1) Economy
China surpasses US to become India’s top trade partner in 2020
China has regained its position as the top trading partner of India in 2020, which was held by the United States in 2018-19.
The two-way trade between India and China stood at 75.9 billion USD in 2020 despite the conflict along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Meanwhile, the UAE continues to remain India’s third-biggest trading partner.
Quick Fact: The President of China is Xi Jinping.
2) National Affairs
Karnataka to set up a Flower Processing Centre
The Karnataka State Horticulture Department is setting up a “Flower Processing Centre”, in collaboration with the International Flower Auction Bangalore, (IFAB).
The facility will provide support to the farmers who suffer huge losses whenever there is a glut or market disruption.
The incubation centre will process flowers and convert them to value-added products such as natural dyes, floral papers, incense sticks, flower petal powder for cosmetic usage, floral art, etc.
Quick Fact: The Chief Minister of Karnataka is B.S. Yediyurappa.
3) Government Scheme
Punjab Cabinet approves mission “Lal Lakir” in all villages
Lal Lakir is aimed at facilitating villagers to monetize property rights and availing benefits provided by government departments, institutions, and banks.
No record of rights is available for such properties in Lal Lakir so the same cannot be monetized as per the real value of the property.
The right of record of properties will be prepared with the cooperation of the government of India under the Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) Scheme.
Quick Fact: The Chief Minister of Punjab is Captain Amarinder Singh
4) Person in News
Vijay Sampla takes charge as Chairman of National Commission for SC
Former Union Minister Vijay Sampla has assumed the charge of Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Classes (NCSCs).
He has been the former Union Minister of the State for Social Justice & Empowerment from 2014 to 2019.
NCSC is an Indian constitutional body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which works for the socio-economic development of the scheduled castes and to prevent atrocities against them.
Quick Fact: NCSC was founded on 19th February 2004.
5) International Affairs
India signs an agreement with AIIB to improve Assam power transmission
The Government of India and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has signed a 304 million USD loan agreement on 23rd February 2021, for the Assam Intra-State Transmission System Enhancement Project.
The project aims to improve the reliability, capacity, and security of the power transmission network in Assam.
It includes constructing 10 transmission substations and laying transmission lines and upgrading 15 existing substations.
Quick Fact: President of AIIB is Jin Liqun
6) Summits and Conferences
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurates ICOLD Symposium
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has inaugurated the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) Symposium in New Delhi.
The theme of the symposium is “Sustainable Development of Dams & River Basins”
The symposium has been organized by the ICOLD at New Delhi in Hybrid format, in collaboration with Central Water Commission (CWC), Dam Rehabilitation Improvement Project (DRIP), and National Hydrology Project (NHP).
Quick Fact: The president of ICOLD is Michael Rogers
7) Person in News
Biden administration names Anjali Bharadwaj for International Anti-Corruption Award
Anjali Bharadwaj is one of the 12 courageous individuals named by the Biden administration for the newly instituted International Anti-Corruption Champions Award.
She is an Indian social activist working on the issues of transparency and accountability, the 48-year-old has served as an active member of the Right to Information Movement.
She is the founder of the Satark Nagrik Sangathan, a citizen’s group which promotes transparency and accountability in government and encourages active participation of citizens.
Quick Fact: The Right to Information is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Indian constitution
8) Summit and Conferences
India begins BRICS chairmanship
India has started its BRICS chairmanship with the inaugural three-day-long Sherpas’ meeting on 25th February 2021.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Anurag Srivastava stated the theme of the 13th BRICS summit is “BRICS @ 15: Intra-BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation, and Consensus”.
The External Affairs Minister has launched India’s BRICS 2021 website at the Secretariat of BRICS at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan.
Quick Fact: BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
