February 1st Week 2021 Current Affairs Online Test in English

Explanation

• A 122–member armed forces contingent of Bangladesh participated in the Rajpath at the Republic Day parade of India. This comes as a part of celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Liberation War, by India and Bangladesh.
• While Bangladesh takes part in the parade for the first time, it is the third foreign country after France (2016) and the UAE (2017) to take part in India’s Republic Day parade.

Explanation

• The International Monetary Fund released its latest World Economic Outlook Update recently. As per the report, Indian economy would grow 11.5 percent in FY22.
• It has revised the earlier forecast of 8.8 percent growth. As per the IMF, India would be the only key country to record a double–digit growth and reclaim the status of the fastest–growing major economy of the world.

Explanation

• Minister of Electronics and IT and Communications has recently launched virtual intelligence tool Tejas.
• The tool can extract critical information for policy decisions thereby improving efficiency in government services. The Minister also launched a virtual portal to access routine office applications called ‘Work from Anywhere’ portal and ‘e–Auction India’.

Explanation

• The West Bengal Transport Corporation in association with a heritage book store has launched a Young Readers’ Boat Library.
• Under the initiative, children can choose from a selection of 500 titles in English and Bengali on cruising on the waters of Hooghly river on a three–hour–long trip.

Explanation

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for milling copra and ball copra.
• As per M S Swaminathan recommendations, the increase in MSP has been approved. The MSP of copra was raised by Rs 375 from the previous year, 2020 to Rs 10,335 per quintal. Farmers of 12 coastal states are likely to impact by the price hike.

Explanation

• As per media reports, the Government has appointed an expert panel to review industry’s objections to the proposed ban on 27 widely used pesticides. Former assistant director general of ICAR, TP Rajendran is to chair the committee, which will submit the report in next three months. The Government has proposed to ban 27 pesticides, which are said to be harmful to animals and humans.

Explanation

• World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed on January 30, 2021. The day is observed to create awareness about the neglected tropical diseases and discuss solutions to eliminate them. Caused by parasites and bacteria, the diseases affect more than a billion across the world. World NTD Day was announced by the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi in November 2019.

Explanation

• World Leprosy Day is observed around the world on the last Sunday of January every year. This year World Leprosy Day held on 31 January. 
• The day is celebrated to raise global awareness of this deadly ancient disease and call attention to the fact that it can be prevented, treated and cured. This year theme of World Leprosy Day 2021 is “Beat Leprosy, End Stigma and advocate for Mental Wellbeing”.

Explanation

• The International Customs Day is celebrated every year on January 26 across the world, led by the World Customs Organization (WCO). It is headquartered at Brussels, Belgium.
• It was earlier called as the Customs Cooperation Council. The Day has been celebrated since 1983. This year the theme is “Customs bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience for a sustainable supply chain”

Explanation

• The Union Health Ministry released the National Non–communicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS). In the survey conducted during 2017–18, it was revealed that two in five adults in India have three or more risk factors for non–communicable diseases.
• The Health Minister also launched a framework on use of telemedicine for cancer, diabetes, heart diseases and stroke in India.

• As per the Science Magazine, Scientists have discovered a rare Martian Mineral named ‘Jarosite’ in the Antarctic ice. After boring more than a mile deep in the Antarctic region, the yellow–brown mineral which is rarely seen on Earth but found more on Mars was spotted.
• Mars is believed to be a dusty place and this discovery may be used to explain this theory.

Explanation

• The second edition of the International Conference on Gender Equality (ICGE–II) is to be hosted in February, 2021, at the Gender Park Campus, Kozhikode, Kerala. The Chief Minister is also set to inaugurate a Gender Park at Kozhikode. It was established in 2013 under the Department of Women and Child Development. It has partnerships with various global organisations like UN Women.

Explanation

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recently released a report titled – Global Climate Litigation Report: 2020 – Status Review. The report provides an overview of climate change litigation and its trends globally.
• As per the report, the number of climate litigation cases around the world has almost doubled in the last three years.

Explanation

• The Mount Merapi is located in Indonesia. It is an active volcano which is located in the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta. This volcano has erupted again recently. Indonesia is located on the “Ring of Fire” and hence has the greatest number of active volcanoes in the world.

Explanation

• The United Kingdom (UK) has launched a New Variant Assessment Platform, which will be used to identify new variants COVID–19 viruses. It uses genomics expertise possessed by UK and has been dedicated for use by countries which does not have sufficient resources for identifying the new Covid virus strains.

Explanation

• Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar launched the Indo–French year of Environment along with his French counterpart.
• India and France have environment projects being undertaken in Assam, Rajasthan and a project to be started in Jharkhand. The objective of this event is to strengthen Indo–French cooperation in sustainable development.

Explanation

• Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare addressed the event on Restoring Cross Border Mobility, through video conference.
• The event was organised by World Economic Forum’s Common Trust Network, to discuss the policies and partnerships required to reopen borders and enable essential travel, tourism and commerce in a safe and sustainable method.

