Read Full News>>

World Civil Defence Day 2021 – March 1i.World Civil Defence Day is annually observed across the globe on 1st March to honour and signify the importance of civil protection. The aim is to bring the attention of the world public to the vital importance of Civil Protection.
ii.The World Civil Defence Day 2021 observed on 1st March 2021 marks the 90th anniversary of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO). 
iii.The theme of the World Civil Defence Day 2021 is “Strong Civil Protection To Preserve The National Economy”. 
iv.George Saint-Paul, a French Surgeon General created the Association des Lieux de Geneve in 1931 from which was the origin of ICDO.
About International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO):
Secretary-General– Njoupouo YAP Mariatou
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Members– Member States(59 state), Observer States (16 States), Affiliated Members (22 States)
<<Read Full News>>

STATE NEWS

Uttarakhand CM launches ‘Gharoki Paachan, Chelik Naam’ scheme in NainitalOn February 27, 2021, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat launched ‘Gharoki Paachan, Chelik Naam’ scheme (Daughter’s name is a home’s identity) programme. Initially the scheme has been launched in Nainital and later is set to be extended to the entire Uttarakhand.

• He also launched several development schemes worth INR 42 Crore in Nainital Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• As part of the development works, the catchment area of Sukha tal Lake will be revitalized & will undergo beautification process.
• The works on the Sukha tal lake will serve as a recharge to Nainital Lake & also add towards tourist attraction at Nainital

About Uttarakhand:
Dams – Kalagarh Dam (on river Ramganga), Tehri Dam (India’s Tallest Dam).
Rivers – Alaknanda River, Sarayu River, Pindar River
<<Read Full News>>

Arun Kumar Singh IAS Appointed as New Chief Secretary of Bihar; Replaces Deepak Kumar

On 28th February, 2021, The government of Bihar has appointed Arun Kumar Singh, 1985-batch IAS officer, as the new Chief Secretary of Bihar. He replaces the incumbent Deepak Kumar, a 1984-batch IAS officer. He will retire on 31st August 2021.
Arun Kumar Singh was serving as the Development commissioner of Bihar.

• Deepak Kumar will be the principal secretary to the Chief Minister(CM) Nitish Kumar on contract from 1st March 2021. This post was created under the cabinet secretary department (CSD) in 2002.
• Deepak Kumar was due to retire as the CS of Bihar on 29th February 2020 and on the recommendation of the state government, the Central Government granted extension twice for 2 terms of 6 months
• The government of Bihar has appointed Arun Kumar Singh after the centre declined giving fresh extension to Deepak Kumar.

Other appointments:
i.Subhani, 1987-batch IAS officer, a native of Siwan, Bihar, has been appointed as the development commissioner succeeding Arun Kumar Singh.
ii.Chaitanya Prasad IAS has been appointed as the Principal Secretary of Home Department.
iii.Ravi Manubhai Parmar has been appointed as the Principal Secretary in Small Water Resources Department.
iv.Santosh Kumar Mall was appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Information Technology.
v.Prem Singh Meena has been appointed as Secretary of Finance Department, Divesh Sehra as the secretary of SC, ST welfare department and Sanjeev Hans, 1997-batch IAS, secretary to the power department, has been posted as Secretary in additional charge of the Department of Water Resources.
About Bihar:
Stadiums– Nalanda International Cricket Stadium, Moin-ul-Haq Stadium
Bird Sanctuary–  Barela jheel salim ALi-Jubba Sahni bird sanctuary, Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary, Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary, Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary

Haryana CM announces 4 Welfare Schemes on the 644th Birth Anniversary of Guru RavidasDuring the 644th Birth anniversary celebration of Guru Ravidas, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced 4 welfare schemes for the state. The Schemes are aimed at satisfying the needs of the people under Below Poverty line (BPL). He also highlighted the state’s initiatives to increase income of BPL families by at least Rs. 8000 to Rs. 9000/month.
Guru Ravidas was a Mystic Poet of the Bhakti Movement and also the founder of Ravidassia religion.
About the Welfare Schemes:
i.Mukhyamantri Antyodaya Parivar Utthan Yojana – 1st phase of the scheme to begin on April 1, 2021. The Scheme is aimed at uplifting 1 lakh BPL families of Haryana; these families will be selected through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) portal.
ii.Dr BR Ambedkar Awas Navinikarn Yojana – 

• Financial assistance increased from Rs. 50,000 to 80,000 to repair houses of Scheduled Caste BPL families.
• The Scheme is extended to all BPL families, and the annual income slab of BPL family is increased from Rs. 1.20 lakhs to 1.80 lakhs/annum.

iii.Legal aid for victims of atrocities under Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been increased from Rs. 11,000 to Rs. 21,000.
iv.Sant Mahapurush Vichar Samman and Prasaar Yojana – Financial Assistance between Rs. 50,000 to Rs.1 lakh will be provided to religious organisations for the birth anniversary celebration of great leaders.
About Haryana:
City & Nicknames

• Millennium City of India – Gurugram
• Industrial City of India – Faridabad

Haryana produces India’s 64% of Tin.
Famous Sikh religious site, “Gurudwara Nada Sahib” is located in Haryana.

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