current affairs capsule (march 2021)

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CURRENT AFFAIRS CAPSULE (MARCH 2021)

WTO urges member states to license more COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing in developing countries New chief of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has urged its member states to work with pharmaceutical companies to license more COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing in developing countries in order to triple global production.

India wants Chabahar port on key corridor India wants Chabahar port to be included in the 13-nation International North South Transport Corridor that extends from India to Russia, and expand INSTC membership by including Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said.

At least 1 in 7 children lived under stay-at-home policies during COVID-19 pandemic, putting mental health at risk, warns UNICEF UNICEF has warned that at least one in seven children lived under stay-at-home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, putting their mental health and well-being at risk.

Switzerland: People voted in favour of banning full face coverings in public places In Switzerland, people have voted in favour of banning full face coverings in public places. Dubbed as ‘burqa ban’ by media and campaigners, the proposal was put into referendum after years of debate in the country following similar bans in some European countries.

Nepal’s ruling party splits Nepal’s ruling party of ex-Maoist rebels and fellow communists split after the top election body ruled its name was unlawful, pushing the country into further political uncertainty.

US offers temporary refuge to tens of thousands of Venezuelans The U.S. will allow tens of thousands of Venezuelans to seek refuge, in a significant policy shift from the Trump era. Temporary Protected Status is being offered to people who fled political repression and economic chaos in the South American country.

First Quad summit took place on March 12 The first ever summit of the leaders of the Quadrilateral Framework or ‘Quad’ took place virtually on March 12. United States, Japan and Australia comprise the Quadrilateral Framework.

In a first, China launches ‘virus passport’ China has launched a health certificate programme for Chinese international travellers, leading the world in plans for so-called virus passports. The digital certificate, which shows a user’s vaccination status and virus test results, is available for Chinese citizens via a programme on Chinese social media platform WeChat.

Armenian PM dismisses country's Chief of General Staff Onik Gasparyan In Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan relieved the country's Chief of General Staff Onik Gasparyan of his duties. Prime Minister Pashinyan has been under pressure from the military to step down following a deadly conflict with Azerbaijan.

Libyan parliament votes to approve interim unity govt In Libya, the parliament has voted to approve an interim unity government to lead the war-ravaged nation to December elections. The parliament has approved the cabinet of interim Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah, with 121 of the 132 lawmakers present voting in support.

China Parliament approves 5-year plan China formally approved the outline of its 14th five-year plan (2021-25), which highlights a number of key strategic projects to be pursued as a priority, including the first dam in Tibet on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo or Brahmaputra, a Sichuan-Tibet railway line near the India border, and a push for self-sufficiency in emerging industries such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

US Congress passes 1.9 trillion dollar COVID-19 relief bill The US House of Representatives gave final approval to the landmark 1.9 trillion dollar COVID-19 relief bill. Eligible Americans will receive $1,400 cheques under a $400 billion measure contained in the Bill. Another $350 billion will be directed towards vaccine distribution, assistance to State and local governments and to fund tax credits for those with children.

US, Australia, India & Japan agree to deliver one billion doses of COVID vaccine to much of Asia by end of 2022 The leaders of the US, Australia, India and Japan have agreed to deliver one billion doses of coronavirus vaccine to much of Asia by the end of 2022.

WHO approves first single dose regimen COVID-19 vaccine by Janssen for emergency use The World Health Organization (WHO) approved a vaccine developed by Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), for emergency use in all countries and for COVAX roll-out. The decision comes on the back of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorization.

UNSC urges Somalia’s govt to organize elections without delay The U.N. Security Council urged Somalia’s government to organize elections without delay in a resolution that stressed the pressing threat to the country’s security from al-Shabab and armed opposition groups.

A decade of war in Syria killed over 388,000 The overall death toll for Syria's civil war has reached 3,88,652 since it began a decade ago this month, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The figures includes almost 1,17,388 civilians, among them more than 22,000 children.

India supplies over 5.86 cr doses of Made in India COVID vaccines to nearly 71 countries India has supplied over 5 crore 86 lakh doses of indigenous Covid19 vaccines to nearly 71 countries till date. Out of the total supply over 81 lakh doses have been given free of cost as grant aid to 37 countries whereas 1 crore 65 lakh doses have been sent under the COVAX facility route to around 31 countries.

France enters third wave of Corona pandemic, says French Prime Minister French Prime Minister Jean Castex told that France had entered a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, as the seven-day average of new cases rose above 25,000 for the first time since Nov 20.


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EU regulator backs AstraZeneca vaccine after safety investigation The EU’s drug watchdog said it is convinced the benefits of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risks following an investigation into reports of blood disorders that prompted more than a dozen nations to suspend its use.

Dutch election: PM Mark Rutte claims victory Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's party has won the most seats in parliamentary elections. This victory hands Mr Rutte a mandate to form a new coalition government led by his centre-right VVD party, with a fourth term as prime minister.

Indian-Israeli collaboration testing oral COVID vaccine An Indian-Israeli collaboration has reportedly developed an oral vaccine named for COVID-19, one that can be swallowed like a pill instead of being injected, as is the norm. Oravax, the company developing the vaccine, is a joint venture between Premas and Oramed.

U.K. to unveil global focus in defence modernisation plans The U.K. government will unveil much-anticipated military modernisation plans, vowing to bolster its defence of British interests “across multiple domains and in all corners of the globe”.

China, Russia propose new security dialogue platform China and Russia have proposed setting up a new “regional security dialogue platform” to address security concerns of countries in the region.

Germany extends lockdown till 18th April to break 3rd wave of COVID-19 Germany is extending its lockdown until April 18 and calling on citizens to stay at home for five days over the Easter holidays to try to break a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Myanmar junta defends crackdown Myanmar’s junta defended its seven-week crackdown that has left more than 260 democracy protesters dead, insisting it would not tolerate “anarchy”.

Bangladesh celebrating historic event of liberation from Pakistan, birth centenary of its founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Bangladesh is celebrating the historic event of its liberation from Pakistan and the birth centenary of its founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This year also marks 50 years of the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan.

Israel Polls: Final results confirm political deadlock In Israel, the Central Election Commission has said that with 100 per cent of votes counted, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party and his natural allies had won 52 seats in the 120-seat Knesset falling short of magical figure of 61.

Suez Canal temporarily halts navigation Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has temporarily suspended navigation through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes until the grounded container vessel MV Ever Given is refloated.

Bloodiest day in Myanmar as at least 114 protestors killed Myanmar witnessed the bloodiest day in the ongoing protest against the military government as at least 114 protestors were killed across the country.

President Biden Invites 40 World Leaders to Leaders Summit on Climate US President Joe Biden has invited 40 world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the Leaders'

Summit on Climate to underscore the urgency and the economic benefits of stronger climate action. The two-day summit will be held virtually on 22 and 23 April.

US suspends all trade engagement with Myanmar until elected government returns United States is immediately suspending all engagement with Myanmar under a 2013 trade and investment agreement until the return of a democratically elected government, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said

WHO report says animals are likely source of COVID-19 A joint WHO-China study on the origins of COVID-19 says that transmission of the virus from bats to humans through another animal is the most likely scenario and that a lab leak is “extremely unlikely,” according to a draft copy obtained by The Associated Press.

Global leaders push for new pandemic treaty World leaders pushed for a new international treaty to prepare for the next global pandemic — and avoid the unseemly scramble for vaccines hampering the COVID-19 response. Leaders from 25 countries, the European Union and the World Health Organization (WHO) sought to get the ground rules down in writing to streamline and speed up the reaction to future global outbreaks.

China cuts Hong Kong’s elected seats China’s legislature formally approved sweeping changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system that will see a sharply reduced share of directly elected representatives and a tightening of Beijing’s control in the Special Administrative Region (SAR). While previously 35 of its 70 members were directly elected, that number has been reduced by 15.

Presidential elections to be held on April 11 with strict social distancing rules in Peru In Peru, the presidential elections will be held on April 11 with strict social distancing rules in place to protect voters amid the Covid-19 pandemic, head of the country's electoral body announced.

ISRO successfully launches Brazil's Amazonia 1 satellite, along with 18 other passenger satellites India’s PSLV-C51 rocket loaded with 19 satellites from Brazil, USA and India lifted off from the rocket port at Sriharikota successfully. After four stages of separation, the rocket launched Brazil's 637 kilogram Amazonia 1 satellite, its primary passenger. Later after a gap of more than an hour it launched the remaining 18 passenger satellites.

PM Modi inaugurates ‘Maritime India Summit 2021’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Maritime India Summit 2021’ through video conferencing. The three-day Summit was be held till 4th of March.

Jaideep Bhatnagar takes over as Principal DG, PIB Mr. Jaideep Bhatnagar has taken over as Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau. Mr. Bhatnagar is an Officer of the Indian Information Service belonging to 1986 Batch.

