1. First case of Polio in Africa
Tags: International News
The African country of Malawi has declared a wild polio outbreak after a case was identified in a three-year-old girl. This is the first case of wild polio in Africa for more than five years.
The continent was declared free of all forms of wild polio in 2020. For a country to be certified polio-free, it must have had no wild polio cases for three consecutive years.
Only two countries in the world have wild polio strains, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The strain detected in Malawi is linked to the one found in Pakistan.
There will be no change in the status of Africa as a polio free continent because this was an imported case where the virus was brought from Pakistan.
Know about Polio:
Polio is a highly transmissible virus most often spread via the stool of an infected person, usually through contaminated water or food. It can also be spread via oral or nasal secretions.
The virus mainly affects children under five years of age.
There is no cure for the symptoms of polio.
Polio Vaccine
There are two types of Polio Vaccines, IPV and OPV
- IPV or Inactivated Polio Vaccine
The first inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) was developed by American scientist Jonas Salk using a dead virus in 1953.
- OPV or Oral Polio Vaccine
It was developed by Polish American scientist Albert Sabin. He used a weakened live polio virus to produce a vaccine.
Malawi
It is a landlocked country in South East Africa . It was earlier called Nyasaland.
Capital: Lilongwe
Currency :Malawian kwacha
- President: Lazarus Chakwera
2. India Signs CEPA with United Arab Emirates
Tags: International News
India signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates during a Virtual summit meeting held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 18 February 2022.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal and Minister of Economy of UAE, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri in the virtual presence of the two Leaders.
This is the first such agreement India has signed with a MENA / WANA country. Middle East North African Countries (MENA) or they are also called West Asia North Africa Countries (WENA).
Under the CEPA the tariff between the two countries will be reduced or eliminated on goods and services traded between the two countries. This will boost trade between the two countries.
The bilateral trade target between the two countries has been set up at $100 billion in the next five years from the present $60 billion.
India expects creation of 10 lakhs new jobs in labour-intensive sectors, like gems and jewellery, textiles, leather, footwear, furniture, agriculture and food products, etc.
India- UAE Trade Facts
UAE is the third largest trading partner of India after China and the United States.
UAE is the second largest export market for India after the United States. China is the third largest export market for India.
UAE was the second largest source of imports for India after China. The US is the third largest source of imports.
India ranks as the UAE’s number one trading partner for non-oil exports, accounting for nearly 14 percent of the UAE’s total non-oil exports globally.
Source : Economic Survey 2021-22
All the figures are for April to December 2021-22.
Fact Files UAE
It is a federation of seven Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Khaimah, Ajmain, Fujairah, Umm -Al-Quwain. It is an Arabian country.
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the emirates and is the centre of UAE oil business.
It is situated in the West Asia /Middle East region of the world in the Arabian Peninsula.
UAE in its present form came into existence in 1971.
Capital of UAE : Abu Dhabi
Currency : Emirati Dirham
President of UAE : Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He is the king of Abu Dhabi and the supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
3. India UAE virtual summit
Tags: National News
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual summit meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 18 February 2022. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces.
Both the leaders issued “Advancing the India and UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: New Frontiers, New Milestone".
Both countries have identified future areas of cooperation in new trade, investment and innovation dynamics in diverse sectors, including economy, energy, climate action, emerging technologies, skills and education, food security, healthcare and defence and security.
Important highlights of the agreement
Trade and Investment
Both countries have signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to promote trade and investment between the two countries.
To further cooperation in financial services and projects, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by India's Gujarat International Financial Tech City (GIFT) City and Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Food security
Both sides have also decided to establish a dedicated IndiaMart in Jebel Ali Free Zone, a dedicated investment zone for UAE companies and joint ventures which would focus on establishing a food corridor and promote food security of the UAE and increase in food exports from India.
To explore and implement the “Food Security Corridor Initiative” a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of India (APEDA) and DP World & Al Dahra of the UAE.
Energy cooperation
In energy cooperation, UAE’s participation in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves Programme will expand.
Defence and counter terrorism
Both sides agreed to expand maritime cooperation and will jointly fight extremism and terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, in all forms, at both regional and international levels.
The two Leaders also released the Joint Commemorative Stamp on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India's independence and 50th year of UAE's foundation.
- Two other MOUs - one on cooperation in Climate Action and the other on Education were also signed between the two countries.
