- Polity
Privilege motion against Meghalaya chief minister by opposition
When a minister violates the privileges of the parliament then any member of that house can initiate a privilege motion.
Article 105 of the Indian Constitution deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of members of both the houses of the parliament whereas it is article 194 for States.
This motion is to censure the minister who has committed the breach.
Quick Fact: The present Meghalaya’s Chief Minister is Conrad Sangma
- Persons in News
Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair, the Maestro of Kathakali, passes away
Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair was awarded Padma Bhushan in the year 2017 for his contribution to art.
His Lord Krishna and Kuchela Portrayal on stage always mesmerized the audience.
He was the founder of Bharatiya Natyakalalayam – First School of Dance in North Kerala.
Quick Fact: Kathakali is an ancient dance-drama of Kerala.
- Awards
Beyonce and Taylor Swift make history in Grammys 2021
Taylor Swift becames the first woman who won the album of the year three times
She won the album of the year-earlier for her albums “Fearless” and “1989”
Beyonce surpassed Alison Krauss to become the most decorated female in the history of Grammy
Quick Fact: Grammy award recognizes the achievements in the music industry and is presented by “The Recording Academy”
- International Affairs
Martial law imposed in parts of Myanmar city because of rise in the death toll
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an Independent group – more than 38 people were killed in firings, and dozens were injured.
The townships Hlaing Thar Yar Shwepyitha were placed under martial law.
The actual death toll may be higher than reported as police seized some bodies
Quick Fact: Naypyidaw also pronounced as Naypyitaw is the capital city of Myanmar.
- Science And Technology
Largest asteroid recorded expected to pass by Earth: NASA
The name of the asteroid is 2001 F032 and is considered to be a potentially hazardous asteroid.
This Asteroid was discovered by the LINEAR (Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research) program in Socorro, New Mexico in 2001.
The study of this asteroid provides astronomers an opportunity to understand the size and albedo of the asteroid precisely.
Quick Fact: It is predicted that Asteroid 2001 F032 will be at its closest on 21st March
- Environment
Commission for Air Quality Management dissolved by the Center
The Air Quality Management was established by an ordinance in October 2020
An ordinance needs to be approved by the parliament within six weeks from its reconstitution and it needs to be approved by the Cabinet before placing it in the Parliament
The Cabinet has not taken any decision and the tenure of the body has expired. However, it can be revived by the Parliament during the ongoing session
The Air Quality Management Commission was headed by M.M. Kutty – the former Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas sesecretary.
Quick Fact: Maximum life of an ordinance can be six months and six weeks.
- International Relations
India and Pakistan’s Commissioners to meet on 23rd and 24th March
This will be the first meeting between India and Pakistan regarding the Indus river after two and half years.
The India Pakistan Permanent Commissions’ last meeting was held in Lahore in 2018.
Pradeep Kumar Saxena is the commissioner from the Indian side and he will be attending the meeting.
Quick Fact: The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in the year 1960
- Economy
Finance Ministry withdrew the valuation norms prescribed by the SEBI (Securities Exchange Board of India) for Additional Tier (AT)- 1 perpetual bonds
Additional Tier (AT) – 1 bonds are perpetual bonds with no expiry and banks issue these to meet their long-term capital requirements.
The Additional Tier (AT) – 1 bonds are listed and traded on the exchanges.
Investors of these bonds can return them to banks in return for money.
Quick Fact: Additional Tier (AT) – 1 bond is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India
