“If you smile when you are alone, then you really mean it.”
Andy Rooney
“जब आसपास कोई न हों और आप मुस्कुराएं, तो आप वाकई में खुश हैं।”
एन्डी रूनी
Monday, March 01, 2021
Quote of the Day March 1, 2021
Current Affairs – March 1, 2021
India
ISRO launches 19 satellites including Brazil’s Amazonia 1 using PSLV-C51 rocket
India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C51 (PSLV-C51) rocket loaded with 19 satellites from Brazil, USA and India lifted off at 10.24 AM on February 28, 2021 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota (AP). 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. Amazonia-1 is the optical earth observation satellite of Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE). This satellite will provide remote sensing data to users for monitoring deforestation in the Amazon region and analysis of diversified agriculture across the Brazilian territory.
National Science Day celebrated on Feb 28
The National Science Day was celebrated on February 28, 2021 with its theme as: ‘Future of STI (Science, Technology and Innovation): Impacts on Education, Skills, and Work’. The Day is celebrated to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman effect’ by Indian physicist Sir CV Raman on this day in 1928.
Registration for Covid vaccination on Co-Win 2.0 will open on March 1
The next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive for people above 60 years and those aged 45 and above with comorbidities will begin from March 1 and registration on the Co-WIN2.0 portal will open at 9 am on March 1, 2021. Citizens will be able to register and book an appointment for vaccination, anytime and anywhere, using the Co-WIN 2.0 portal or through other IT applications such as Arogya Setu.
Cost of Covid-19 vaccine dose capped at ₹250 in private hospitals
Private hospitals functioning as COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs) may recover a charge subject to a ceiling of ₹250 per person per dose. The Ministry released a list of 20 co-morbidities that enhance the risk of mortality from COVID-19, and now allow beneficiaries in the 45-59 years age bracket to avail of the vaccine.
India describes Sri Lanka as “Priority One” partner in the defence sphere
India on February 28, 2021 described Sri Lanka as “Priority One” partner in the defence sphere and said the participation of its military aircraft in the 70th anniversary celebration of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is indicative of the growing cooperation, camaraderie and friendship between the two militaries. The SLAF is celebrating its 70th Anniversary on March 2.
Indian school students discover 18 new asteroids: International Astronomical Union
The International Astronomical Union (IAU), an organisation which assigns official names and designations to celestial bodies, has recently confirmed the discovery of 18 new asteroids by Indian students as part of a global science programme. The International Asteroid Discovery Project was conducted by STEM and Space along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) as part of a NASA citizen science project.
Economy & Corporate
Tenure of Pramod Chandra Mody as CBDT Chairman extended for 3 months
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 with effect from March 1, 2021, to May 31, 2021. Mody is a 1982-batch Indian Revenue Service officer, was appointed as the CBDT chief in February 2019.
World
Madagascar: Digital cobalt therapy machine donated by India inaugurated
India has donated an advanced telecobalt machine for cancer treatment, developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, to the island nation of Madagascar. The advanced digital cobalt therapy machine ‘Bhabhatron-II’ was inaugurated at the Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Hospital (HJRA) in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar by President Andry Rajoelina in February 2021.
65% low, lower-middle income nations slashed education budgets after COVID-19
Education budgets were cut by 65% of low and lower-middle income countries after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic while only 33% of high and upper-middle income countries did so according to World Bank. The report, compiled in collaboration with UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, said the current levels of government spending in low and lower-middle income countries fall short of those required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
China restricting basic freedoms: UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet
United Nations Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet has said that China is restricting basic civil and political freedoms in the name of national security and COVID-19 measures. Bachelet told the Human Rights Council that activists, lawyers and human rights defenders as well as some foreign nationals face arbitrary criminal charges, detention or unfair trials in China.
US FDA approves single-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has formally approved the single-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine. This is the third vaccine to be authorised in the country. The vaccine is set to be a cost-effective alternative to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and can be stored in a refrigerator instead of a freezer.
Israeli cargo ship named MV Helios Ray suffers an explosion in the Gulf of Oman
An Israeli cargo ship named MV Helios Ray suffered an explosion in the Gulf of Oman on February 26, 2021. On February 27, Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz said his “initial assessment” was that Iran was responsible for the explosion.
World
Vinesh Phogat wins gold in wrestling tournament in Kiev, Ukraine
India’s Vinesh Phogat on February 28, 2021 defeated V. Kaladzinskay of Belarus in the final to win gold in women’s 53 kg freestyle at the Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial tournament at Kiev, Ukraine.
Deepak Kumar wins silver at boxing tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria
Deepak Kumar’s fantastic run at the 72nd Strandja Memorial boxing tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria ended with a silver medal, after he lost the flyweight (52kg) final on a split verdict to Bulgaria’s Daniel Asenov, on February 27, 2021. Deepak, an Asian silver-winner, was up against Bulgaria’s Daniel Asenov, a two-time European championships gold-medallist.
