Daily news 24 February 2021

National News

1. Rajnath Singh inaugurates 26th edition of ‘Hunar Haat’

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated the 26th edition of ‘Hunar Haat’ in New Delhi. The “Hunar Haat” will be held from February 21 to March 01, 2021, with the theme of “Vocal for Local”. More than 600 artisans and craftsmen from more than 31 states and UTs are participating.
• Through Hunar Haat, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs aims to provide employment and employment opportunities to 7,50,000 artisans by organising 75 Hunar Haats by 2022, when India will celebrate its 75 years of Independence.
• The Hunar Haat is also available online at hunarhaat.org and on the Government e-Marketplace portal. Indians living abroad can buy products online as well.
• Hunar Haat is a beautiful exhibition of India’s traditional art and craft and brings together indigenous artisans and craftsmen from across the country for the display and sale of their exquisite indigenous handmade products.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Minister of Minority Affairs: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

State News

2. CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Renames Hoshangabad as Narmadapuram

• Hoshangabad city in the state of Madhya Pradesh will be renamed Narmadapuram. This was announced by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during the Narmada Jayanti programme held in Hoshangabad. Hoshangabad was earlier named after an attacker Hoshang Shah, the first ruler of Malwa.
• However, the city will now be called Narmadapuram, after the river Narmada, the lifeline of the state. The state government will now send a proposal to the Centre to change the name of Hoshangabad to Narmadapuram. The city is famous for its beautiful ghats along the banks of the Narmada river.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor: Anandiben Patel.

Agreements News

3. India, World Bank ink project for enhancing school education in Nagaland

• The Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and the World Bank signed a $68 million agreement for “Nagaland: Enhancing Classroom Teaching and Resources Project”, to enhance the governance of schools across Nagaland.
• The $68 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a final maturity of 14.5 years including a grace period of 5 (five) years.
• The "Nagaland: Enhancing Classroom Teaching and Resources Project" will improve classroom instruction; create opportunities for the professional development of teachers, and build technology systems to provide students and teachers with more access to blended and online learning as well as allow better monitoring of policies and programmes.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Chief Minister of Nagaland: Neiphiu Rio; Governor of Nagaland: R. N. Ravi.
• World Bank Headquarters: Washington DC, United States.
• World Bank President: David Malpass.
• World Bank Founded: July 1944.

4. India signs trade deal, $100 million defence agreement with Mauritius

• The Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar was on an official visit to two key Indian Ocean region countries- Maldives and Mauritius. The External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited the Island nation Mauritius to review the comprehensive and important bilateral relationship between the two nations.
• India signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership Agreement-(CECPA)) with Mauritius.
• The FTA or CECPA is the first such pact with any African country, and will help Mauritius to emerge as a “hub of Africa”.
• India has also offered a USD 100 million Line of Credit (LoC) to Mauritius to facilitate the procurement of defence assets.
• Apart from this, an agreement has also been signed between the two countries to provide a Dornier aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv on lease to Mauritius on a gratis basis for 2 years, so that the country can carry out patrolling activities and monitor its vast maritime domain more effectively.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Prime Minister of Mauritius: Pravind Jugnauth; President: Prithvirajsing Roopun.
• Mauritius Currency: Mauritian rupee.
• Mauritius Capital: Port Louis.

Summits and Conferences News

5. PM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate 2nd Edition of ‘Maritime India Summit’

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the virtual Maritime India Summit (MIS) 2021, from March 2 to 4, 2021. The ‘Maritime India Summit 2021’ is the flagship initiative of the Union Ministry of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India. FICCI is the industry partner for the summit.
• The theme of the event is “Exploring the potential business opportunities in the Indian Maritime sector and making Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
• The objective of the Summit is to promote both domestic and international investment in the Indian Ports and Maritime sector.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Shipping: Mansukh L. Mandaviya.

