 Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed as the first female and first African Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She will take up her post on March 1 and her term until August 31, 2025.
Director-General of the World Trade Organization The director-general of the World Trade Organization is the officer of the World Trade Organization (WTO) responsible for supervising and directing the organization's administrative operations. Since the World Trade Organization's decisions are made by member states, through either a Ministerial Conference or through the General Council, the director-general has little power over matters of policy – the role is primarily advisory and managerial in nature. The director-general supervises the WTO secretariat of about 700 staff and is appointed by WTO members for a term of four years. About World Trade Organization (WTO) The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates and facilitates international trade between nations. It officially commenced operations on 1 January 1995, pursuant to the 1994 Marrakesh Agreement, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which was established in 1948. The WTO is the world's largest international economic organization, with 164 member states representing over 96% of global trade and global GDP.
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 Some villages in Nagaland are trying to revive a traditional form of punishment that seeks to check crime with an itch in time. Social offenders or violators of Naga customary laws have over the ages dreaded a cramped, triangular cage made from the logs of an indigenous tree that irritates the skin. Such itchy cages are referred to as khujli ghar in Nagamese. The cage is made of the logs of Masang-fung, a local tree that people avoid because of the irritation it causes.
26th “Hunar Haat” of indigenous artisans and craftsmen from across the country organized in New Delhi from 20th February 2021. The 26th “Hunar Haat” will be organised with the theme of “Vocal for Local” from 20th February to 01st March 2021 where more than 600 artisans and craftsmen, including a large number of women artisans, from more than 31 States/UTs will be participating.
About Hunar Haat Union Ministry of Minority Affairs is organising “Hunar Haat” of indigenous artisans and craftsmen from across the country. the “Hunar Haat”, a “perfect platform” to promote indigenous products of artisans and craftsmen from across the country, has provided employment and employment opportunities to more than 5 lakh artisans, craftsmen and artists.  National Science Day is celebrated each year on 28 February to commemorate the discovery of “Raman Effect” in 1928 by Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, which led to the Nobel Prize being awarded to him in the year 1930. Since that day, February 28 is being commemorated as National Science Day to recall the great discovery of CV Raman. The purpose of celebrating this day is to enhance scientific temper, popularization of science and encouraging innovative activities by infusing scientific temperament in the masses and to create a positive scientific research culture.
About Raman effect Raman effect, change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules. When a beam of light traverses a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound, a small fraction of the light emerges in directions other than that of the incident (incoming) beam. Two day conference on National Consultation on Opportunities and Challenges for Bamboo in India27/2/2021  Organized : National Bamboo Mission, Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
The National Bamboo Mission organized a two day conference on ‘National Consultation on Opportunities and Challenges for Bamboo in India’ through the virtual platform on 25th and 26th of February 2021. NITI Aayog and Invest India also joined hands with the National Bamboo Mission to conduct the event. The aim of the brainstorming session was to deliberate on the bamboo ecosystem for promoting the holistic growth of the sector across the entire value chain.
About National Bamboo Mission Restructured National Bamboo Mission approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 25-04-2018. The Mission envisages promoting holistic growth of bamboo sector by adopting area-based, regionally differentiated strategy and to increase the area under bamboo cultivation and marketing. Organiser : International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD)
The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) Symposium on Sustainable Development of Dams & River Basins was inaugurated on 24 Feb 2021. Organized in collaboration with Central Water Commission (CWC), Dam Rehabilitation Improvement Project (DRIP) and National Hydrology Project (NHP) under the aegis of International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) at New Delhi as Hybrid event from 24th - 27th February 2021. More than 300 delegates from across the country and abroad will participate in the Symposium.
About International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) The International Commission on Large Dams, or ICOLD, is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to the sharing of professional information and knowledge of the design, construction, maintenance, and impact of large dams. It was founded in 1928 and has its central office in Paris, France. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare finalized the products for One District One Focus Product (ODOFP). The products have been identified from agricultural, horticultural, animal, poultry, milk, fisheries and aquaculture, marine sectors for 728 districts across the country.
 G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) met on Friday 26 February 2021, for the first time Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting held under the Italian G20 Presidency. The event held in virtual mode. Under the Finance Track meeting, the G20 addressed global economic, fiscal and monetary issues. Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the Finance Track has been engaged in coping with the economic impact of the pandemic and fostering a strong, sustainable and inclusive economic recovery.
About G20 The G20 is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union. G20 founded in 1999 with the aim to discuss policy pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability.  Election Commission of India on 26 Feb 2021 announced the schedule for 2021 General Elections to State Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is committed to conduct free, fair, participative, accessible, inclusive and safe election to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry before the cessation of its term, in exercise of the authority and powers conferred upon under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Representation of the People Act, 1951.
