Top Weekly Current Affairs – 27 December 2020 to 2 January 2021

Today, we will see the latest current affairs from 27th Dec-20 to 02nd Jan-21. This latest current affairs news is a must for aspirants of competitive exams. So let’s start!!!

Polity and Governance

1. Law Against Forced Religious Conversions Now in MP

The cabinet of Madhya Pradesh approved the law against the forced religious conversions which is apparently called Love Jihad.

The law is now applicable in the state namely MP Freedom of Religion Bill 2020.

The law addresses punishments and penalties that one may face in case of violation.  

2. Tamil Nadu gets its 38th District

Mayiladuthurai became the 38th district of Tamil Nadu after separating from Nagapattinam district.

The division took place on 28 December 2020 as K Palaniswami, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu inaugurated the new district. 

Environment and Ecology

1. New Species of Sun Rose in India

A team of Botanists discovered a new species of the wild sun rose called Portulaca Laljii. Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh in Eastern ghast is the location of discovery.

Some of the distinctive features of this new species are – tuberous root, reddish-pink flower, fruits, and copper brown seeds. The blooming season for them is from June to February. 

2. India’s First Pollinator Park 

The first pollinator park of India is now open in the Haldwani district of Uttarakhand.

The park will serve as a home to warriors pollinator species like butterflies, honeybees, birds, and insects and create awareness about their importance as well.

The research on their existence and the life cycle is another important reason for its opening. 

Economy and Infrastructure 

1. First Driverless Delhi Metro

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first driverless Metro in India on 28 December 2020. 

The train will function on the Magenta line of Delhi Metro as PM Modi launched it via video conferencing.

At the same time, he introduced Airport Express Line’s National Common Mobility Card.

2. The Highest GST Collection 

December 2020 saw the highest collection of Goods and Service tax in the country.

There was a 12% rise in the collection when compared to December 2019.

The main reason seems to be a rise in the import of goods by 27% and higher domestic revenue transactions by 8%. 

International Relations

1. Brexit Trade Deal

The Brexit Deal removes Great Britain from the European Union Territory.

The deal became official on 30 December 2020 as the leader of the European Union signed a cooperation agreement.

Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President was responsible for the signature. 

2. India as UNSC member

India will serve as a temporary member of the United Nations Security Council starting from 1 January 2021.

This is the 8th time that India became part of this council. It will serve as its president in August 2021 and then again in 2022.

The only permanent member of this council are – Russia, the US, France, China, and the UK. 

Science and Technology

1. Digital Ocean Application 

The  Ministry of Earth Sciences took the initiative to launch the Digital Ocean Applications this year.

The main aim of the application is to provide information related to marine and forensic services.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information was behind the development of the application. 

2. First Nuclear Reactor on Moon

The US government has given a green signal to set up the first nuclear reactor on the moon by issuing a directive.

The deadline for The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the US Energy Department is 2026 to complete this mission.

The design proposal for the same is expected to be ready by mid-2021.  

Awards and Prizes

1. The ICC Awards

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni again managed to win awards in different categories hosted by ICC.

Sir Garfield Sobers Award and the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade were won by Virat Kohli.

ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade was backed by the former Indian Cricket Team Captain,  MS Dhoni. 

2. Mother Teresa Memorial Awards

The 16th Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice was hosted by the Harmony Foundation.

The Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity was an initiative by Mother Teresa that endorsed the event this year.

Celebrating Compassion In Times Of Covid was the central theme of the event.

3. The Best Performing Civic body of India

Greater Vishakhapatnam Municipal Corporation managed to become the best performing Civic Body with continuous hard work and efforts.

The decision was taken by The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. This recognition is under the PMAY-Urban scheme of 2019.

4. Scientist of the Year

Heman Kumar Pandey is an Indian scientist who won the DRDO Scientist of Year Award for 2020.

He received for his contribution to the medicines industry particularly the herbal medicines of India called Lukoskin Drug. 

5. Richest Person in Asia

Zhong Shanshan, a Chinese businessman in the bottled water business became the richest man in Asia.

Mukesh Ambani from Reliance Group India and Jack Ma from Technology Industry of China is behind him on the list.

Before this Ambani was on top of the list. 

Summary

These are the top Current affairs news from 26th Dec 2020 to 02nd Jan 2021. Hope it was useful to you.