Awards News

6. Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2021 announced

The prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival awards 2021 were announced, to honour the best in Indian cinema, television, music, and OTT. Late actor Sushant Singh Rajput was posthumously awarded ‘Critics Best Actor’ for his performance in Dil Bechara.

The winner of the Award for 2021 are as follows:

1. Best Actor (Female): Deepika Padukone, Chhapaak
2. Best Actor (Male): Akshay Kumar, Laxmii
3. Critic’s Best Actress: Kiara Advani, Guilty
4. Critic’s Best Actor: Late Sushant Singh Rajput, Dil Bechara
5. Best Film: Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior
6. Best International Feature Film: Parasite Most Versatile Actor – Kay Kay Menon
7. Best Director: Anurag Basu, Ludo
8. Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Vikrant Massey, Chhapaak
9. Best Actress in Supporting Role: Radhika Madan, Angrezi Medium
10. Best Actor in Comic Role: Kunal Kemmu, Lootcase
11. Best Actor (Web Series): Bobby Deol, Aashram
12. Best Actress (Web Series): Sushmita Sen, Aarya
13. Best Web Series: Scam (1992)
14. Album of the Year: Titliyaan
15. Best Television Series: Kundali Bhagya
16. Photographer of the Year: Daboo Ratnani
17. Style Diva of the Year: Divya Khosla Kumar
18. Best Actress in Television Series: Surbhi Chandna
19. Best Actor in Television Series: Dheeraj Dhoopar
20. Performer of the Year: Nora Fatehi
21. Outstanding Contribution to Film Industry: Dharmendra
22. Outstanding Contribution to Literature in Indian Cinema: Chetan Bhagat

Science and Technology News

7. Spacecraft Named in Honor of Black Woman ‘hidden Figures’ Mathematician

• A space supply ship, Cygnus NG-15 cargo dubbed as ‘S.S. Katherine Johnson has been named in honour of Katherine Johnson, a Black NASA mathematician, who played a critical role in the success of the first U.S. crewed spaceflight, Mercury-Atlas 6 Mission.
• The S.S. Katherine Johnson arrived on February 22, 2021, and will be at the International Space Station until May 2021.
• Mrs Johnson was a pioneering mathematician known for her hand-written calculations. She helped astronaut John Glenn, to become the first American to orbit Earth, after personally verifying his Mercury missions’ orbital trajectory calculations. Her contributions were also featured in the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Acting Administrator of NASA: Steve Jurczyk.
• Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States.
• NASA Founded: 1 October 1958.

Sports News

8. Karnataka to Host 2nd Khelo India University Games 2021

• The second edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2021, is scheduled to be held in Karnataka. This announcement was made by the Karnataka Chief Minister, Shri BS Yediyurappa and Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju.
• The KIUG-2021 will be hosted by JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, in partnership with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
• In 2021, Yogasana and Mallakhamb have been added to the University Games, in an effort to preserve and promote the century-old sporting disciplines of the country.

9. World's biggest cricket stadium set for first match

• The stadium was first opened in the early 1980s but has recently been rebuilt and now has a seating capacity of 110,000.
• Motera currently is the biggest cricket stadium in the world in terms of capacity.
• The last time when India played a cricket match at Motera was way back in 2014.

Important Days

12. Central Excise Day: 24 February

• Central Excise Day is celebrated every year on February 24 across India. The day is being celebrated to honour the service of the Central Board of Excise and Custom (CBEC) to the country.
• The day is celebrated to honour the officers associated with CBEC and their services. This is done to encourage the officers to carry out their duties with utmost sincerity.
• The officers, every year perform checking of corruption in goods from the manufacturing sector. The day is celebrated to commemorate the legislation of the Central Excise and Salt act on 24 February 1944.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Chairman of Central Board of Excise and Custom: M. Ajit Kumar.
• Headquarters of Central Board of Excise and Custom: New Delhi.
• Central Board of Excise and Custom Founded: 1 January 1964.