About Article 324 Article 324 of the Constitution provides that the power of superintendence, direction and control of elections to parliament, state legislatures, the office of president of India and the office of vice-president of India shall be vested in the election commission. Representation of the People Act, 1951 The Representation of the People Act, 1951 is an act of Parliament of India to provide for the conduct of election of the Houses of Parliament and to the House or Houses of the Legislature of each State, the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of those Houses. It was introduced in Parliament by law minister Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The Act was enacted by the provisional parliament under Article 327 of Indian Constitution, before the first general election. Transforming iconic heritage, spiritual and cultural places in the country as ‘Swachh Tourist Destinations’ under Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G), the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti has announced the selection ofthe following Twelve (12) iconic sites under Phase IV of Swachh Iconic Places (SIP).
The initiative aims at enhancing the experience of both domestic and foreign visitors by improving the sanitation and cleanliness standards at and around the sites. The objective of Swachh Iconic Places is to achieve a distinctly higher level of Sanitation/Cleanliness at these places. This project is being coordinated by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti in association with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and the concerned State/UT governments. About Swachh Iconic Places (SIP)
Edition : 16th
2021Theme : Higher Education @ 2030: R.I.S.E. - Resilience. Innovation. Sustainability. Enterprise Organiser : Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry(FICCI) The 16th edition of FICCI higher Education Summit is being organised virtually by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry(FICCI) in collaboration with Ministry of Education and Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The theme of the summit is ‘‘Higher Education @ 2030: R.I.S.E. - Resilience. Innovation. Sustainability. Enterprise". The Summit has evolved into a thought leadership forum and brings together key stakeholders including, policymakers, academicians, industry and students for deliberations and knowledge sharing at both national and international levels.
About FICCI Higher Education Summit FICCI has been organizing the FICCI Higher Education Summit since 2004 with the support of Ministry of Education, Government of India. This event will have participation from all major Indian Educational Institutions from all streams, Universities, NGOs & renowned Educationalists. The event will also witness the participation of International and National Conference Delegates, Business Visitors, Students from all streams, Government Officials and Diplomats from Foreign Missions. A forum for Indian and foreign higher educational institutions, EdTech companies and other service providers to showcase their best practices / products to the captive audience of several thousands. An ideal stage to tap the Asian market and network across continents with educators, higher educational institutions, service providers, technology corporations, etc. Participation expected from 65 plus countries (Africa, Middle East, SAARC, ASEAN, CIS, US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.)
 Host Country : United Arab Emirates
Indian Navy participated in the NAVDEX 21 (Naval Defence Exhibition) and IDEX 21 (International Defence Exhibition), from 20 to 25 February 2021 at Abu Dhabi, UAE. From India INS Pralaya participated in NAVDEX 21 and IDEX 21, one of the leading international naval and defence exhibitions of the region, is aimed at showcasing the strengths of India’s indigenous ship building, in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’.
The region’s leading naval defence and maritime security exhibition (NAVDEX) organized by the UAE Armed Forces GHQ. NAVDEX is held alongside IDEX, the International Defence Exhibition. NAVDEX provides a dedicated and focused platform for international naval defence and maritime security companies to showcase their technologies and services to an international audience. International Defence Exhibition The International Defence Exhibition & Conference, or IDEX, is a biennial arms and defence technology sales exhibition. The exhibition is the largest defence exhibition and conference in the Middle East and takes place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. IDEX is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and is organised by the Capital Events in association and with the full support of the UAE Armed Forces.  Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium has become the world’s largest cricket stadium with a capacity of 1.32 lakh spectators. President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium on February 24, 2021. the stadium was not only the largest in the world but also provides world-class facilities for various sporting activities. The stadium showcases the aspirations and capabilities of the New India that has made a strong mark on the world stage.
Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium The stadium initially constructed in 1982 with a seating capacity of 49,000 at Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Expansion of Stadium took over in 63 acres, the stadium has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore and with a seating capacity for 1,32,000 spectators, it has surpassed the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground which can accommodate 90,000.  Edition : 11 th edition
Organized : Ministry of Culture The eleventh edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav is being held between 14th to 28th February, 2021. Renowned artists including local artists will be a part of this major festival. The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2021 will cover a profusion of folk art forms and it would offer the chance to experience the best in established and emerging virtuosity. Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav organizes cultural programs, festivals and theatrical performances. The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav will reconnect the people, with their indigenous culture, its multi-faceted nature and historical importance in the context of India. About Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav Established : 2015 Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, the flagship festival of Ministry of Culture organized since 2015 with the active participation of Seven Zonal Culture Centres has been playing a pivotal role to take the vibrant culture of India out to the masses instead of confining to auditoria and galleries. It has been instrumental in showcasing, folk and tribal art, dance, music, cuisines & culture of one state in other states reinforcing the cherished goal of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and at the same time providing an effective platform to the artists and artisans to support their livelihood.  The Government of India and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on 23 Jan 2021 signed a loan agreement for a $304 million Assam Intra-State Transmission System Enhancement Project to improve reliability, capacity and security of the power transmission network in the State of Assam. This loan would strengthen the existing intrastate transmission network of Assam by augmenting it with newer networks to achieve affordable, secure, efficient and reliable 24×7 power. This would, in turn, bring Assam closer to ensuring long-term sustainability of its electricity supply.