On National Science Day, here’s all about Raman Effect or Raman Scattering
The discovery was significant in the field of physics as it gave proof of the quantum nature of light. It revolutionised multiple different domains of science and still forms the basis of varied applications in these fields. Every year India observes National Science Day on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. It was on this day that the announcement regarding the discovery was made and which led to winning the Nobel Prize in physics. The Indian government also honoured Raman with the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award.
Various programs are organised across the country to mark the National Science Day celebrations and motivate the students to opt for science as their career. Department of Science and Technology (DST also started the National Awards for Science Popularisation in February 1987 to recognise contribution in science through awards. The awards are given out on National Science Day under six categories.
This year, the government has decided "Future of STI: Impacts on Education, Skills, and Work" as the theme of this year's celebration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke about the scientist in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat and advised the youth of the country to read more about Indian scientists. "Today is National Science Day. It is dedicated to the discovery of the 'Raman Effect' by scientist Dr CV Raman. Our youth should read a lot about Indian scientists and understand the history of Indian science."
What is the 'Raman Effect’?
Raman Effect, also known as Raman Scattering, is the change in the wavelength of light that occurs when it is deflected by molecules. A light beam traversing through a transparent sample of a chemical compound sees a small fraction of the light emerging in a different direction to that of the incoming beam. A small part of that light has a differing wavelength from the incident light. This is because of the phenomenon known as Raman Effect.
The discovery was significant in the field of physics as it gave proof of the quantum nature of light. It revolutionised multiple different domains of science and still forms the basis of varied applications in these fields.
Source: HIndustan Times, 28/02/21
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Quote of the Day February 25, 2021
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”
Lord Buddha
“तीन चीजें अधिक समय तक नहीं छुपी रह सकती: सूरज, चंद्रमा और सत्य।”
भगवान बुद्ध
New Alpine Plant Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
A group of scientists of three institutes have discovered a new species of alpine plant in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The details were published in Biodiversitas: Journal of Biological Diversity.
About the New Alpine Plant Species
- The new species of plant belongs to the family of Himalayan sunflower.
- It has been named as Cremanthodium indicum.
- This species of plant generally flowers from July to August.
- It is endemic to the Penga-Teng Tso Lake of Tawang district.
- As per the IUCN Guideline, this alpine plant species has been listed as critically endangered.
Alpine Plants
The plants that grow in the alpine climate. Many of the plant species and taxon grow as a plant community in such alpine tundra including perennial grasses, forbs, sedges, mosses, cushion plants and lichens. These plants are adapted to harsh alpine climatic of environmental conditions such as dryness, low temperatures, wind, drought, ultraviolet radiation, poor nutritional soil and a short growing season.
Alpine climate
Typical weather for the regions that occurs above the tree line. It is also called as the mountain climate or highland climate.
Tree line
It is the edge of habitat at which trees are capable to grow. Tree line is found at high elevations and high latitudes. It the line beyond which the trees cannot tolerate environmental conditions like extreme snowpack, cold temperatures, or associated lack of moisture.
Tawang District
It is the smallest districts out of the 16 administrative districts of Arunachal Pradesh. It has a population of 49,977 which makes the state as eighth least populous district in India. This district is inhabited by the Monpa people.
NITI Aayog’s Draft National Policy on Migrant Workers
The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) recently published its draft national policy on migrant labours.
Highlights
- The policy was prepared in association with the working subgroup of officials and members of civil society.
- This draft policy is inspired by the rights-based approach which gain momentum during the return migration of around 10 million migrant workers from cities to their respective village during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.
Facts regarding draft national migrant labour policy
- The draft migrant workers policy describes two approaches regarding the policy design.
- The first approach focusses on cash transfers, special quotas, and reservations for the labours.
- The other approach seeks to enhance the agency and capability of community. Thus, in turn removes any of the aspects coming in the way of natural ability of the individual to prosper.
- The policy further rejects the handout approach and opts for a rights-based framework.
- Policy also seeks to remove the restrictions on true agency and potential of the migrant workers.
- The policy was formulated with the goal of “not providing any temporary or permanent economic aids as well as the social aids”.
- The policy further maintains that, “Internal Migration should be considered as an integral part of the development and government’s policies should be formulated in such a way that it facilitates the migration”.
What was the need of new policy?
This draft policy was formulated in the light of flaws in the existing laws. A report of 2017 also stated that the migrant workers should be integrated with all other workers so as to overarch the exploitation of workers by contractors. Further, in India the size of the unorganised sector is huge so a comprehensive policy was required to provide them a social protection.
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