Obituaries News

11. Former TRAI Chairman Rahul Khullar passes away

• Rahul Khullar, the former chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has passed away. He was a 1975-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who was appointed as TRAI chief in May 2012.
• He served at TRAI for three years. Prior to being appointed as TRAI chief, he was a secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Trade.

Miscellaneous News

12. Jasmine Harrison from UK becomes youngest woman to row Atlantic Ocean

• A British woman, Jasmine Harrison of England has become the youngest woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The 21-year-old from Thirsk, North Yorkshire in the UK, achieved the feat by finishing top in the 2020 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, organized by Atlantic Campaigns.
• Harrison, who is a swim instructor and bartender by profession, travelled 3,000 miles (4,828km) across the Atlantic Ocean in 70 days, 3 hours and 48 minutes. Harrison began her journey in Spain’s Canary Islands on December 12, 2020, and arrived in Antigua on February 20, 2021.

Daily news 21 and 22 February 2021

National News

1. Prakash Javadekar inaugurates Atal Paryavaran Bhavan in Lakshadweep

• The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar, inaugurated the Atal Paryavaran Bhavan at Lakshadweep. Prakash Javadekar is on a four-day official visit to Lakshadweep from February 19 to 22, 2021.
• During the visit, the minister attended high-level meetings with the Secretaries of various departments in the Lakshadweep administration, participated in various official programmes at Suheli, Kadmat and Bangaram islands.
• The minister will also evaluate the major innovative initiatives of the Union Territory’s Forest and Environment Department, so that Lakshadweep undergoes comprehensive development, without compromising it’s commitment to nature.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Lakshadweep Capital: Kavaratti.
• Lakshadweep Administrator: Praful Patel.

International News

2. United States officially re-joins Paris Climate Agreement

• The United States has officially rejoined the Paris Agreement, under the Presidency of US President Joe Biden. Earlier, in November 2020, the US had officially exited the agreement on the order of then-President Donald Trump.
• The landmark Paris climate agreement was signed in 2015, as per which countries are expected to enhance their commitments to curb greenhouse gas emissions every five years. The goals of the global pact are to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

State News

3. Kerala Government sanctions Rs. 9 crore to build 48 ‘Smart’ Anganwadis

• The state government of Kerala has sanctioned Rs. 9 crores to build ‘smart anganwadis’, by converting the conventional anganwadis into “smart” structures with better amenities. The state Department of Women and Child Development has given permission for 48 anganwadis in the state to construct new buildings under the Smart Anganwadi scheme.
• These smart anganwadis are being designed and constructed as part of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).
• These ‘smart anganwadis’ will provide early childhood care by making the facility more child-friendly to nurture the mental and physical development of children.
• It is expected to have various amenities, ranging from study hall, kitchen, dining area, storeroom, creative zone, garden to swimming pool and outdoor play area as per the availability of land.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Kerala CM: Pinarayi Vijayan.
• Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan.

4. Assam CM lays foundation of first skill university of eastern India

• The Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal has laid the foundation of the first skill university of eastern India in Darrang district in Assam. The state-of-the-art skill university would be built with a financial outlay of Rs 1,000 crore.
• It will impart training to over 10,000 students in 12 disciplines. The university is expected to be completed by 2026. It will have “understandings” with countries like Germany, Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, Japan, England.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Assam CM: Sarbananda Sonowal.
• Assam Governor: Jagdish Mukhi.

Economy News

5. S&P Global Ratings: India to be among fastest-growing emerging economies in FY22

• The S&P Global Ratings has projected that India will be one of the fastest-growing emerging market economies in the fiscal year 2021-22, with a GDP growth rate of 10 per cent.
• The continuous good performance by the agriculture sector, flattening of COVID-19 infection curve, pickup in government spending and the recently released budget are some of the factors for the positive growth prospect of the country.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• S&P Global Ratings Headquarters: New York, United States.
• President of S&P Global Ratings: John Berisford.