Explanation

• The second annual World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day is observed on January 30, 2021. India is home to the world’s largest absolute burden of 11 of the major NTDs.
• To celebrate the day, more than 50 landmarks representing 25 nations across the world will be lit up. India joins the celebration by lighting up the UNESCO world heritage site Qutub Minar, Delhi.

Explanation

• India conducted the 5th Act East Forum (AEF) meet with Japan and both the countries reviewed progress of various ongoing projects in the North–eastern region.
• India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and Japan’s vision for a ‘Free and Open Indo–Pacific’ are realised through the Act East Forum, which also provides a collaborative platform in the North Eastern Region. The meeting was co–chaired by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

Explanation

• The Budget Session of Parliament recently began with the address of President Ram Nath Kovind to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
• During the address, the President mentioned that the ‘Amrut Mahotsav’ will be observed in the country from this year, to mark commencement of the celebrations towards the 75th year of India’s Independence.

Explanation

• As per a recent report by Alvarez & Marsal India, as at September 2020, it took an average of 440 days for resolving 277 cases approved by the NCLT under the IBC.
• The report stressed on the need for time–bound resolution of stressed assets and enhancing the resolution processes under Insolvency and Bankruptcy code as recovery percentages fell sharply to 15–25 % whenever there is an increase in time taken for resolution.

Explanation

• In the Economic Survey 2020–21 tabled in the budget session of the Parliament recently, the Government has pegged in the country’s GDP growth rate for FY 2021–22 at 11%.
• The GDP growth for the current financial year has been estimated at –7.7%. Economic survey is an annual document prepared by the Ministry of Finance under the guidance of Chief Economic Advisor. Krishnamurthy Subramanian is the present Chief Economic Advisor.

Explanation

• The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for the year 2020 has been released recently by Transparency International (TI).
• The index uses a scale of 0 to 100 to rate countries, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. India slipped six places and has been ranked at 86th position out of 180 countries.

Explanation

• According to the performance index compiled by the Sydney–based Lowy Institute, New Zealand handled the pandemic the most effectively. India is ranked 86th in the index comprising 98 countries, which measures several key indicators including confirmed cases, deaths, cases per million people and deaths per million people.
• New Zealand is followed by Vietnam and Taiwan while Brazil is the worst performing country.

Explanation

• Swami Vivekananda started the ‘Prabuddha Bharata’, a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna order in 1896, to spread the message of India’s spiritual knowledge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 125th Anniversary celebrations of ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ organized by Advaita Ashrama in Uttarakhand.
• It is the place of publication of the journal. Several leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Sri Aurobindo have contributed to the journal.

Explanation

• Former chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), RS Sharma is appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of National Health Authority (NHA).
• He is to replace Indu Bhushan after his 3 year term. NHA is responsible for implementing the public health insurance scheme ‘Ayushman Bharat’ or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Sharma is also the Chairperson of an empowered committee on Co–WIN platform.

Explanation

• India exported 4.45 million tonnes basmati rice (worth USD 4.33 billion) in financial year 2019–20. It has a 65 percent share in global basmati trade. Pakistan makes the rest of the global trade.
• Recently, Pakistan’s basmati rice has received a Geographical Indication (GI) registration within the country. India has applied to the EU for the GI tag for its basmati rice in September 2020. Both countries are exporting basmati to the EU without a GI tag from it.

Explanation

• The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) Bill 2021 is to be introduced in the Budget session.
• The government is set up a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), which will facilitate the infrastructure financing of the country. The developmental financial institution (DFI) will act as a principal financial institution and development bank to support infrastructure projects.

Explanation

• he Economic Survey for 2020–21 has mentioned “Bare Necessities Index” (BNI), to describe the inequalities in access to bare necessities like drinking water, sanitation and housing conditions between urban and rural India.
• The index lists 26 indicators on five dimensions namely water, sanitation, housing, micro–environment, and other facilities. It also classifies the regions in three levels namely high, medium, low.

Explanation

• ‘IN FAC T–81’ is the Indian Naval Fast Attack Craft of the MK II class, which served the nation successfully for more than 20 years in surveillance and Search & Rescue. It was recently decommissioned at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. It was built at Goa Shipyard Ltd in collaboration with an Israel manufacturer. The INFAC was commissioned into the Navy in 1999.

Explanation

• Chauri Chaura is a town located near Gorakhpur, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to inaugurate the Chauri Chaura Centenary celebrations.
• The historic Chauri Chaura incident took place on 5 February 1922 at the Chauri Chaura town in the United Province in British India. After a clash between the Police and a group of volunteers, the Police opened fire and the group torched the Police station. Gandhi withdrew the Non–cooperation movement after this incident.

Explanation

• The National Statistical Office recently released its revised national account data. As per the data, the economic growth rate for 2019–20 was revised downwards to 4 percent.
• The decrease from the previous estimate of 4.2% was mainly due to contraction in secondary sectors like manufacturing and construction. Real GDP growth of 2018–19 is estimated at 6.5%, against the 6.1 percent revealed in January estimate.