About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia. Headquartered in Beijing, It began operations in January 2016. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and other productive sectors in Asia and beyond, we will better connect people, services and markets that over time will impact the lives of billions and build a better future.  Edition : 18th
2021Theme : Move the Needle Organiser : Govt of Telangana and Govt of India Asia's largest 18th edition life-sciences and healthcare forum 'BioAsia' will focus on Covid-19, Global Health, Pharma, and MedTech. It is organised under the theme: ‘Move the Needle’. The conference held on February 22 and 23 in Hyderabad. This event will provide a unique opportunity to Pharma and Biotech companies, Biotech start-ups, Academic Institutions, Scientists and Researchers, Policy Makers, and Regulatory Experts across the globe to discuss the Coronavirus and other insightful topics related to the life sciences industry. About BioAsia BioAsia is a comprehensive framework dedicated to investors, researchers, start-ups to bring them at one stage. The aim is to create business paradigms for the ever-evolving needs of the Lifesciences industry. It is an event hosted to create business relations between various sectors of Lifesciences, an occasion where entrepreneurs have an opportunity to meet the pioneers in the industry. Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' chaired the 54th Meeting of the Council of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on 22 Jan 2021 through online medium. These are the fallowing recommendation at 54th meeting of IIT Council.
Group-2: Grooming distinguished academics for directorship of IITs Group-3: Reform and restructuring of the Academic Senate Group-4: Innovative funding mechanisms About Council of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Council of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are governed by the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961, which has declared them as Institutes of National Importance and lays down their powers, duties, and framework for governance. The Institutes of Technology Act, 1961 lists twenty-three institutes. Each IIT is autonomous, linked to the others through a common council (IIT Council), which oversees their administration. The IIT Council comprises the minister-in-charge of technical education in the Union Government (as Chairman), three Members of Parliament, the Chairmen of all IITs, the Directors of all IITs, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission, the Director General of CSIR, the Chairman of IISc, the Director of IISc, the Joint Council Secretary of Ministry of Human Resource and Development, and three appointees each of the Union Government, AICTE.  Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) on 22 Jan 2021 extended a line of credit (LOC) worth USD 50 million to the Republic of Maldives for financing of defence projects. Projects covered under the LOCs extended to Maldives include housing projects, Greater Male' connectivity project, water and sewerage projects, Addu Development Project, international cricket stadium project, defence projects, Gulhifalhu Port Project, Hanimaadhoo airport project and road construction project.
About Line of credit A line of credit is a credit facility extended by a bank or other financial institution to a government, business or individual customer that enables the customer to draw on the facility when the customer needs funds. Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) was set up in 1982 by an Act of Parliament for the purpose of financing, facilitating and promoting India’s foreign trade. It is the principal financial institution in the country for coordinating the working of institutions engaged in financing exports and imports. The Bank provides financial assistance to export-oriented Indian companies by way of term loans in Indian rupees or foreign currencies for setting up new production facilities, expansion/modernization or upgradation of existing facilities and for acquisition of production equipment or technology. The Bank lays special emphasis on extension of Lines of Credit (LOCs) to overseas entities, national governments, regional financial institutions and commercial banks. The Bank also extends Buyers’ credit and Suppliers’ credit to finance and promote country’s exports. Exim Bank has now in place 268 LOCs, covering 62 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with credit commitments of around USD 26.64 billion, available for financing exports from India. Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu celebrated the International Mother Language Day on 21 Feb 2021 in a unique manner by tweeting in 22 Indian languages(Schedule Language) and English.