Govt to form Centre of Excellence in gaming & other related areas in collaboration with IIT Bombay The Union Government has decided to form Centre of Excellence in gaming and other related areas in collaboration with IIT Bombay

Principal Scientific Adviser to GOI launches Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India under its Waste to Wealth Mission


has launched the Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship to recognize students, community workers or Self-Help Groups, SHGs and municipal or sanitary workers who are engaged in tackling the enormous challenge of waste management, scientifically and sustainably.

IAF to participate for 1st time in Exercise Desert Flag beginning in UAE Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate for the first time in Exercise Desert Flag which is beginning in Al-Dhafra airbase in UAE. Exercise Desert Flag is an annual multi-national large force employment warfare exercise hosted by the United Arab Emirates Air Force.

Rajya Sabha TV and Lok Sabha TV merges, now to be known as Sansad TV Rajya Sabha TV and Lok Sabha TV have been merged and now it will be known as Sansad TV. Retired IAS officer Ravi Capoor has been appointed as its Chief Executive Officer.

Union Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot launches 'Sugamya Bharat' App and handbook 'Access - The Photo Digest' Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot launched the 'Sugamya Bharat' App and a handbook titled 'Access - The Photo Digest' through a video conference in New Delhi. The App and the handbook have been developed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, Govt has identified toy sector as a champion sector with long-term vision Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the Government of India has identified the toy sector as one of the champion sectors with a long-term vision and plan to develop toy clusters in the country.

Army to induct 6,000 new light machine guns for frontline troops The Indian Army will begin inducting the first lot of 6,000 new Light Machine Guns (LMG) from Israel, with frontline troops on the borders set to receive them later this month.

India, Norway to jointly work in marine spatial planning for next 5 yrs India and Norway have agreed to jointly work in the area of marine spatial planning in the oceanic space for the next five years. The two countries have decided to extend support for sustainable ocean resources utilisation to advance economic and social development in coastal areas.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announces Project Development Cell for Biotechnology Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced Project Development Cell for Biotechnology. Mr. Goyal made this announcement in Global Bio-India 2021 conclave, a three-day event focusing on different aspects of biotechnology which has been organized by DBT-BIRAC.

Indian Scientists design & develop low-cost optical spectrograph Indian Scientists have designed and developed a low-cost optical spectrograph. The spectograph can locate sources of faint light from distant quasars and galaxies. It has been successfully commissioned on the 3.6-Metre Devasthal Optical Telescope near Nainital Uttarakhand.

Covaxin demonstrates interim clinical efficacy of 81% in its phase-3 trial Bharat Biotech has announced that Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin demonstrated interim clinical efficacy of 81 per cent in its phase three trial.

IISc in top 100 list in natural sciences The Indian Institute of Science broke into the top 100 in the natural sciences category of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.

Bengaluru and Shimla among 'Most liveable' cities across country In the recently released Ease of Living Index-2020 and the Municipal Performance Index-2020, Bengaluru emerged as the top performer in the Million Plus category. In the Less than Million category, Shimla was ranked the highest in ease of living. In the Million plus category, Indore has emerged as the highest-ranked municipality, followed by Surat and Bhopal.

Education Minister congratulates 12 Indian Institutions on securing position in top 100 in QS World University Rankings Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has congratulated 12 Indian Institutions on securing a position in top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.These institutions are IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, IISC Bangalore, IIT Guwahati, IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, JNU, Anna University, University of Delhi, and O P Jindal University

India grants NRs 44.17M to build new school building under Nepal-Bharat Maitri Development Partnership India has extended a grant of 44.17 million Nepali Rupees to Nepal to build a new school building in Rupandehi district of the country under the Nepal-Bharat Maitri Development Partnership.

Education Minister inaugurates New Delhi World Book Fair 2021 Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated the New Delhi World Book Fair 2021 - Virtual Edition. ‘National Education Policy-2020’ is the theme of the book fair.

India conducts successful flight test of SFDR technology off Odisha coast Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully carried out a flight demonstration based on Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet technology from Integrated Test Range Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

Govt constitutes National Committee headed by PM to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence The Government has constituted a National Committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence.

IMPCL to sell products on Government e-Market portal Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL) will sell products on Government e-Market (GeM) portal. The IMPCL and GeM has finalised a deal in this regard and now the Ayurvedic and Unani medicines of IMPCL will figure on the GeM portal to hundreds of government sector buyers.

Lift ban on blood donation by transgenders The Supreme Court of India asked the government to respond to a plea challenging blood donation guideline which ban transgender persons, members of the gay community and sex workers from donating blood.

Govt to increase number of Jan Aushadhi stores to 10,000 by 2024, says Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has said that government will increase the number of Jan Aushadhi stores to ten thousand by 2024. Today, there are seven thousand 500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across various districts of the country.


Google to support 1 million rural women entrepreneurs in India: Sundar Pichai Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the company would help one million women in villages to become entrepreneurs by providing business tutorials, mentorship and accelerator programmes.

M Venkaiah Naidu compliments Mallikarjun Kharge on becoming new Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu complimented Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on becoming the new Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. He said, leader of opposition plays a major role in smooth functioning of the House.

122 NACs identified under National Clean Air Programme: Govt The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry has said that a total of 122 non-attainment cities, NACs have been identified under the National Clean Air Programme. More than two thousand 200 crore rupees have been released in the financial year 2020-21 to tackle the problem of air pollution.

PM inaugurates Maitri Setu between India and Bangladesh Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurating the Maitri Setu on Feni river connecting Sabroom in South Tripura to Ramgarh in Bangladesh said that the bridge on Feni river connecting India and Bangladesh will help improve connectivity and enhance economic opportunities for people of both the countries.

ISRO develops radar for joint earth observation satellite mission with NASA ISRO has completed development of a Synthetic Aperture Radar capable of producing high-resolution images for a joint earth observation satellite mission with the U.S. space agency NASA. The mission is targeted to be launched in 2022.

157 new medical colleges approved under CSS in three phases: Government The Government said that 157 new medical colleges have been approved under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) in three phases. These new medical colleges are attached with existing district and referral hospitals.

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal flags off 3000 HP Cape Gauge Locomotive for export to Mozambique Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal today flagged off 3000 HP Cape Gauge Locomotive indigenously developed by Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi through video conferencing along with Minister of Transport and Communications of Mozambique Janfar Abdulai.

Cabinet approves 'PM Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi' as single non-lapsable reserve fund The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN) as a single non-lapsable reserve fund for share of Health from the proceeds of Health and Education Cess levied under Finance Act, 2007. The major benefit of PMSSN will be enhanced access to universal and affordable health care through availability of earmarked resources, while ensuring that the amount does not lapse at the end of financial year.

Labour Minister launches convergence of ESI Scheme with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in 113 districts Union Minister for Labour and Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar launched the convergence of ESI Scheme with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, PM-JAY in 113 districts of Chhatisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

INS Karanj – 3rd Kalvari class submarine commissioned into Indian Navy Indian Navy’s third stealth Kalvari class Submarine INS Karanj has been commissioned at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai through a formal commissioning ceremony. INS Karanj would form part of the Western Naval Command’s Submarine fleet and would be another potent part of the Command’s arsenal.

Nitin Gadkari inaugurates two Technology Centres, three Extension Centres of MSME Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated the two Technology Centres and three Extension Centres of MSME virtually. The Technology Centres which were inaugurated, have been set up at Visakhapatnam and Bhopal and the Extension Centres at Srinagar, Jaipur and Nagaur.

Work on floating solar power plant in final stages The country’s biggest floating solar power plant(100 megawatt), by generation capacity, till date being developed by NTPC in the reservoir of its thermal plant at Ramagundam in Peddapalli district of Telangana is set to be commissioned by May-June next.

India, Japan space agencies review ties Indian and Japanese space agencies have reviewed cooperation in earth observation, lunar cooperation and satellite navigation, and also agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in “space situational awareness and professional exchange programme”.

Digitisation of 4.50 cr pages of Records and Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi & the Non-Cooperation Movement inaugurated Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel has inaugurated Digitisation of 4 crore 50 lakh pages of Records and Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi & the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Mera Ration Mobile App for migratory ration card holders launched Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched Mera Ration Mobile App for the benefit of those ration card holders who move to new places in search of livelihood.

GP Samanta Appointed As The New CSI For A Term Of 2 Years GP Samanta, an advisor in the Department of Statistics and information management (DSIM), Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was appointed as the 4th Chief Statistician of India (CSI) for a term of 2 years.

PM inaugurates curtain raiser activities of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ India@75 Prime Minister, Narendra Modi flagged off the ‘Padyatra’ (Freedom March) from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad and inaugurated the curtain raiser activities of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (India@75).