Defence News

6. L&T delivers 100th K9 Vajra howitzer to Indian Army

• Army Chief Gen Manoj Naravane has flagged off the 100th K9 Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzer built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its armoured system complex at Hazira in Gujarat. L&T had completed the delivery of all the howitzers under the contract awarded in May 2017 ahead of schedule.
• The K9 Vajra programme involved the delivery of 100 howitzers with associated engineering support package covering spares, system documentation and training. It also involves the maintenance transfer of technology to an army base workshop to support the howitzers throughout their operational life cycle.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• L&T CEO: S. N. Subrahmanyan.
• L&T Founded: 7 February 1938.
• L&T Headquarters: Mumbai.
• L&T Chairman: Anil Manibhai Naik.

7. Indian And Indonesian Navies Conduct PASSEX Exercise

• The Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy conducted the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) on February 18, 2021, in the Arabian Sea.
• The military exercise between the navies of both countries aims to enhance operational interoperability and overall cooperation among them. Indian naval ship INS Talwar and the Indonesian Navy’s multirole corvette KRI Bung Tomo participated in the exercise.

Agreements News

8. India & Ethiopia Sign Agreements On Visa Facilitation and Leather Technology

• India and Ethiopia signed two agreements related to visa facilitation and leather technology. The Ethiopia Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen Hassen is on a 4-day visit to India to hold useful and productive discussions on a range of bilateral and regional issues.
• During the course of meetings, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Ethiopian minister Hassen agreed to expand India and Ethiopia bilateral agenda especially defence, economic, S&T, digital and cultural cooperation.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Ethiopia Capital: Addis Ababa.

• Ethiopia Currency: Ethiopian Birr.

• Ethiopia President: Sahle-Work Zewde.

• Ethiopia Prime minister: Abiy Ahmed.

9. Indian Oil signs pact with Greenstat Norway for hydrogen fuel

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has signed a Statement of Intent with Greenstat Hydrogen India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Greenstat Norway, to set up a Centre of Excellence on Hydrogen.
• Under this association, a Center of Excellence on Hydrogen (CoE-H) including CCUS and Fuel Cells, would be developed for clean energy by IndianOil and M/s Greenstat in cooperation with Indo-Norwegian Hydrogen Cluster companies/organizations.
• Facilitate transfer and sharing of technology, know-how and experience through the green Hydrogen value chain and other relevant technologies including hydrogen storage and fuel cells.
• CoE-H will be a vehicle for promoting R&D projects in Green and Blue Hydrogen between Norwegian and Indian R&D institutions/universities.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
• Indian Oil Corporation Limited Chairman: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya.

10. India & Maldives sign 5 deals to boost infrastructure

• External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar was on a two-day official visit to the archipelago nation the Maldives to review bilateral ties and development cooperation. During this visit, Mr S Jaishankar handed over 1 lakh additional doses of the made-in-India COVID-19 vaccine to the Maldives.
• With this, the total Covid vaccine doses gifted by India for the Maldives reaches two lakh. Jaishankar also offered a $40-million line of credit (LoC) to support the development of sports infrastructure in the Maldives.
• Amendatory Agreement to repurpose an older EXIM Bank of India Line of Credit of USD 25 million for Road Devt.
• Letter of Intent between EXIM Bank and local authorities for financing a housing project of 2000 units in Hulhumale.
• MoU on grant funding USD 0.5 million for a fish processing plant in Kendhikulhudhoo in the northern Maldives.
• MoU on capacity building and exchange of content and expertise between Prasar Bharati and Public State Media, Maldives.
• MoU on sustainable urban development between MoHUA and Ministry of national planning, housing and infrastructure, Maldives.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• President of the Maldives: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
• Capital of Maldives: Male; Currency of the Maldives: Maldivian Rufiyaa.