About International Mother Language Day In order to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism, International Mother Language Day has been observed since 2000. Bangladesh mooted the idea to observe International Mother Language Day. The proposal got the UNESCO’s approval in 1999. The General Conference of UNESCO proclaimed International Mother Language Day in 1999 and it was welcomed by the UN General Assembly in its resolution of 2002. The UN General Assembly in 2007 asked its member states “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world.” The UN General Assembly officially recognised the day in 2008. About Schedule Language As per the eighth schedule of Indian Constitution recognized the following 22 languages:Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri.  Ankita Raina, partnering Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova, won WTA 250 doubles title by beating Anna Blinkova and Anastasia Potapova of Russia in the final of the Phillip Island Trophy tennis tournament on 19 Feb 2021.The win is the biggest of Ankita’s career, making her India’s first WTA champion since Sania Mirza. When the new rankings are released on 15 Feb 2021, she is set to break into the top-100.
About WTA 250 tournaments WTA 250 tournaments is a category of tennis tournaments in the Women's Tennis Association tour, implemented since the reorganization of the schedule in 2021. As of 2021, WTA 250 tournaments include events with prize money of approximately $250,000. Established : 2015
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the sixth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog on 20th February 2021 via video conferencing. The agenda of the meeting includes deliberations on agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, human resource development, service delivery at grassroots level and health & nutrition. The sixth meeting will witness the entry of Ladakh for the first time, in addition to the participation of Jammu and Kashmir as a UT. This time, other UTs headed by administrators also joined. About NITI Aayog Governing Council National Institution for Transforming India or NITI Aayog was constituted on 1 January, 2015, to serve as the think tank of the Government of India with a Cabinet resolution. The Governing Council presents a platform to discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental and federal issues. The Governing Council of NITI Aayog, comprising Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories with Legislatures and Lt. Governors of other Union Territories, came into effect on 16 February, 2015 via a notification issued by Cabinet Secretariat. The meeting will also be attended by the ex-officio members of the Governing Council, Union Ministers, Vice Chairman, Members and CEO of NITI Aayog, and other senior officials of Government of India.  Devloped by : Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Missile type : Fire and forget Anti-Tank Guided Missiles Joint User Trials for Helina (Army Version) and Dhruvastra (Air Force Version) Missile Systems have been carried out from Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform in desert ranges. The missile systems have been designed and developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Fire and Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missiles Fire-and-forget is a type of missile guidance which does not require further guidance after launch such as illumination of the target or wire guidance, and can hit its target without the launcher being in line-of-sight of the target.  The auction for IPL 2021 took place in Chennai on 18 Feb 2021 the South African all-rounder Chris Morris went on to become the most expensive player in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL) after he was bought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 16.25 crore. Morris dethroned Yuvraj Singh on Thursday as the most expensive IPL player. In 2015, Delhi Daredevils had purchased Yuvraj Singh for Rs 16 crore, which at that time was the highest any team had ever paid for a player. The all-rounder is now placed at second position in the list of most expensive players.
About Indian Premier League The Indian Premier League is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India usually contested between March and May of every year by eight teams representing eight different cities or states in India. The league was founded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India in 2007.  Prime Minister Shri Narendra lay the foundation stone of Dhubri Phulbari Bridge and Majuli Bridge on 18th February 2021 via video conference.
About Dhubri Phulbari Bridge The four lane bridge over the Brahmaputra between Dhubri (on North Bank) and Phulbari (on South Bank). It will connect Dhubri in Assam to Phulbari in Meghalaya. The bridge will meet the long-standing demand of the people from Assam and Meghalaya who were depending on ferry services to travel between the two banks of the river.
About Majuli Bridge The two-lane Bridge on the Brahmaputra between Majuli (North Bank) and Jorhat (South Bank). The Construction of the bridge has been a long demand of the people of Majuli who for generations have been dependent on the ferry services to connect with the mainland of Assam. About Majuli Island Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam and in 2016 it became the first island to be made a district in India. Majuli is the biggest river island in the world which is located on the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam. This island is formed by the River Subansiri in the north and River Brahmaputra in the south.  Edition : 3rd edition
Organized : Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) 3rd Edition of Indian Sign Language(ISL) launched virtually with 10,000 terms (including 6,000 earlier terms) on 17th February 2021 in a virtual programme. The 3rd edition of the ISL Dictionary contains total 10,000 terms of everyday use, academic terms, legal & administrative terms, medical terms, technical terms and agricultural terms. The Dictionary also contains regional signs used in different parts of the country. To promote the use of Indian Sign Language as educational mode for deaf students at primary, secondary and higher education levels. About Indian Sign Language(ISL) Dictionary The 1st edition of the ISL Dictionary was launched on 23rd March 2018 with 3000 terms and the 2nd edition with 6000 terms (including earlier 3000 terms) was launched on 27th February 2019. 3rd Edition of Indian Sign Language(ISL) with 10,000 terms (including 6,000 earlier terms) launched on 17th February 2021. The Dictionary has been brought out by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), an autonomous Institute under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. |