Isro launches sounding rocket RH-560 to study attitudinal variations The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) launched a sounding rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, to study attitudinal variations in the neutral winds and plasma dynamics.

Ranjit Hoskote released his New Poetry book titled ‘Hunchprose’ The Indian poet, art critic, cultural theorist, and independent curator Ranjit Hoskote released his recent 8th poetry collection titled ‘Hunchprose’in English.


Centre announces new scheme for tourist vehicle operators to boost tourism The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced a new scheme for tourist vehicle operators. Any tourist vehicle operator may apply for an All India tourist authorization and permit through online mode.

Centre reconstitutes panel for studying Sarasvati river The Centre has reconstituted an advisory committee to chalk out a plan for studying the mythical Sarasvati river for the next two years, after the earlier panel’s term ended in 2019. The committee would continue to be chaired by the Culture Minister.

Rajya Sabha passes National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2019 Rajya Sabha passed the National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2019 today. The bill aims to declare certain institutions of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management to be the institutions of national importance.

Allow transgenders to enrol in NCC: Kerala HC Kerala High Court directed the Centre and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to amend the enrolment criteria under Section 6 of the National Cadet Corps Act and include transgender persons in it for their enrolment in the NCC. Justice Anu Sivaraman ordered the Centre and the NCC to take steps to amend the Act in six months.

386 electric charging stations installed in 13 states, UTs: Prakash Javadekar Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Prakash Javadekar has said that a total of 386 electric charging stations have been installed in 13 States and Union Territories

Cabinet approves MoU between India, Maldives on Cooperation in Sports & Youth Affairs The Union Cabinet was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment of Maldives for cooperation in Sports and Youth Affairs.

Parliament passes bill providing outer limit of 24 weeks for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Parliament has passed the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 with the Rajya Sabha approving it. The Bill provides for an outer limit of 24 weeks for medical termination of pregnancy.

P.K. Sinha, Principal Adviser to PM, resigns P.K. Sinha, Principal Adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), has relinquished his high-profile position on personal grounds.

Govt. appoints new chiefs for CRPF, NSG The Union government named senior IPS officer Kuldiep Singh as the new Director General (DG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Another IPS officer of the 1986 batch M.A. Ganapathy of Uttarakhand cadre has been named as the DG of National Security Guard (NSG).

Indian Army decommissions two of longest serving artillery systems from service Indian Army has decommissioned two of the longest serving artillery systems from service. The 130mm Self Propelled M-46 Catapult Guns and the 160mm Tampella Mortars were decommissioned today at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges.

Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors to be operational in 2022 Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors will become operational in 2022 informed Railways's Minister Piyush Goyal in Lok Sabha.

Rajya Sabha passes National Commission for Allied & Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020 The Rajya Sabha passed the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020. The Bill seeks to regulate and standardise the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals. It defines ‘allied health professional’ as an associate, technician, or technologist trained to support the diagnosis and treatment of any illness, disease and injury.

Cabinet approves closure of Handicrafts & Handlooms Export Corporation of India Ltd The Union Cabinet has approved the closure of Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation of India Limited (HHEC). The Corporation has been continuously incurring losses since financial year 2015-16 and not earning sufficient income to meet its running expenses.

Need to take quick and decisive steps to stop second peak of Coronavirus, says PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need to take quick and decisive steps to stop the emerging "second peak" of Corona immediately. He warned that a countrywide outbreak can occur if this growing pandemic is not stopped now.

Government says there is no proposal to appoint a regulator for social media The Union government has said that there is no proposal to appoint a regulator for social media. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan appointed as Chairman of international body Stop TB Partnership Board Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan has been appointed as the Chairman of the international body Stop TB Partnership Board.

India, Kuwait to establish Joint Commission to enhance ties India and Kuwait have decided to establish a Joint Commission to enhance and deepen the ties of fraternity and friendship and support ways of cooperation in all fields.

SC stays ban on teachers contesting elections The Supreme Court of India stayed a Kerala High Court decision barring aided school teachers and non-teaching staff from contesting Assembly elections or engaging in political activities.

AIM, NITI Aayog, AWS announce new initiatives to boost innovation, entrepreneurship in India Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and Amazon Web Services announced new initiatives to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in India.

Govt introduces Vehicle Scrapping Policy for phasing out of unfit, polluting vehicles Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari introduced the Vehicle Scrapping Policy in the Lok Sabha aimed at creating an eco-system for phasing out unfit and polluting vehicles.


Govt will soon establish women helpline centres in foreign countries for distressed overseas residents: Smriti Irani Government will soon establish women helpline centres in foreign countries for distressed overseas residents. The Helpline Centres are being set up in other countries with the assistance of the Ministry of External Affairs.

8.76 gigawatt renewable energy capacity added in the country during year 2019-20 The New and Renewable Energy Ministry has informed that a total of 8.76 gigawatt renewable energy capacity has been added in the country during the year 2019-20.

UNDP launches ''Sahi Disha'' campaign to celebrate women''s livelihoods in rural India The UNDP has launched ''Sahi Disha'' campaign to celebrate women''s livelihoods and entrepreneurship in rural India.

Indo-Uzbekistan field Training Exercise culminates in Uttarakhand The second edition of Indo-Uzbekistan Joint Field Training Exercise, EXERCISE DUSTLIK-II culminated after 10 days of mutual learning.

Defence Ministry inks contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for nearly 5,000 Anti-Tank Guided Missiles Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for supply of four thousand 960 MILAN-2T Anti-Tank Guided Missiles to Indian Army.

Lok Sabha passes Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill Lok Sabha has passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2021. The Bill seeks to amend the Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 and provide for removal of distinction between captive and merchant mines. The Bill empowers the Central Government to issue directions regarding composition and utilization of funds maintained by the District Mineral Foundation.

Arindam Bagchi assumes charge as new Spokesperson of MEA A 1995 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Arindam Bagchi assumed charge as the new Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs.

ISRO to establish space technology incubation center at NIT Rourkela The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will set up a Space Technology Incubation Center (S-TIC) at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) to carry out research and product development in space technology field.

Power Minister Shri R K Singh launches GRAM UJALA in Bihar Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, R K Singh launched the ‘GRAM UJALA’ programme in Arrah, Bihar. Under the programme, 15 Million (1.5 Crore) LEDs with 3 years of warranty will be given to rural customers on submission of working condition incandescent bulbs.

India crosses milestone in setting up of 70 thosuand Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres providing healthcare to more than 41 crore people India has crossed a key milestone in universal primary healthcare. The target of operationalizing 70 thousand Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres by 31st March has been achieved ahead of time.

Defence Ministry inks contract with MDSL for supply of 1,300 Light Specialist Vehicles to Indian Army Defence Ministry signed a contract with Mahindra Defence Systems Limited for supply of 1,300 Light Specialist Vehicles to the Indian Army at a cost of ₹1056 crore. The induction of vehicles is planned to be completed in four years.

Parliament passes Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2021 The Parliament has passed the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2021 with Rajya Sabha passing it. The Bill seeks to modify the list of Scheduled Castes in Tamil Nadu. The Bill replaces the entry for the Devendrakulathan community with Devendrakula Velalar which includes Devendrakulathan, Kalladi, Kudumban, Pallan, Pannadi and Vathiriyan.

U.P., M.P. sign deal on Ken-Betwa link work The governments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have signed an agreement that nudges forward a long-stalled multi-crore, controversial project to link the Ken and the Betwa rivers and irrigate the water-deficient Bundelkhand region, spread over both States, and provide electricity.

Centre asks states, UTs to increase gap between two doses of Covishield between four & eight weeks Centre has written to States and Union Territories to increase the interval between two doses of COVISHIELD to 4 to 8 weeks based on recommendation of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization, NTAGI and NEGVAC.

Union Cabinet approves Covid-19 vaccination for all above 45 years of age from April 1 Centre has opened Covid19 vaccination for everyone aged above 45 starting 1st of April. Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting in New Delhi yesterday, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar requested all eligible people to immediately register and get vaccinated.

Cabinet okays signing of MoU between UPSC, Afghanistan's IARCSC Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), India and Independent Administrative Reforms and Civil Services Commission (IARCSC), Afghanistan.

CJI Justice recommends Govt to appoint Justice N V Ramanna as next Chief Justice of India Chief Justice of India Justice S A Bobde has recommended Union Government to appoint the senior most Supreme Court Judge Justice N V Ramanna as the next Chief Justice of India.

Rajya Sabha approves Bill empowering Delhi L-G The Rajya Sabha passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill that seeks to empower the Lieutenant-Governor in Delhi. The Bill states that the government in the national capital territory of Delhi means the “Lieutenant-Governor”.

Lok Sabha passes Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill 2021 Lok Sabha has passed the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill 2021. The Bill seeks to amend the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and include authorizing District Magistrate including Additional District Magistrate to issue adoption orders to ensure speedy disposal of cases and enhance accountability.