4. Historic visit of the Saudi Land Force Commander
Tags: International News
The Commander of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, Lieutenant General Fahd Bin Abdullah Mohammed Al-Mutair visited India from 14 to 16 February 2022.
This is the first time that the Army Chief of the Saudi Arabia Army has visited India.
In Saudi Arabia the Army Chief is called as Land Force Commander
He met Indian Army chief Manoj Mukund Navarane.
In December 2020, the Indian Army chief M M Navarane visited Saudi Arabia. It was the first time that an Indian Army chief visited Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia
It is a West Asian kingdom founded by the Ibn Saud of the Saud family in 1923. It is named after the Saud family.
It has two of the holiest shrine of Islam, Mecca and Medina masjid
The world's largest mosque Al-Haram or forbidden mosques is in Mecca.
The world's second largest mosque, Mosque of the Prophet, or Masjid al-Nabawi is in Medina.
The Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) headquarters is also in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The world’s largest sand area, the Rub al-Khali (“Empty Quarter”) which is spread around 647,500 square km, is also in Saudi Arabia.
Capital of Saudi Arabia : Riyadh
Currency : Saudi Riyal
King of Saudi Arabia : King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
5. India to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030
Tags: National News
The Union Power Ministry has notified its green hydrogen/green ammonia policy on 17 February 2022. It puts into reality the National Hydrogen Mission announced by the Prime Minister in the 15 August 2021 speech.
The aim of the National Hydrogen Mission is to meet its climate change target of net zero carbon emission by 2070 and make India a production and export hub of hydrogen fuel.
The main highlights of the green hydrogen/green ammonia policy:
The policy has set a target to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.
Separate manufacturing zones will be set up for manufacturing of green hydrogen /green ammonia.
The government would allow free power transmission to renewable energy units set up by green-hydrogen producers and power banking facilities for 30 days.
There will be charges for inter-state transmission for a period of 25 years if the manufacture of green hydrogen and green ammonia is started before 30th June 2025.
In order to deal with the challenge of global warming and climate change countries around the world are promoting hydrogen as an alternative fuel. In India many companies have projects to produce green hydrogen.
Indian Oil Corporation plans to build the country’s first green-hydrogen plant at its Mathura refinery.
NTPC will set up the country's first green hydrogen microgrid project at its Simhadri plant in Andhra Pradesh.
Concept clearing
Green Hydrogen, Brown Hydrogen, Blue Hydrogen:
Hydrogen is the first and the smallest element in the periodic table.
Depending upon the production method the colour of the hydrogen can be Green, Brown, Blue or Grey.
Green Hydrogen
It refers to the breaking down of the water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable sources of energy. Renewable source of energy means which can be used again and again like solar power, hydel, wind energy etc. It contains no carbon which is responsible for global warming.
Grey Hydrogen
Grey hydrogen is created from natural gas, or methane, using steam methane reformation. It produces Hydrogen and Carbon dioxide which is released in the atmosphere.
Blue Hydrogen
Blue hydrogen is produced mainly from natural gas, using a process called steam reforming, which brings together natural gas and heated water in the form of steam. It produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
Black and Brown Hydrogen
When black coal or lignite (brown coal) is used in the hydrogen-making process it is called as black or brown coal.
6. Government of India launches welfare scheme SEED for Denotified Tribes
Tags: National News
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar launched the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of Denotified (SEED), Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Communities on 16 February 2022 at New Delhi.
It will be an umbrella scheme for the empowerment of Denotified Tribes, Nomadic Tribes and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.
It includes:
Educational empowerment- Free coaching to students from these communities for Civil Services, entry to professional courses like medicine, engineering, MBA, etc.
Health Insurance through Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana ( PMJAY) of National Health Authority.
Livelihoods to support income generation, and
Housing
Allocation for the scheme
Government has allocated Rs.200 crore for the scheme for the next five years beginning 2021-22.
Concept clearing
Denotified Tribe (DNT)
In 1871 the British Parliament passed Criminal Tribes Act 1871. It designated certain nomadic tribes in India as criminals and crime was considered to be their hereditary profession.
After Independence,the Government of India set up a committee headed by Mr. Ananthsayanam Ayyangar in 1949 to review the Criminal Tribes Act.