Important Days

11. World Thinking Day: 22 February

• World Thinking Day, originally known as Thinking Day, is celebrated annually on 22 February by all Girl Scouts, Girl Guides and other girl groups worldwide.
• The day is observed to think about fellow brothers and sisters around the world, address their concerns and understand the true meaning of guiding.
• The theme for World Thinking Day 2021 is peacebuilding. Peacebuilding is at the heart of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting and is as vital and relevant today as for the last 100 years.
• By completing the steps in the Stand Together For Peace activity pack, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts will; Stand Strong, Stand up and Stand Together for peacebuilding.

12. International Mother Language Day: 21 February

• The International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is observed annually on 21 February to raise awareness regarding linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.
• The theme of the Day this year, "Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society".
• International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. The UN General Assembly welcomed the proclamation of the day in its resolution of 2002.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France.
• UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay.
• UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945.

Sports News

13. Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka wins Australian Open 2021

• In tennis, Japan’s Naomi Osaka won her fourth Grand Slam title on February 20, 2021, after she beat American Jennifer Brady in the women’s singles game of the Australian Open final 2021.
• The four Grand Slam title for Osaka comes two Australian Open titles (2021 and 2019) and two US Open title (2018 and 2020). In Men’s singles final, Novak Djokovic claimed his ninth Australian Open crown and the 18th Major Grand Slam overall, as he defeated Daniil Medvedev.

Winners of Australian Open 2021:

• Men’s Singles: Novak Djokovic (Serbia) defeated Daniil Medvedev (Russia)
• Women’s Singles: Naomi Osaka (Japan) defeated Jennifer Brady (US)
• Men’s Doubles: Ivan Dodig of Croatia and Filip Polášek (Slovakia )defeated Rajeev Ram (US) and Joe Salisbury (UK)
• Women’s Doubles: Elise Mertens (Belgium) and Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) defeated Barbora Krejčíková (Czech Republic) and Kateřina Siniaková(Czech Republic )
• Mixed Doubles: Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic) and Rajeev Ram of the US defeated the Australian pair of Samantha Stosur and Matthew Ebden.

Books and authors News

14. Vice President releases ‘Maverick Messiah’, a political biography on NTR

• Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has released “Maveric Messiah”, a political biography on former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao authored by senior journalist Ramesh Kandula.
• NTR was ranked among the top pioneers of ‘alternative politics’. His entry into politics and ‘dramatic’ success within about nine months of floating a regional party gave a new direction to national politics.

Daily news 23 February 2021

National News

1. Dr Harsh Vardhan launches Mission Indradhanush 3.0

• Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan has launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0, (IMI 3.0), to expand immunization coverage across the country.
• The focus of IMI 3.0 will be on children and pregnant women who missed their vaccine doses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The IMI 3.0 will have two rounds, of 15 days each.
• The first round will begin on February 22, 2021, and the second round will begin on March 22, 2021.
• The vaccination drive will be conducted in pre-identified 250 districts and urban areas across 29 States and UTs in the country to reach out to every dropped out and left out the child and pregnant woman.
• The scheme was launched in 2014 to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens of the country.
• It aims to immunise all children under the age of 2 years, as well as all pregnant women, against eight vaccine-preventable diseases.
• These diseases are diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, measles, meningitis and Hepatitis B.

International News

2. Israel launches "green pass" for people with vaccination certificate

• Israel has launched a coronavirus "green pass" system, which allows people who have been vaccinated to access public facilities that would otherwise be off-limits. As of Sunday COVID-19 inoculation is a sort of status symbol in Israel.
• Israelis who have gotten both Pfizer vaccine shots and those who have recovered from the virus get a "Green Pass" certificate in the form of a QR code or printout for people without smartphones.
• The pass allows entry to gyms, swimming pools, hotels, entertainment venues and sporting events. Green Pass privileges and restrictions are raising legal and moral questions.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Prime Minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Israel Capital: Jerusalem.
• Israel Currency: Israeli Shekel.