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National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill passed by Parliament to regulate practice of allied and healthcare professionals Parliament has passed the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2021. The Bill seeks to set up a National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions to regulate and standardize the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals.

Majestic Tulip garden on foothills of Zabarwan Mountains, J&K opened for visitors Asia's largest tulip garden, situated on the banks of the Dal Lake in Kashmir was opened to the public. The majestic garden in the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains.

NHAI to develop world class ‘Wayside Amenities’ at more than 600 locations The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will develop world class ‘Wayside Amenities’ at more than 600 locations across 22 states in the next five years. Out of these, 130 are targeted for development in 2021-22.

Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Vajra’ commissioned to the Indian Coast Guard Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Vajra’ was commissioned by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff today at Kattupalli in Chennai. This is the sixth in the series of seven Offshore Patrol Vessel constructed by M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd

Army's evaluation criteria arbitrary, says SC ordering permanent commission to women officers The Supreme Court said that women officers must be considered for permanent commission (PC) subject to disciplinary and vigilance clearance. The court also made strong observations about the Army's evaluation criteria to grant permanent commission to officers, calling it "arbitrary and irrational".

UIDAI, FCI get new heads in govt. reshuffle The Modi government appointed Saurabh Garg as the CEO of Unique Identification of Authority of India (UIDAI), Sanjeev Kumar as Chairman of Airports Authority of India and Atish Chandra as CMD of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in a large-scale reshuffle.

Poll bond sale can go ahead, says SC The Supreme court rubbished the charge of electoral bonds facilitating anonymous and hefty donations from corporate houses to different political parties. Anyone buying bonds would have to fulfil KYC (Know Your Customer) norms, the court said.

India- Bangladesh sign 5 MoUs, announce new train connecting Dhaka to New Jalpaiguri India and Bangladesh signed 5 MoUs in the fields of Disaster Management, trade, NCC, ICT and setting up of sports facilities on the concluding day of the 2-day long official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

MoU signed for implementation of City-Specific Action Plans in 132 cities under NCAP Representatives of State Pollution Control Boards, Urban Local Bodies Institutes of Repute (IoR) for 132 identified cities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementation of city specific action plans under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Cochin Shipyard Ltd. delivers MV 'Sindhu', passengers cum Cargo Vessel for Andaman & Nicobar Cochin Shipyard Ltd. delivers MV 'Sindhu' A 500 pax passengers cum 150 MT Cargo Vessel built indigenously for Andaman and Nicobar.

SC lays down timeline for accident information reports The Supreme Court has directed police stations to send accident information reports to Motor Accident Claims Tribunals and insurers within 48 hours of a road accident. This is part of a set of eight directions issued by the court to prevent delays in disbursement of compensations to victims.

6th round of India-Australia Dialogue on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation & Export Control takes place virtually The sixth round of India-Australia Dialogue on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Export Control was held virtually. The two sides exchanged views on contemporary issues of mutual interest in the areas of nuclear, chemical, biological disarmament and non-proliferation, conventional weapons, outer space security and strategic export control.

Centre proposes upto 25 % tax concession on purchase of new vehicles on submission of scrappage certificate Centre has proposed up to 25 percent tax concession on the purchase of new vehicles on submission of scrappage certificate. Under the draft rules, people will get 25 percent concession on the purchase of personal vehicles with vehicle scrappage certificate while on the purchase of commercial vehicles, the tax relief will be 15 percent.

22 routes inaugurated under UDAN scheme in 3 days A total of 22 new flights under regional connectivity scheme UDAN were started in the last three days, said the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Indian Navy to take part in French Naval Exercise in Bay of Bengal along with other QUAD member Countrie India is to participate in France-led naval drill La Perouse for the first time in the Bay of Bengal next month. Australia, Japan and the US will also participate in La Perouse, but India’s first-ever participation is seen as a significant step.

President undergoes successful bypass surgery President Ram Nath Kovind underwent a cardiac bypass surgery successfully at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. The surgery was successful.

Centre asks states to prepare a District Action Plan to check spread of COVID-19 The Centre has asked states to prepare a District Action Plan to check the spread of COVID 19. Under this plan, states have been asked to set up Emergency Operations Centers with a team to monitor the indicators, growth and spread of the virus round the clock.

Last date for filing of GST returns for 2019-20 fiscal extended till March 31 Finance Ministry has extended the due date for furnishing of the Annual returns GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C for the financial year 2019-20 to 31st of this month.

CBDT chief Mody gets another 3-month extension The re-appointment of Pramod Chandra Mody as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has been extended for a further period of three months. Mr Mody, a 1982-batch Indian Revenue Service officer, was appointed as the CBDT chief in February 2019.

IDBI Bank to set-off accumulated losses after declaring Q4 FY21 results IDBI Bank is planning to set off accumulated losses of


about ₹44,500 crore against the balance standing to the credit of the Securities Premium Account (SPA) after the declaration of its fourth quarter (Q4FY21) financial results.

GST collections up by 7 % to ₹1.13 lakh cr in February GST collections crossed the ₹1 lakh crore-mark for the fifth month in a row in February, rising 7% annually to over ₹1.13 lakh crore.

Govt releases 18th weekly installment of ₹four thousand crore to states to meet GST compensation shortfall Union Government has released the 18th weekly installment of four thousand crore rupees to the states to meet the GST compensation shortfall. Out of this, over three thousand 677 crore rupees has been released to 23 States and over 322 crore rupees has been released to the three Union Territories with Legislative Assembly.

Spectrum auction sees bids worth ₹77,146 crore The Union government received bids worth ₹77,146 crore on the first day of the auction for telecom airwaves, exceeding its own pre-bid estimates of about ₹45,000 crore.

BPCL to sell Numaligarh refinery stake for ₹9,876 cr. Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) has decided to sell its entire 61.65% stake in Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) for nearly ₹9,876 crore to a consortium of Oil India (OIL) and Engineers India (EIL) and the Assam government.

India is home to 177 billionaires; Ambani, Adani retain top 2 spots, says Hurun Rich List India has retained its third position on the list of countries with a maximum number of billionaires. According to Hurun Global Rich List 2021, there are a total of 209 Indian billionaires in the world, including 32 living outside the country. Out of the 209, India is home to 177 resident dollar billionaires. Reliance India Chairman Mukesh Ambani has retained the spot of India's wealthiest man.

PM Modi says India will invest 82 billion dollars in port projects by 2035 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India will invest 82 billion dollars in port projects by 2035. Prime Minister has emphasized on creating world class maritime infrastructure through various reforms to achieve the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

State Bank of India reduces home loan rates to 6.7 per cent State Bank of India has reduced home loan interest rates to 6.7 per cent. The Bank has said that, the interest rate of 6.70 per cent will be charged for loans up to ₹75 lakhs and 6.75 per cent for loans above ₹75 lakhs.

Exports dip 0.25% after rising for 2 months, imports grow 7% India’s merchandise exports dipped 0.25% in February to $27.67 billion dollars, while imports of goods rose almost 7% to $40.55 billion. The trade deficit widened by 25.8% from February 2020 to $12.88 billion.

Union Govt amends Insurance Ombudsman Rules for better resolution of policyholders’ complaints Union Government has amended Insurance Ombudsman Rules for better resolution of policyholders’ complaints regarding insurance service deficiencies. It is also intended to improve the working of the Insurance Ombudsman mechanism and resolution of complaints in a timely, cost-effective and impartial manner.

FDI equity inflow crosses $51 billion Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the country grew 24% to $9.2 billion in December 2020, taking the

total in the first nine months of 2020-21 to a record $67.54 billion, 22% higher than the same period in 2019-20. FDI equity flows accounted for a large chunk of this inflow, growing 40% in the same period to $51.47 billion in the April to December 2020 period, compared with $36.77 billion dollars during the same months in 2019.

AM/NS, Odisha ink ₹50,000-cr. steel plant pact The Odisha government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel for setting up a 12 million tonne (MT) per annum capacity steel project at an estimated investment of ₹50,000 crore in Kendrapara district.

EPFO retains annual rate of interest at 8.5% The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation decided to retain 8.5% annual rate of interest on provident fund deposits for 2020-2021 for its more than five crore subscribers.

China sets economic growth target ‘above 6%’ for 2021, defense budget to be hiked by 6.8% China has set an economic growth target of above 6 per cent for 2021. China’s planned defense spending will be about 209 billion U.S. dollars, up by 6.8% from 2020,

PLI plan will lead to output of $520 bn: PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, introduced by the government for about 13 sectors, will lead to production worth $520 billion in the country over the next five years.

Indian Bank okays divesting stake in ASREC State-owned Indian Bank will divest stake in joint venture entity ASREC (India) Ltd as part of asset monetisation exercise. The bank holds a 38.26 per cent stake in ASREC (India) Ltd. ASREC is an asset reconstruction company in which Bank of India, Union Bank of India, LIC and Deutsche Bank are the shareholders.