On the recommendation of the Ayyangar Committee the The CriminalTribes Act was repealed in 1952. Hence they are now called Denotified Tribes. For example Sansi, Bazigar, Bauria, Perna, Kanjars, etc.
Nomadic Tribes(NT) are those tribes which move from one place to another for earning their livelihood.
Semi Nomadic Tribes (SNT) are those nomadic tribes which have a fixed place to live. They move from place to place for livelihood but return to their place of residence at least once a year.
Full form for exam
SEED: Scheme for Economic Empowerment of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Communities
DNT: Denotified Tribe
SNT : Semi Nomadic Tribes
7. Government makes helmet mandatory for children below 4 year on Motorcycle
Tags: National News
The Union Road Transport and Highways has made helmet and safety belt mandatory for children between nine months and upto 4 years sitting on the back of the motorcycle.
According to the new rule the speed of a motorcycle with a child up to the age of four years being carried on the pillion will not be more than 40 kmph.
These new rules were made by the Government by amending the section Rule 138 of Central Motor Vehicle Rule (CMVR), 1989.
Points to Know
Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1989, provides that any person who is not a Sikh wearing a turban, has to wear a protective headgear (helmet) while driving or sitting on a motorcycle or vehicle as notified by the government.
Full Form for Exam
CMVR : Central Motor Vehicle Rule
8. G. Ashok Kumar appointed as the first National Maritime Security Coordinator
Tags: Popular Person in news National News
The Government of India has appointed Vice Admiral (retd) G Ashok Kumar as India’s first National Maritime Security Coordinator(NMSC).
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval to create the post in November 2021.
The NMSC will be responsible for coordinating the various agencies which are involved in coastal security of India like the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, State Police and other agencies.
He will directly report to the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
India has a coastline of 7516.6 Km which encompases 13 States and Union Territory.
Why the need of such a post
On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists sneaked into Mumbai through the sea, arriving by boat from Karachi and created a havoc in Mumbai killing around 166 people. This terrorist incident in Mumbai brought into light the complete lack of coordination amongst the security agencies.
To prevent such security failure in future and for better coordination amongst security agencies this post has been created.
Important Full form for Exams
CCS : Cabinet Committee on Security
NMSC: National Maritime Security Coordinator
NSA: National Security Advisor
9. Prime Minister Inaugurates TERI's World Sustainable Development Summit 2022
Tags: National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) World Sustainable Development Summit on 16th February, 2022 through video conferencing.
The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Towards a Resilient Planet: Ensuring a Sustainable and Equitable Future’.
The Summit will be held from 16 -18 February 2022.
The summit was also addressed by the President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali, Environment minister Bhupendra Yadav.
TERI
- TERI was set up as a Tata Energy Research Institute by the Tata group in 1974.
- It was renamed The Energy Research Institute in 2003.
- The Headquarters of TERI : New Delhi
- Director -General of TERI: Vibha Dhawan.
- TERI is engaged in research and development in the field of energy, environment, climate change and sustainability.
10. Highway Construction fell to a four year low in 2021-22
Tags: National News
- Highway construction fell to a four-year low of 22.2 km per day during the April-January period of the current financial year, mainly because multiple cyclones and heavy rains affected construction in the southern states in recent months.
- India built highways at a pace of 30.4 km/day in the same period in the last financial year, despite the pandemic.
- The government has also lowered the target for highway construction for the year to 33 km/day from 40 km/day set earlier.
- The government of India has set a target to construct 12,000 Km of National Highway in 2021-22.
- The target for construction of national highways for 2022-23 is 25,000 km.
IMPORTANT FACTS :
India has the second largest road network in the world after the United States of America .
The total road network in India at the end of 31 December 2021 was around 63.72 lakh Km.
This comprises National Highways 1,40,995 km, State Highways 1,71,039 km, and Expressway,District Roads and Village roads combining 60,59,813 km.
States Having Largest Network of National Highways as on 31 December 2021.
Rank | State | Length of National Highways |
1 | Maharashtra | 18,317 Km |
2 | Uttar Pradesh | 12,245 |
3 | Rajasthan | 10,477 Km |
4 | Madhya Pradesh | 8,772 Km |
5. | Karnataka | 7,335 Km |
State which has the shortest National Highway (length wise) Goa. It has 293 Km of National Highways.
Source of Data: Annual Report 2020-21, Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways : Nitin Gadkari