State News

3. PM Modi inaugurates Oil & Gas projects in Assam

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated to the nation INDMAX Unit at Indian Oil’s Bongaigaon Refinery, Oil India Limited's Secondary Tank Farm at Madhuban, Dibrugarh, and a Gas Compressor Station at Hebeda Village, Makum, Tinsukia remotely from Dhemaji in Assam.
• He also inaugurated the Dhemaji Engineering College and laid the foundation stone for Sualkuchi Engineering College in Assam.
• INDMAX Unit at Indian Oil’s Bongaigaon Refinery
• Oil India Limited’s Secondary Tank Farm at Madhuban, Dibrugarh – Rs 490 crore
• Gas Compressor Station at Hebeda Village, Makum, Tinsukia – Rs 132 Crore
• Dhemaji Engineering College – Rs 45 Crore
• Laid the foundation stone for Sualkuchi Engineering College – Rs 55 crore.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Assam CM: Sarbananda Sonowal.
• Assam Governor: Jagdish Mukhi.

4. 47th Khajuraho Dance Festival 2021 begins

• The 47th Khajuraho Dance Festival began in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh which is based on the Indian classical dance tradition. Khajuraho Temples come alive with splendour, beams, and the hustle-bustle of art lovers at the Festival.
• The first-day event is dedicated to Bharatanatyam performance by Geeta Chandran and her troupe and Kathak performance by Deepak Maharaj.
• The festival is being organized by the Culture Department through Ustad Alauddin Khan Music and Arts Academy Bhopal. 
• This year festival will give the audience a chance to watch the performance of the dancers amid the aura of the temple as the event is being held once again in the temple complex of the Western Temple Group of Khajuraho after a gap of 44 years.
• The festival was hosted each year at the magnificent city of Khajuraho located in the district of Chhatarpur, the artists perform in the backdrop of historical monuments.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor: Anandiben Patel.

Economy News

5. HSBC Raises India’s GDP Forecast for FY22 to 11.2%

• HSBC has raised its growth forecasts for India in the coming fiscal year 2021-22 (FY22), from 9 per cent to 11.2 per cent, following a pick up in business activity and a steady fall in COVID cases.
• The 2020-21 GDP forecast of India by HSBC remains -6.3 per cent, as projected earlier.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• HSBC CEO: Noel Quinn.
• HSBC Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
• HSBC Founder: Thomas Sutherland.
• HSBC Founded: 3 March 1865, Hong Kong.

Banking News

6. RBI brings State Bank of Sikkim under its regulatory purview

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has brought the State Bank of Sikkim under its regulation. Till now, RBI had the right and obligation to function as a banker to all the state government except for the state government of Sikkim.
• Now the bank will be regulated by the RBI on a par with other banks, however, the bank’s ownership structure will not change.
• The State Bank of Sikkim was established as an autonomous body wholly owned by the Government of Sikkim, in the year 1968, five years before Sikkim became part of India in 1973.
• It was established under the State Bank of Sikkim Proclamation, 1968.
• The bank provides treasury operations for the state government and operates only within the jurisdiction of Sikkim.
• The bank currently has 42 branch offices and operates three revenue counters for government works.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

7. RBI ropes in Punjabi rapper for awareness campaign on cyber fraud

• The RBI has roped in Punjabi singer-rapper Viruss in its public awareness campaign. The campaign also includes Viruss' popular 2017 Indie hit 'Bam Bhole' that was recreated for Akshay Kumar-Kiara Advani starrer Laxmii.
• As cyber frauds continue to increase, the Reserve Bank of India has undertaken an unusual measure to spread awareness.
• The apex bank that has been very active on social media since the lockdown urges tech-savvy netizens to stay alert or 'satark' against common fraudsters and cybersecurity threats, including in UPI.
• The RBI has been running the campaign 'RBI Kehta Hai' on social media accounts since 2016 but has never been accompanied by peppy music.
• Since 2016 when it created the tagline RBI Kehta Hai, the central bank's communication has been centred on financial literacy and public awareness towards frauds, etc.
• The bank uses social media to talk about the facilities it offers for senior citizens, cybersecurity, digital banking, and setting limits on card transactions.