Utkarsh SFB files papers for ₹1,350-cr. IPO Utkarsh Small Finance Bank (SFB) has filed preliminary papers with markets’ regulator SEBI to raise ₹1,350 crore through an initial share sale.

ICICI Bank cuts home loan rate to 6.70 per cent ICICI Bank cut interest rate on home loans to 6.7%, at par with market leader SBI, as part of a limited period offer. The lender said the interest rate offering, valid till March 31, is the lowest in a decade.

HDFC ERGO launches Business Kisht Suraksha cover HDFC ERGO General Insurance has launched the “Business Kisht Suraksha” cover with the aim of protecting the balance sheet of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), financial institutions and banks if any catastrophe or a natural disaster occurs.

NPCI Partners SBI Payments to launch “RuPay SoftPoS” for Merchants National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and SBI Payments have partnered to launch “RuPay SoftPoS” for Indian merchants. The RuPay SoftPoS solution will provide a cost-effective acceptance infrastructure to retailers at a nominal cost.

Ola plans to invest $2 billion in TN two-wheeler factory On around 500 acres of land in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district, Ola Electric Mobility Pvt. Ltd is building what it calls a ‘Future Factory’. This factory will produce 10 million e-scooters every year, making it the largest two-wheeler maker globally.

IndusInd Bank promoters’ stake increases marginally The shareholding of IndusInd Bank promoters in the private sector lender has increased marginally to 16.56 per cent.


Banks lower home loan rates to a ten year low The interest rates on home loans have hit a decadal low as several leading banks slashed their lending rates in the past few days. Nationalized banks like State Bank of India, HDFC, ICICI and Kotak Mahindra Bank have reduced their rates to a 10-year low level.

WCD Ministry signs agreement with Invest India in New Delhi to enhance cooperation Union Ministry of Women and Child Development signed an agreement with Invest India in New Delhi to enhance cooperation with an aim to enhance co-operation in the thematic areas of Nutrition, Child Protection and Development, Women Empowerment and convergent capacity building in mission mode.

Defence & Aerospace sectors receive FDI worth ₹4191 crore till January this year Defence and Aerospace sectors have received foreign direct investment worth of four thousand 191 crore rupees till January this year. This was stated by Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

More than 81% accounts under Stand Up India Scheme belong to women entrepreneurs: Govt Government has said that more than 81 percent accounts under Stand Up India Scheme and about 68 percent of loan accounts under MUDRA scheme belong to women entrepreneurs.

Banks wrote off ₹1.2 lakh cr. in 9 months Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that banks have written off bad loans to the tune of ₹1.15 lakh crore during the first three quarters of the current fiscal (FY21).

Cairn wins nod from U.S., U.K., other courts for $1.4 bn award Courts in five countries including the U.S. and the U.K. have given recognition to an arbitration award that asked India to return $1.4 billion to Cairn Energy plc.

India's GDP to expand by 12.6 percent says Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has raised the projection for India’s economic growth rate by 4.7 percentage points at 12.6 per cent for 2021-22. It, however, pegged economic growth rate to come down to 5.4 per cent in 2022-23.

GST compensation shortfall released to States reaches to one lakh six thousand crore rupees The GST compensation shortfall released to States has reached to one lakh six thousand crore rupees. Finance Ministry has released the 19th weekly instalment of two thousand 104 crore rupees to the States to meet the GST compensation shortfall.

LIC-owned IDBI Bank exits PCA framework The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removed IDBI Bank from its enhanced regulatory supervision, or the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework, after almost four years, on improved financial performance.

Govt. defers merger of BSNL, MTNL The merger of the two telecom public sector units — BSNL and MTNL — has been deferred due to financial reasons, including high debt of MTNL, the government informed Parliament.

Centre releases Revenue Deficit Grant of over ₹6,194 crore to 14 States The Centre has released Revenue Deficit Grant of over ₹6,194 crore to 14 States.With the release of this installment, a total amount of ₹74,340 crore has been released to eligible States as Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant in the current financial year.

MFI gross loan portfolio grew 6.4% as of Dec. The gross loan portfolio of the microfinance sector grew by 6.4% to ₹2.27 lakh crore as of December 2020 as against ₹2.13 lakh crore a year earlier, according to a report by credit information bureau CRIF High Mark.

PLI: Centre’s nod for 33 API applications The government has approved 33 applications with a committed investment of ₹5,082.65 crore under the production linked incentive scheme for active pharmaceutical ingredients.

India's industrial output slips back into negative territory in January The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) declined by 1.6 per cent in January on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, as against 1.56 per cent growth in the previous month, according to the data released by the National Statistical Office.

SEBI Forms Expert Group Under PMAC to Examine Feasibility of SPACs Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had formed the Group of Experts under its Primary Market Advisory Committee (PMAC) to check the feasibility to implement Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) like structures in India.

Karur Vysya Bank and Cholamandalam in co-lending pact Karur Vysya Bank and Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Ltd (Chola), the financial services arm of the Murugappa Group, have announced a co-lending partnership.

Finance ministry asks Sebi to revoke 100-year maturity rule on AT1 bonds The finance ministry has written to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), requesting it to withdraw a rule that fixes the tenor or maturity of all perpetual bonds at 100 years.

Gautam Adani beats Musk, Bezos with biggest wealth surge Gautam Adani has added more billions to his wealth than anyone else in the world this year on the back of investor excitement around his ports-to-power plants conglomerate. The net worth of Adani has jumped $16.2 billion in 2021 to $50 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

BNP Paribas Cardif has sold a 4.99% stake in SBI Life Insurance The foreign partner of SBI Life Insurance, BNP Paribas Cardif (BNPPC), sold the major part of its share in SBI Life through the open market process. Over 5 crore shares are sold which is around 4.99% stake.

Axis Bank Launches Wear N' Pay NFC-Enabled Wristband for Contactless Payments Axis Bank has unveiled three NFC (near-field communication)-enabled wearable tech to promote contactless payments in India.

Bank credit grows by 6.63 per cent According to the recent data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), bank credit rose by 6.63 per cent to ₹107.75 lakh crore and deposits grew by 12.06 per cent to ₹149.34 lakh crore in the fortnight ended February 26.


February WPI inflation at 27-month high, rises to 4.17 per cent The wholesale price-based inflation rose to 4.17 percent to hit 27 months high in February this year. WPI rose mainly due to rise in food, fuel and manufactured goods prices. Retail inflation also climbed to a three-month high of 5.03 in February this year.

RBI asks banks to implement image-based Cheque Truncation System in all branches by Sep 30 Reserve Bank of India has asked banks to implement the image-based Cheque Truncation System (CTS) in all branches by September 30 this year. The move is aimed at faster settlement of cheques resulting in better customer service.

Trade deficit widens to $12.62 billion India’s exports grew marginally by 0.67% to $27.93 billion in February while imports rose by 6.96% to $40.54 billion. The trade deficit widened to $12.62 billion in February compared with $10.16 billion a year earlier. Exports during April-February 2020-21 period contracted by 12.2% to $256.18 billion compared with $291.87 billion in the year-earlier period.

No proposal to bring petroleum products under GST, says Govt The Union government said that there is no proposal right now to bring crude petroleum, petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, natural gas under the Goods and Service Tax.

Cabinet approves bill to set up DFI with initial capital of ₹20 thousand crore The Union Cabinet has approved a bill to set up Development Finance Institution (DFI) with an initial capital infusion of 20 thousand crore rupees. DFI is expected to raise long-term funds for infrastructure development projects in the country.

Permission to new private banks for conducting govt-related business will be given under RBI guidelines Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that permission to new private banks for conducting government-related business will be given under the RBI guidelines.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman says all banks will not be privatised The Finance Minister said that all banks will not be privatised and assured that wherever it happens, every interest of the employees and staff will be protected.

Exports rise 17.3% to $14 bn in first 2 weeks of March India’s exports grew 17.3% to $14.22 billion during March 1-14 compared with a year earlier, according to the Commerce Ministry’s preliminary data. Imports during the period increased 27.8% to $22.24 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $8.02 billion, the data showed.

Delhi HC stays Future on Reliance deal The Delhi High Court ruled that Future Retail Limited (FRL) and its promoters including Kishore Biyani “deliberately and wilfully” violated the order of an emergency arbitrator (EA) restraining FRL from going ahead with its assets sale deal with Reliance Retail.

P-notes investment climbs to 33-month high at ₹91,658 cr in Feb Investments through participatory notes (P-notes) rose to ₹91,658 crore at February-end, making it the highest in 33 months, suggesting growing confidence of overseas investors.