Explanation

• Uttar Pradesh’s tableau at this year’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi was adjudged the best and awarded by Union minister Kiren Rijiju.
• The theme of Uttar Pradesh’s tableau depicting the Ram Temple was “Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh”. Department of Biotechnology is the best tableau among the Central Ministries, departments, the CAPF and other auxiliary forces.

Explanation

• The ‘India Justice Report’ was an initiative of Tata Trusts, along with the Centre for Social Justice and some other social agencies.
• The report analysed expenditure, vacancies, representation of women and members of SC, ST and OBCs across large, mid–sized states and smaller states. Bihar has employed most women in its police force at 25.3%. Tamil Nadu has the highest percentage of women police officers.

Explanation

• The BCCI has decided to conduct Vijay Hazare Trophy in place of its first–class domestic tournament Ranji Trophy.
• BCCI has stated that the decision has been made as per the wishes of majority of the state units. Additionally, BCCI would also be hosting U–19 National One Day tournament for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and a Women’s national 50–over tournament.

Explanation

• A wildfire has recently started in the Dzukou Valley, a popular trekking destination located on the Manipur–Nagaland border. It is said to have started three days ago from the Nagaland.
• The Indian Air Force has deployed an Mi–17V5 helicopter to put off the massive wildfire in Dzukou Valley.

Explanation

• On the Polio National Immunization Day scheduled on January 31, 2021, around 89 lakh children were given polio drops under National Polio Immunisation drive across the country. President Ram Nath Kovind launched the first round of Pulse Polio Programme 2021.
• Over seven lakh booths were set up for implementing the drive. A house–to–house surveillance will also be provided to vaccinate the remaining children.

• Serum Institute of India has announced that it would launch a new COVID–19 vaccine under the brand name Covovax.
• It would be developed in partnership with American vaccine developer Novavax, by the month of June. The company’s Covishield has been developed in partnership with the Oxford University and British–Swedish firm AstraZeneca.

Explanation

On 30th Jan 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in the year 1948.

On this day, India observes Martyrs Day or Shaheed Diwas, to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and all martyrs who sacrificed their life for the nation’s freedom. The 73rd death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was observed as Martyrs’ Day recently.

Explanation

• As per the latest Budget presented by the Union Finance Minister, the Fiscal Deficit of our economy is estimated at 9.5% of GDP for the current financial year. The same is expected to be at 6.8% of GDP for FY 2021–22. The budget estimate of expenditure for next FY (2021–22) is Rs.34.83 lakh crore.

Explanation

• The Union Budget 2021–22 contain that the permissible Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in Insurance Companies would be increased from 49% to 74%. Foreign ownership with safeguard would be allowed in this segment. Insurance Act of 1938 would be amended to make effect to the proposed hike in FDI limit.

Explanation

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has the highest number of new cases of leprosy in the world annually. India is followed by Brazil and Indonesia in the largest number of cases.
• In India, more new cases are reported from the rural belts of Bihar, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. January 31 is observed as World Leprosy Day.

Explanation

• China is the largest producer of silk, in the world. It is followed by India in the second place.
• India is the only country in the world which produces all four major varieties of silk namely – Mulberry, Eri, Tassar, and Muga. Recently, the Textiles Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated India’s biggest silk fair, the 8th India International Silk Fair. It is held on the virtual platform of Indian Silk Export Promotion Council.

Explanation

• The ‘Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change’, is a declaration released by the global maritime industry recently.
• The declaration focusses on recognising seafarers as key workers by all governments in line with the UNGA resolution adopted recently. The Maritime Union of India urged the Centre to consider the declaration while formulating ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’.

Explanation

• In this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 cricket tournament held at Ahmedabad, Tamil Nadu team defeated Baroda to win the trophy title. During this year’s tournament, Tamil Nadu remained un beaten till the final match. At the finals, the team chased Baroda’s with 7 wickets remaining.

Explanation

• Lieutenant General C P Mohanty assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Prior to this appointment he was the Army Commander of the Southern Army.
• The area of responsibility of the Southern Army includes 11 states and four Union Territories. C P Mohanty has replaced the previous Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Satinder Kumar Saini.

Explanation

• Vice President M. Venkaiah inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav, a National Tribal Festival at Dilli Haat, New Delhi. The event is scheduled to be held from Feb.1 to Feb.15, this year.
• Aadi Mahotsav is a national–level tribal festival and a joint initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED). The event showcases traditional art, handicrafts and cultural heritage of the country. It has been organised from 2017.

Explanation

• In the Union Budget 2021–22, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a scheme of Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA).
• The scheme is to be launched in addition to the Production Linked Incentive scheme. It aims to help the industry become competitive, attract investments and boost employment generation. Under the scheme, 7 Textile Parks will be established over 3 years.

Explanation

1. • Pattachitra is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. It is a traditional style of painting performed on a cloth–based scroll. This unique artform is known for its intricate artistic work and details about the mythological stories.
   • Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the name of a Orissa student in his Mann ki Baat radio programme, for practising the art form during COVID–19.

Explanation

• The 13th edition of Aero India, the Global Air show ‘Aero India’ is being organised at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru.
• The exhibition is hosted by the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Exhibition Organisation. This show enables the manufacturers and service providers from the Indian aviation industry meet buyers.