Defence News

8. ICGS C-453 Interceptor boat commissioned into services in Chennai

• The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICG) named C-453 was commissioned into services in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This was the 17th interceptor boats out of the 18 which are being indigenously built by Larsen & Toubro Ltd.
• It is a 27.80-m-long interceptor boat. The boat has a displacement of 105 tonnes. It can attain a maximum speed of 45 knots (85 kmph).
• It is capable to undertake multifarious tasks such as surveillance, close-coast patrol, interdiction, and search & rescue. It will also provide assistance to the boats and craft in case of distress at sea.
• The ship will be deployed to do surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone and other duties in accordance with the Coast Guard Charter. This will help in safeguarding the maritime interests of India.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Larsen & Toubro Ltd CEO: S. N. Subrahmanyan.
• Larsen & Toubro Ltd Founded: 7 February 1938, Mumbai.
• Larsen & Toubro Ltd Headquarters: Mumbai.

9. DRDO Conducts Two Successful Launches of VL-SRSAM Missile System

• Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted two successful launches of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). DRDO carried out the launch from a static vertical launcher from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
• The launches were monitored by senior scientists from various DRDO labs involved in the design and development of the system. During the test launches, flight path and vehicle performance parameters were monitored using flight data, captured by various Range instruments.
• The VL-SRSAM is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO for the Indian Navy, VL-SRSAM aims to neutralize various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets.
• The missiles intercepted the simulated targets with pinpoint accuracy. The missiles were tested for minimum and maximum range. VL-SRSAM with Weapon Control System was deployed during the trials.

10. Rajnath Singh inaugurates DRDO skill centre for fire safety training

• Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh has inaugurated Skill Development Centre (SDC) for Fire Safety Training of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through virtual mode at Pilkhuwa in Uttar Pradesh.
• The first of its kind in India facility has been created by Delhi based DRDO laboratory ‘Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES)’.
• The SDC DRDO facility will help in developing trained human resources, fire safety technology and products to save precious human lives and valued assets.
• The facility would be utilised for imparting fire prevention and fire-fighting training to the Fire Service personnel of Indian Armed Forces, DRDO, Ordnance Factories, Coast Guard and defence undertakings.

Awards News

11. Union Bank Of India wins World HRD Congress Awards

• Union Bank of India was awarded “Best Service Provider” in Human Resources and also the best institution for “Excellence in Learning & Development” at the 29th Global HRD Congress awards.
• Kalyan Kumar, Chief General Manager, HR was named as “Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year”.
• Global HRD Congress Awards are given to institutions annually for the best HR practices under different categories. The eminent jury which consists of the best in the industry will select the organizations taking into account their remarkable achievements in HR.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Union Bank of India Headquarters: Mumbai.
• Union Bank of India CEO: Rajkiran Rai G.
• Union Bank of India Founded: 11 November 1919.

Books and Authors News

12. Home Minister released a book ‘Rashtra Pratham – 82 varshon ki Swarnim Gatha’

• Home Minister Amit Shah has released a book 'Rashtra Pratham - 82 varshon ki Swarnim Gatha' in New Delhi.
• The book chronicles the glorious history of CRPF since its raising in 1939 and it has detailed and thoroughly researched accounts of CRPF’s journey, challenges, successes, and sacrifices and said it will become a source of inspiration for personnel joining the force.
• CRPF jawans have always remained at the forefront be it in Left Wing Extremism affected areas, borders or providing security ring to the Indian Parliament.

Miscellaneous News

13. Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Resigns

• The Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Puducherry, V Narayanasamy has submitted the letter of his resignation and his council of ministers on February 22, 2021, to Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan.
• The decision was taken as the Congress-led Government in the UT lost its majority in the House, which is 14. Following a series of resignations, the ruling government was reduced to a strength of 12. Two MLA resigned in January 2021 while 2 resigned in February 2021.