20 states implement ease of doing business reforms The number of states who have successfully completed the “Ease of Doing Business” reforms has reached to

twenty. Five more States namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Meghalaya and Tripura have completed the “Ease of Doing Business” reforms stipulated by the Department of Expenditure.

HDFC Bank’s MSME book grows 30% to cross ₹2-lakh cr HDFC Bank’s MSME book grew 30 per cent year-on-year to cross the ₹2-lakh-crore-mark as of December-end, mainly boosted by the pandemic-induced ECLG scheme under which it disbursed over ₹23,000 crore.

FPIs net buyers at ₹8,642 crore in March so far Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have invested a net sum of ₹8,642 crore in Indian markets so far in March. According to depositories data, FPIs poured in ₹14,202 crore into equities but pulled out ₹5,560 crore from debt segment between March 1-19.

Parliament passes Insurance Amendment Bill, 2021 to increase FDI limit from 49% to 74% The Parliament has passed the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2021 with the Lok Sabha approving it today. The Bill provides to increase the foreign direct investment limit from existing 49 percent to 74 percent.

RBI names panel for bank licences The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has named members of the Standing External Advisory Committee (SEAC) for evaluating applications for universal and small finance banks. Shyamala Gopinath, former Deputy Governor, RBI, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Committee.

Govt. cancels plan to borrow ₹20,000 crore The Union government has decided to cancel its ₹20,000 crore borrowing scheduled for March 26 on review of the cash balance position, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said.

Sri Lanka secures $1.5 bn Chinese loan Sri Lanka and China have signed a $1.5 billion currency swap deal, the island nation’s central bank said, as it struggles with a major foreign exchange crisis and debt repayments.

SC refuses to extend 6-month loan moratorium period offered by RBI The Supreme Court of India refused to extend six-month loan moratorium period offered by the Reserve Bank of India and said complete waiver of interest during the moratorium could not be granted.

Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2021 Lok Sabha has passed the Finance Bill 2021 today which give effect to the financial proposals of the Central Government for the year 2021-22.

Adani to add stake in GPL for ₹3,604 cr. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) said it would acquire the 58.1% stake held by D.V.S. Raju and family in Gangavaram Port Ltd. (GPL) for ₹3,604 crore.

States to get ₹30,000-cr. in GST dues The Centre will release ₹30,000 crore as GST compensation to States this month, from the compensation cess collections during the year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha.

Provident fund contribution limit raised to ₹5 lakh per annum for tax-free interest Government has raised the limit for tax exemption on interest earned on provident fund contributions by employees to 5 lakh per annum in specified cases as against 2.5 lakh rupees proposed in the Budget.

Health covers for COVID-19 get more life Short term COVID-specific health covers Corona Kavach and Corona Rakshak will get a longer run with IRDAI permitting insurers to offer and renew them up to September.


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No digital tax if goods sold via India arm In a bid to provide a level-playing field, the government has decided not to levy 2% digital service tax if goods and services are sold through an Indian arm of foreign e-commerce players.

SEBI extends dividend policy to top 1,000 firms To strengthen corporate governance practices and disclosure requirements, markets regulator SEBI decided that the top 1,000 listed firms listed on the stock exchanges should formulate a dividend distribution policy.

Tata-Mistry Case: Supreme Court rules in favour of Tatas against Mistry, sets aside NCLAT order The Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of Tata Sons, allowing the conglomerate's appeals against the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) order reinstating Cyrus Mistry as Chairman.

Anish Shah to helm M&M as MD, CEO Anish Shah, deputy MD and group CFO, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) will take over as MD and CEO effective April 2, the board announced.

Japan to fund A&N, metro expansion In the first-ever official development assistance (ODA) project in Andaman & Nicobar (A&N), Japan has approved grant aid worth ¥4.02 billion, or ₹265 crore, to improve the power supply in the islands, stressing the strategic geopolitical location of the islands for an open Indo-Pacific.

BharatPe launched D2R Finance to provide instant liquidity for SMEs BharatPe, a fintech company for merchants launched its lending product- Distributor to Retailer (D2R) Finance, to provide instant liquidity to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

HDFC Bank Named India’s Best SME Bank by Asiamoney HDFC Bank has been adjudged as the ‘India’s Best Bank for SMEs’ at the Asiamoney Best Bank Awards 2021.

With the latest $234-m fund-raise, Chennai-based NBFC Five-Star turns a unicorn Five Star Business Finance has raised $234 million in primary and secondary capital and has been valued at $1.4 billion, up from $950 million in July 2019, making it India's fourth unicorn in 2021.

HDFC Bank, SBI, others not adhering to norms on bulk SMSes, says Trai The telecom regulator released a list of 40 "defaulter" principal entities, including large banks like HDFC Bank, SBI and ICICI Bank, that are not fulfilling the regulatory norms on bulk commercial messages despite repeated reminders.

Biocon ties with Brazil’s Libbs for generic drugs Biopharmaceutical major Biocon said wholly owned subsidiary Biocon Pharma has formed a partnership with Brazilian firm Libbs Farmaceutica to unveil generic drugs in Brazil, the world’s sixth-most populous country.

India to set up new DFI with initial paid-up capital of around 3 bn dollars Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that India is going to set up a new Development Financial Institution with initial paid-up capital of around 3 billion Dollars with a lending target of 69 billion Dollars in next three years

Centre releases GST compensation of 30 thousand crore rupees to states as part compensation Centre has released GST compensation of 30 thousand crore rupees to states as part compensation admissible for

2020-2021. The total amount of compensation released so far for the year 2020-21 is 70 thousand crore rupees.

Centre approves issuance of 16th tranche of electoral bonds The Ministry of Finance has informed that the issuance of the 16th tranche of electoral bonds will be open for sale from April 1 to 10. Electoral bonds have been pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring transparency in political funding.

RGIA gets Airport Service Quality award Hyderabad International Airport has once again won laurels in the annual Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey with the airport being adjudged ‘Best Airport by Size and Region’ in Asia-Pacific Region for 2020, in its category of 15-25 million passengers per annum (MPPA).

Ravichandran Ashwin declared Player of the month by ICC India's premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was named the ICC men's Player for the Month of February for his stellar show against England in a four-match Test series at home. England's Tammy Beaumont was adjudged the women's Player of the Month.

Chess player Koneru Humpy from Andhra Pradesh wins BBC ISWOTY for 2020 Chess player Koneru Humpy from Andhra Pradesh has won the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award (ISWOTY) for 2020, following a public vote. Former long jumper Anju Bobby George was given the Lifetime Achievement award for her contribution to Indian sport. Emerging Player of the Year award was won by shooter Manu Bhaker .

Ambassador of India to Thailand receives King Bhumibol World Soil Day - 2020 Award for ICAR Ambassador of India to Thailand Suchitra Durai received the prestigious King Bhumibol World Soil Day - 2020 Award of Food and Agriculture Organization on the behalf of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou wins 2020 Ibrahim Prize Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou has won the 2020 Ibrahim Prize ($5 million award) for Achievement in African Leadership.

Grammys 2021: Beyonce Makes History The 63rd edition of the Grammys were historic for Beyonce, who is now the female artist with the most trophies. Beyonce has 28 Grammys now, surpassing the record held by singer Alison Krauss. Record of the Year: Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish Album of the Year: Folklore by Taylor Swift Song of the Year:I Can't Breathe by H.E.R

Holding awarded Best pundit at British Sports Journalism Award West Indies cricket great Michael Holding, who came out in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement, has been named the ‘Best Pundit’ at the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards 2020.

Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal awarded 2021 Pritzker prize French architects Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal have been announced as the 2021 laureates of the Pritzker architecture prize — the award often referred to as architecture’s highest honor.


PERSONS IN NEWS

(National and International)

Amitabh Bachchan Honoured With FIAF Award Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) Award 2021.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman conferred Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 The Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2020 is being conferred on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The prestigious prize for the year 2019 is being conferred on late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman.

67th National Film Awards - 2019 were announced Best Feature Film: Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (Malayalam) Best Hindi Film: Chhichhore Best Actor (shared): Manoj Bajpayee for Bhonsle (Hindi), and Dhanush for Asuran (Tamil) Best Actress: Kangana Ranaut for Panga (Hindi) and Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (Hindi) Best Director: Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan for Bahattar Hoorain (Hindi) Best Music Direction: D. Imman for Viswasam (Tamil) Best Children’s Film: Kastoori (Hindi) Best Film on Environment Conservation: Water Burial (Monpa) Best Film on Social Issues: Anandi Gopal (Marathi) Best Film on National Integration: Tajmahal (Marathi) Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Maharishi (Telugu)

Hindi Writer Prof. Sharad Pagare to be conferred with Vyas Samman – 2020 Well known Hindi writer Prof. Sharad Pagare will be conferred with the prestigious Vyas Samman - 2020 for his novel 'Patliputru Ki Samragi.'

