1.International Affairs
PM inaugurates World Sustainable Development Summit
The World Sustainable Development Summit is the 20th Edition of The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) flagship event.
The theme of 2021 is “Redefining our common future: Safe and secure environment for all”.
It is the sole summit on global issues taking place in the developing world. It provides a platform for global leaders to discuss and deliberate over climatic issues of universal importance.
Quick Fact: TERI is the leading think-tank dedicated to conduct research for sustainable development of India and Global South.
2.National Affairs
ONGC plans to develop India’s first geothermal energy project in Ladakh
The geothermal project is known as the Geothermal Field Development Project.
The Puga village in eastern Ladakh has been identified as the hotspot for geothermal energy by scientists.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Union Territory Administration Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) – Leh, AND Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Energy Centre on 8th February 2021.
Quick Fact: Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC Energy Centre is Shashi Shanker.
3.Government Schemes
The government will launch a central sector scheme called “Formation and Promotion of Farmer Producer Organisation (FPo’s)
The aim of launching the scheme is to form and promote 10,000 new FPo’s.
It is a Producer’s Organisation (PO), where members are farmers. Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is providing support for the promotion of FPO’s.
FPo’s helps in collectivization of small, marginal and landless farmers in order to give them the collective strength.
Quick Fact: SFAC is an autonomous body established in 1994, promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
4.International Affairs
18th edition of BioAsia Summit 2021 to focus on Covid 19 pandemic, pharma, medtech and global health
The theme of BioAsia is “Move the Needle”.
The discussion in the summit will be dedicated to dealing with Covid-19, the new realities of the health sector, and innovative medical technologies.
The event will have discussion on supply chain resilience.
Quick Fact: India has become 3rd largest Biotechnology destination in India pacific region.
5.Person in News
Bikram Singh Bedi appointed as Managing Director of Google Cloud, India
Bikram Singh Bedi as new Managing Director of Google Cloud will be responsible for leading the sales and operation team for the dynamic market.
Bikram Singh Bedi will succeed Karan Bajwa, who has become the Vice-President for Asia Pacific Region.
Google Cloud is in the process of launching Delhi Cloud Region in India in 2021.
Quick Fact: The CEO of Google is Sundar Pichai.
6.Government Schemes
PM launches Asom Mala programme in Assam
Asom Mala is a road connectivity project launched by the PM in Dhekiajuli of Assam.
The programme will link the rural roads and major district roads with state and national highways networks.
The project aims to facilitate multi modal transport in the state. The programme also laid the foundation of two hospitals. The project is on the lines of Bharat Mala project.
Quick Fact: The Chief Minister of Assam is Sarbananda Sonowal and Governor of Assam is Jagdish Mukhi.
7.International Affairs
South Korea to develop World’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm
The President of South Korea has approved the plan to build the largest wind power plant by 2030.
This project will help South Korea to achieve the target of becoming an environmental friendly and Carbon Neutral country by 2050.
The wind power plant will be located in the southwestern coastal town of Sinan. It will have a capacity of 8.2 gigawatts.
Quick Fact: Currently, the world’s largest offshore wind farm is Hornsea 1 in Britain which has 1.12 gigawatts capacity.
8.International Affairs
World Pulses Day (WPD) is observed every year on 10th February
World Pulse Day is celebrated to create awareness about the importance of pulses in human life.
Theme of WPD 2021 is “Nutritious Seeds for a Sustainable Future”.
The United Nations has 17 sustainable goals , the International day for Pulses falls under the second goal, that is, “Zero Hunger”.
Quick Fact: The Secretary-General of the United Nations is Antonio Guterres.
