Top Weekly Current Affairs – 14 February 2021 to 20 February 2021

Today, we will see the latest current affairs from 14th Feb-21 to 20th Feb-21. This latest current affairs news is a must for aspirants of competitive exams. So let’s start!!!

Polity and Governance

1. E-Chhawani portal

The Defense minister of India, Rajnath Singh made the official launch of the E-chhawani portal on 16 February 2021.

This portal will allow over 20 lakh citizens to use municipal services in 62 cantonment boards. They can register companies and even file civil complaints and get the solution for it. 

2. All India Surveys

A software application for all India surveys was launched on 18 February 2021 by Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar. 

This also includes domestic workers and labor surveys along with instruction manuals and the questionnaire for all surveys.

The Labour Bureau conducts these surveys and has been functioning since 1920. 

Economy and Infrastructure

1. Mapping Policy of India

The mapping policy of India witnessed some major changes on 15 February 2021 mainly in terms of Indian companies.

Now, these companies have no restrictions for making changes to Indian territory’s digital maps and geospatial data.

The Union Ministry of Science and Technology made this official for all corporations and innovators. 

2. Production-linked Incentive Scheme 

The telecom sector received a green light from the union ministry for a production-linked incentive scheme worth Rs. 12,195 Cr.

This is only for a period of five years mainly to boost local components production. This is also to make India a global hub for telecom equipment manufacturing. 

3. Oil and gas projects in Tamil Nadu

The Prime Minister dedicated the Ramanathapuram-Thoothukudi gas pipeline and the Gasoline Desulphurisation Unit to the nation as he laid the foundation stone for them.

The event took place on 17 February in Tamil Nadu with an aim to achieve Urja Atmanirbharata by providing socio-economic benefits to the citizens.

International Relations

1. New Prime Minister of Italy

Italy chose Mario Draghi as its new prime minister on 13th February 2021.

He served as the previous Chief of the European Central Bank and his decision to become the PM comes between the economic recession going on in the country. This also bought political stability in the country. 

2. New DG of International Solar Alliance

The new Director-General of International Solar Alliance is Dr. Ajay Mathur after he managed to become a member of the ISA assembly. Mr. Upendra Tripathy was the DG before him since 2015.

ISA stands tall with 73 country members working towards safe, affordable, and sustainable energy. 

3. India – Australia Strategic Meet

The prime MInsters of both the nations sat together on 18 February 2021 to discuss common challenges faced by the countries including covid. They also focused on securing  Indo-Pacific oceans, circular economy, and media platform bills. 

4. India and Ethiopia

Both nations signed visa facilitation and leather technology agreement on 19 February 2021. 

The Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have been in India for four days since 16 February. The agreement was signed in the presence of the External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar.

Science and Technology

1. Fossils of the World’s Oldest Animal

The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters is known for many historic reasons but now it is more relevant. The fossil of the oldest animal, Dickinsonia, was found in these shelters.

The place is almost 50km away from Bhopal where the researchers of the Geological Survey of India found it. The animal fossil is as old as 550 million years.

2. Perseverance rover of NASA successfully lands on Mars

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Perseverance rover managed to land on the Jezero crater of Mars.

This took place on 18 February 2021 as the rover survived 7 minutes of the blazing plunge in the Martian Atmosphere. The rover left earth 7 months back and is likely to spend a few years or so studying life on the planet. 

Environment and Ecology 

1. Go Electric Campaign

Nitin Gadkari announced the go electric campaign on 19 February 2021 with an aim to promote the use of electric cooking, mobility, and EV charging infrastructure.

He highlighted the fact that “go electric” is future-oriented for sustainability, cost, and eco-friendly products. 

2. Tree City of the World 2020

Hyderabad became the tree city of the world in 2020 and is the only Indian city to receive this acknowledgement.

This recognition is by joint efforts of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Arbour day Foundation. The city was recognized for maintaining urban forests with other tree cities from the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. 

Art and Culture

1. Kumbh Mela 2021

While the vaccine drives continue in the country, Kumbh Mela 2021 is set to take place in Haridwar for 30 days.

The official announcement was made by Om Prakash, the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand on 18 February 2021. The pilgrims will have to present a covid negative report before they enter the premises of the festival.

Summary

These are the top Current affairs news from 14 February 21 to 20 February 21. Hope it was useful to you.