Prakash Javadekar congratulates Mahinder Giri for winning International Ranger Award Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar has congratulated Mahinder Giri, range officer of Rajaji Tiger Reserve for being the only ranger from Asia to win the prestigious International .

Nicolas Sarkozy Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been convicted of corruption. Judges found Sarkozy guilty of trying to bribe a judge and of influence-peddling and sentenced him to three years in jail, with two years suspended.

Nand Kumar Singh Chauhan BJP MP from Khandwa, Nand Kumar Singh Chauhan passed away in Medanta Hospital, Delhi-NCR. He had tested positive for COVID19 and was undergoing treatment at Delhi.

Mary Kom Six-time world champion pugilist Mary Kom has been appointed as the Chairperson of the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) champions and veterans committee.

George Muthoot MG George Muthoot, chairman of Muthoot Group, India’s largest gold finance company, passed away at the age of 72 in New Delhi.

Olivier Dassault French billionaire Olivier Dassault, a politician and scion of the Dassault aircraft-making family, was killed in a helicopter crash.

Trivendra Singh Rawat Trivendra Singh Rawat resigned as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, following a meeting with party president J.P. Nadda.

Tirath Singh Rawat Tirath Singh Rawat took oath as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand on Wednesday (March 10). He replaced Trivendra Singh Rawat who had stepped down from the post.

Hamed Bakayoko Prime Minister of Ivory Coast, Hamed Bakayoko, passed away in a hospital in Germany. He was appointed Prime Minister in July, following the sudden death of his predecessor Amadou Gon Coulibaly.

Dadi Hriday Mohini Dadi Hriday Mohini, the chief administrator of the spiritual movement Brahma Kumaris, died at a private hospital in Mumbai on Thursday. She was 93.

Marvin Hagler Former undisputed middleweight world champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler has died at the age of 66. The American dominated the middleweight division from 1979 until his controversial defeat by Sugar Ray Leonard in April 1987

Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair Noted Kathakali artist Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair passed away in Kozhikode, Kerala. Nation had awarded him with Padma Shri in 2017 for his contributions to Kathakali.

Duarte Pacheco Inter Parliamentary Union President Mr. Duarte Pacheco called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and witnessed the proceedings of the Upper House. Mr. Pacheco is on a week long visit to India on the invitation of Indian Parliament.

Jeanine Anez Bolivia’s former President Jeanine Anez was sent to four month jail term. Investigators are probing allegations that she helped in a coup that led to the removal of longtime leader Evo Morales from power in 2019.

Dilip Gandhi Former Union Minister and BJP leader Dilip Gandhi has passed away. Gandhi has represented the Ahmednagar South constituency three times as an MP.

John Magufuli Tanzania's President John Magufuli has passed away at a hospital in Dar es Salaam. He was 61. The President died of a heart ailment that he has battled for over 10 years.

Samia Suluhu Hassan Tanzania’s Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in as the East African country’s first female president after the sudden death of John Magufuli .

Sagar Sarhadi Noted writer and filmmaker Sagar Sarhadi, known for films like "Kabhi Kabhie", "Silsila", and "Bazaar", passed away due to age related issues. He was 88.

Vivek Murthy US Senate has voted to confirm Indian-American Dr Vivek Murthy to be President Biden's Surgeon General, handing the administration one of its top public health officials amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Anil Dharker Noted journalist and author Anil Dharker passed away in Mumbai. Anil Dharker was the founder and director of the Mumbai International Literary Festival.


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Vinesh Phogat bags Gold in Ukraine wrestling event Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won the gold medal in the women's 53-kg category at XXIV Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Mumbai beats ATKMB to top table, bags ACL berth Mumbai City FC scripted a 2-0 triumph over ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim to bag the ISL League Winners Shield and the coveted AFC Champions League spot that comes with it.

West Indies' Pollard becomes 3rd international cricketer to hit 6 sixes in an over West Indies superstar cricketer Kieron Pollard has become just the third batsman in international cricket to hit 6 sixes in an over. Pollard achieved the feat when he hit Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya out of the park 6 times in the 6th over of West Indies' successful chase in the first T20I.

Mary Kom settles for bronze M.C. Mary Kom (51kg) settled for bronze in the 35th Boxam International Boxing Tournament in Castellon, Spain after going down to American Virginia Fuchs in an intensely-contested semifinal.

India beats England in final Cricket Test match, Qualifies for World Test Championship Final India defeated England in the final Cricket test match at Ahmedabad to enter the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship. With this win, India clinched the four-match series 3-1.

Vinesh Phogat wins her 2nd gold in Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series event Vinesh Phogat won her second gold medal in the Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series event and reclaimed the top rank in her category in Rome.

PV Sindhu settles for silver medal in BWF Swiss Open Super 300 PV Sindhu settled for a silver medal in the BWF Swiss Open Super 300 at Basel, as she went down against World No. 3 Spaniard and reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin in the final of the women's singles event.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia clinches gold in Matteo Pellicon World ranking series in Rome World Championship bronze medallist Bajrang Punia has clinched a gold medal by defeating his familiar rival Tulga Tumur Ochir of Mongolia in the Matteo Pallicone World Ranking Series event in Rome.

Guptill stars as New Zealand claims T20 series A century opening stand by Martin Guptill and Devon Conway saw New Zealand clinch the Twenty20 series against Australia. Set 143 for victory in the fifth and final match, New Zealand won by seven wickets with 27 balls to spare and took the series 3-2.

Djokovic beats Federer’s record for most weeks at the No. 1 spot Novak Djokovic set a new landmark of 311 weeks as world number one, one week longer than Roger Federer

Manish Kaushik clinches gold at Boxam International Tournament Manish Kaushik clinched gold as Indian boxers concluded their impressive campaign at the Boxam International Tournament with 10 medals in Castellon, Spain.

India to play their inaugural WTC final against New Zealand in Southampton from June 18-22 India will play their inaugural World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl Stadium from June 18-22, confirmed BCCI president Sourav Ganguly.

Mithali Raj becomes 1st Indian woman cricketer to score 10K Int’l runs Indian women’s cricketer Mithali Raj has become the first Indian woman cricketer that has completed 10,000 international runs in all the cricket formats. She also becomes the second woman cricketer at the international level to complete 10000 runs.

Thomas Bach re-elected as International Olympic Committee president until 2025 Thomas Bach was re-elected as president of the International Olympic Committee for a final four-year term with his immediate focus on this year's delayed Tokyo Games.

Tare, Shaw power Mumbai to fourth title Skipper Prithvi Shaw's marauding 73 off 39 balls followed by former skipper Aditya Tare's unbeaten hundred guided Mumbai to their most deserving Vijay Hazare title triumph with a crushing six -wicket victory over Uttar Pradesh. This is Mumbai's fourth Hazare title.

Tennis: Garbine Muguruza wins Dubai final Two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza claimed a first WTA title in almost two years after winning the Dubai Championships.

Government to set up Winter Sports Institute in Gulmarg, says Kiren Rijiju Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that the government is working to set up a Winter Sports Institute in Gulmarg, Kashmir. This season witnessed unprecedented participation of Kashmiri youth.

Bravo century guides West Indies to victory Darren Bravo’s fourth ODI century guided the West Indies to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka and a clean sweep of the three-match series in Antigua.

Indian women lose 5th ODI to South Africa by 5 wickets, concede series 1-4 India women suffered a five-wicket defeat in the fifth and final ODI against their South African counterparts to lose the series 1-4 at Lucknow.

Dhanalakshmi breaks PT Usha's meet record at Federation Cup S Dhanalakshmi of Tamil Nadu ran a meet record time of 23.26 seconds in the Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championships in Punjab's Patiala. With her timing Dhanalakshmi beat PT Usha's 23-year-old, long-standing meet record of 23.30 seconds set in Chennai in 1998.

Nikhat Zareen stuns two-time world champion Nazym Kyzaibay India boxer Nikhat Zareen beat two-time world champion Nazym Kyzaibay of Kazakhstan to enter the women’s 51kg semifinal at the Bosphorus Boxing Tournament in Istanbul.

India beat England in final T20I to clinch five-match series, 3-2 India beat England by 36 run in the fifth and final T20 International at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this win, India have clinched the five-match series 3-2.

ISSF World Cup: Yashaswini Deswal wins 1st gold medal for India in Women's 10 Meter Air Pistol final


MISCELLANEOUS

Yashaswini Deswal bagged the first gold medal for India in the Women's 10 Meter Air Pistol final of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting range .

Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia wins All England Badminton C’ships Men's title Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia has won the All England Badminton Championships men's title as he defeated Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the summit clash. Japan's Nozomi Okuhara won the women's title.

India's Singhraj wins gold in Para Shooting World Cup 2021 Indian para-athlete Singhraj won gold medal in the 2021 Para Shooting World Cup at Al Ain in the UAE.

