1) Government Schemes
PM launches ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ initiative
The Prime Minister has virtually launched the ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ initiative in Assam and the objective of this initiative is to improve connectivity in the North-eastern states of India.
He laid the foundation stone for the Dhubri Phulbari Bridge and also performed the bhumi puja for the construction of the Majuli Bridge in Assam.
Mahabahu-Brahmaputra initiative is going to be marked with the inauguration of the Ro-Pax vessel operations.
Quick Fact: The Chief Minister of Assam is Sarbananda Sonowal.
2) Government Scheme
FAITH organizes third India Tourism Mart
The Third India Tourism Mart was organized by the Federation of Associations in India Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH).
The event will bring together a mix of the right buyers and exhibitors and provide a platform to connect them.
The third India Tourism Mart is significant as it is being organized at a time when the world is emerging from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Quick Fact: FAITH is the policy federation of all the national associations.
3) Defence
Israel develops new missile system with USA
Israel has announced that it will develop a new anti-ballistic missile shield, “Arrow-4”, in collaboration with the United States.
The missile is being developed as another layer in the defense system by keeping an eye on Iran.
The Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors of Israel are already operating under the multi-layered system.
Quick Fact: The Arrow missile is a family of anti-ballistic missiles.
4) International Affairs
IFF report declares World’s debt to increase in 2021
The Institute of International Finance (IIF) has reported that the world has never been more indebted before and the debt will further rise in 2021 as an impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As of the year 2020, the World’s debt stands at 281 trillion USD.
The debt will increase by another 10 trillion USD in the year 2021 since the political and social pressures push for more spending.
Quick Fact: IIF is the trade group for the global financial services industry.
5) Summits and Conferences
India-Singapore CEO Forum organizes a joint meeting
The India-Singapore CEO Forum was organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and FICCI.
The Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, stated that both countries can work together in the arena of e-commerce, smart manufacturing, fintech, and healthcare.
The Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, Singapore, S Iswaran, also emphasized the greater engagement between businesses from both countries.
Quick Fact: The Prime Minister of Singapore is Lee Hsien Loong.
6) Environment
10th World Pangolin Day observed globally
World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of February, that is, on 20th February 2021.
It aims to raise awareness about these unique mammals and speed up conservation efforts.
Pangolin numbers are rapidly declining in Asia and Africa and these species are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered.
Quick Fact: Pangolins, which are known as scaly anteaters, are mammals of the order Pholidota.
7) Government Schemes
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches Technograhis
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched an enrolment module for Technograhis.
Technograhis are for students from IITs, NITs, engineering, planning and architecture colleges, faculty members, etc.
These students will visit live laboratories at six Light House Projects (LHPs) sites for learning, consultation, generation of ideas and solutions, experimentation, innovation, and technical awareness.
Quick Fact: LHPs are model housing projects with houses built with shortlisted alternate technology suitable to the geo-climatic and hazard conditions of the region.
8) Government Schemes
Prime Minister lays foundation stone of Maharaja Suheldev Memorial
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Maharaja Suheldev Memorial and development work of Chittaura lake in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh.
The event marks the birth anniversary of Maharaja Suheldev.
The project will include the installation of an equestrian statue of Maharaja Suheldev and the development of various amenities like a cafeteria, great house, and children’s park.
Quick Fact: Maharaja Suheldev was an 11th-century ruler of Shravasti. He defeated Ghaznavi general Ghazi Salar Masud.