Indian Style Wrestling Association of India gets government recognition The Indian Style Wrestling Association of India (ISWAI) has officially been recognised as a National Sports Federation (NSF) by the Sports Ministry, making it eligible to receive fund and support from the government. Indian style wrestling is an indigenous sport played on mud.

India Legends beat Sri Lanka Legends in Road Safety World Series T-20 India Legends defeated Sri Lanka Legends by 14 runs in the final of Road Safety World Series to clinch the title at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

ISSF World Cup: India's Divyansh Singh Panwar & Elavenil Valarivan win gold medal India's Divyansh Singh Panwar and Elavenil Valarivan won the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup being held in Delhi.

Aishwary Tomar wins gold medal in men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions event India's Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won the gold medal in the men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi. The 20-year-old became the youngest in history to win a shooting World Cup gold in the 3 Positions event.

Chinki Yadav wins gold in women's 25m pistol event Chinki Yadav won the gold medal as Indian shooters swept the medals in the women's 25m Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi

Indian trio of Rahi Sarnobat, Chinky Yadav and Manu Bhaker clinch Gold in Women's 25m pistol team event In Shooting, India won gold in the women's 25m Pistol Team event at the ISSF World Cup in Delhi. India beat Poland in the final to win the country's 10th gold. The Indian women's team consists Rahi Sarnobat, Chinki Yadav and Manu Baker.

Indian team wins gold in 50 meter rifle Men’s Team event at ISSF World Cup in Delhi Indian trio of Niraj Kumar, Swapnil Kusale and Chain Singh won the Gold medal in 50 meter rifle 3 positions Men’s Team event at the ISSF World Cup in Delhi. The Indian team comfortably defeated the Unites States 47-25 in the final.

Mendonca wins Hungarian meet Young Indian GM Leon Luke Mendonca emerged victorious in the 2nd Kumania GM chess tournament in Kisujszallas, Hungary, with a score of 6.5 points from nine rounds.

India beat England by seven runs in final ODI to clinch series 2-1 India beat England by seven runs in the third and final ODI in Pune last night to clinch the three-match series 2-1. Chasing a victory target of 330 runs, England could only reach 322 for nine in 50 overs.

India tops the medals tally with 15 gold, 9 silver & 6 bronze in ISSF Shooting World Cup India topped the medals tally at the ISSF World Cup with a whopping 30 medals in total - 15 gold, 9 silver and 6 bronze.

Orleans Masters: Krishna Prasad Garaga, Vishnu Vardhan lose Men's Doubles final In Badminton, the Indian duo of Krishna Prasad Garaga and Vishnu Vardhan Goud lost in the men's doubles final of Orleans Masters.

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton wins season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix for Mercedes after an epic, knife-edge thriller with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen over the final laps.

Rishabh Pant replaces injured Shreyas Iyer as Captain of Delhi Capitals for upcoming IPL Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the Delhi Capitals captain for this year IPL as Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of the season after he dislocated his left shoulder during ODI series against England.

UN General Assembly adopts India's resolution to declare 2023 as International Year of Millets The United Nations has unanimously declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. The 193 member UN General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by India and supported by over 70 nations declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

1st consignment of ‘red rice’ flagged off to US The first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off to the US. Iron rich ‘red rice’ is grown in Brahmaputra valley of Assam, without the use of any chemical fertilizer. The rice variety is referred as ‘Bao-dhaan’, which is an integral part of Assamese food.

More than 930 mn tonnes of food thrown away in waste bins every year: UN global report A new UN global report by UNEP and partner organization WRAP has revealed that more than 930 million tonnes of food is thrown away in waste bins every year. In the Food Waste Index Report 2021 revealed that 17 per cent of the food available to consumers in shops, households and restaurants is just dumped.

UN Crime Congress kicks off in Japanese city of Kyoto The UN Crime Congress has kicked off in the Japanese city of Kyoto with thorough anti-coronavirus measures in place.

France launches first military exercises in space France launched its first military exercise , codenamed "AsterX" in space this week to evaluate its ability to defend its satellites and other defense equipment from an attack.

First Meeting of BRICS CGETI held under India’s Chairship The first Meeting of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI) was held under India’s Chairship.


The theme of BRICS this year is -"BRICS at 15: Intra BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation, and Consensus”.

REC, PFC sign pact to finance hydropower project in Bhutan State-owned entities REC Ltd and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) have entered into a pact with Bhutan-based Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Ltd (KHEL) to finance a 600-megawatt hydroelectric project at Trashiyangtse in the neighbouring country.

Chinese capital faces largest sandstorm in a decade China's capital Beijing is facing a heavy sandstorm as the city was covered with a thick brown dust cover on Monday morning due to heavy winds blowing in from northern parts of China, reducing visibility to less than 1,000 meters.

India’s arms imports down by 33%:SIPRI Arms imports decreased by 33% between 2011–15 and 2016–20 while India continues to remain the second largest arms importer after Saudi Arabia, according to a report from Swedish think tank SIPRI. Russia was the largest arms supplier in both yearsFrance and Israel were the second and third largest arms suppliers in 2016–20.

Italy signs International Solar Alliance under amended ISA Framework Agreement Italy on Wednesday signed the International Solar Alliance under the amended ISA Framework Agreement. The amendments to the Framework Agreement of the ISA entered into force, opening its Membership to all Member States of the UN.

World Bank to provide USD 200 million to Bangladesh to support COVID 19 affected youth, returnee migrants The World Bank has approved USD 200 million to help Bangladesh to provide support and services to the low-income urban youths impacted by COVID 19 pandemic and the migrants who had to return involuntarily.

South Africa has world’s most dangerous roads; India in fourth place: Study South Africa has been ranked as the world’s most dangerous country to drive in while India came in at fourth place, according to a research study undertaken by international driver education company Zutobi. The safest roads in the world can be found in Norway, with its Scandinavian neighbour Sweden having the third safest roads while Japan took second place.

Australian authorities declare natural disaster in flood affected areas of New South Wales In Australia, the government has declared a natural disaster in large swaths of New South Wales as heavy rains continue to batter the state.

India ranks 40th on International Intellectual Property Index India ranked 40 among 53 global economies on the latest annual edition of the International Intellectual Property (IP) Index. The United States, Japan and Europe remained at the top of the global intellectual property rankings 2021.

India, Bangladesh making film titled ‘Bangabandhu’ On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, India and Bangladesh are together making a film titled Bangabandhu by the renowned film director Shyam Benegal.

Swarna Jayanti scholarship for youths of Bangladesh announced Prime Minister Modi announced Swarna Jayanti scholarship for youths of Bangladesh. The Swarna jayanti

Fellowship is a research fellowship awarded annually by the Department of Science and Technology of India.

Pakistan test-fires Nuclear-capable Ballistic Missile ‘Shaheen-1A’ Pakistan conducted a successful flight test of ‘Shaheen 1-A’ (Hatf IV) a Nuclear capable Surface-to-Surface ballistic missile. It has a range of 900 Kilometres.

New Book Titled “1232 km: The Long Journey Home” by Vinod Kapri To mark the first Anniversary of lockdown due to COVID-19, HarperCollins India publication announced the release of Vinod Kapri’s new book titled “1232 km: The Long Journey Home”.

Traffic resumes in Suez Canal after stranded cargo ship fully refloated The cargo 'Ever Given' which has blocked Suez Canal for almost a week has been freed and is now on the move.

India and US agree to revamp India-US Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP) Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm have agreed to revamp India-US Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP).

World Wildlife Day 2021 observed on March 3 World Wildlife Day is celebrated on March 3 every year. World Wildlife Day 2021 theme is "Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet.”

India to commemorate Chabahar Day India will commemorate Chabahar Day on March 4 on the margins of the Maritime India Summit-2021. The event will be held virtually. Ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan will participate in the event.

International Women's Day to be celebrated on March 8 International Women's Day will be celebrated on the 8th of March every year. The theme this year is - Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.

International Day of Forests: 21st March International Day of Forests is celebrated on 21st March. The day was founded by the Food and Agriculture Organization and United Nations in 2012.

World Water Day being observed on March 22 Every year March 22 is observed as World Water Day. The theme of this year is 'valuing water'.

Nation pays tributes to freedom fighters - Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev - on their martyrdom day The nation paid tributes to freedom fighters - Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev - on their martyrdom day on March 23. On this day in 1931, British rulers had executed them in Lahore for their revolutionary activities against the empire.

World Tuberculosis Day being observed on March 24 World Tuberculosis Day is observed on 24th March every year. The theme of World TB Day 2021 - ‘The Clock is Ticking’.

World Theatre Day 2021:March 27 World Theatre Day is annually observed across the globe on 27th March to create awareness about the importance of theatre arts.

current affairs capsule (march 2021)

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