Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I September 2020
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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule I
September 2020
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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule |February 2021 Table of Contents Awards and Honors ................................................................................................................................................ 3 Mergers and Events ................................................................................................................................................ 9 Days and Events .................................................................................................................................................... 11 MoU and Agreements .......................................................................................................................................... 15 Appointment ........................................................................................................................................................ 23 Obituaries ............................................................................................................................................................. 31 International Affairs ............................................................................................................................................. 34 Person in News ..................................................................................................................................................... 42 Govt. Policies and Schemes .................................................................................................................................. 45 Science and Tech .................................................................................................................................................. 50 Business and Economy ......................................................................................................................................... 54 Sports .................................................................................................................................................................... 62 Defence................................................................................................................................................................. 68 Books and Authors................................................................................................................................................ 73 National Affairs ..................................................................................................................................................... 75 Committees and Recommendations .................................................................................................................... 83 2|Page
Current Affairs Monthly Capsule |February 2021
Awards and Honors
PM Modi to receive an award in March 2021
Narendra Modi will receive the CERAWeek global energy and environment leadership award during
the CERAWeek Conference-2021 in the first week of March 2021.
He's being awarded in recognition of his commitment to sustainability in the energy and the
environment.
PM Modi will also deliver the keynote address at the conference, which will be held virtually from 1 to 5
March 2021.
Sahitya Akademi fellowship for Velcheru Rao
A distinguished scholar, writer, translator and critic, Professor Velcheru Narayana Rao has been elected
for an honorary fellow of Sahitya Akademi.
The election of Narayana Rao has been made based on his contribution to Telugu literature.
His publications include Girls for Sale: Kanyashulkam and A play from Colonial India.
Uttama Lahiri selected for TATA Fellowship
In Gujarat, Professor Uttama Lahiri, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar has
been selected for the TATA Innovation Fellowship for 2020-21.
She received the award from Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan on 26
February 2021.
The award includes a monthly fellowship amount and a contingency grant for three years.
UP: Fastest to implement PM Kisan scheme
Uttar Pradesh received an award for the fastest implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
Yojana on 24 Feb'21.
It has been awarded in the category of fastest take off in year 2020-21.
More than 27110 crores have been transferred in the accounts of farmers of the state under PM Kisan
Samman Nidhi Yojna.
PM Kisan scheme is run under the Ministry for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Glenmark receives an award from govt of India
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company, received the India Pharma Innovation of the
Year award, as part of the India Pharma and India Medical Device Awards 2021, on 25 Feb 2021.
The prestigious award was conferred by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of
Chemicals, and Fertilizers.
This is the fourth time Glenmark has won an award from the Government of India.
Anjali Bhardwaj gets US anti-corruption award
Right to Information activist Anjali Bhardwaj has been honoured by the US with the newly-constituted
International Anti-Corruption Champions Award.
She is the founder of the Satark Nagrik Sangathan, a Delhi-based citizens’ group working to promote
accountability and transparency in government functioning.
Besides her, the award recipients also included Ardian Dvorani of Albania, etc.
Top states awarded under the PM-KISAN scheme
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar awarded the top-performing
states and districts for their exemplary work with respect to the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri
Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme on 24 Feb 2021.
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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule |February 2021
Maharashtra was awarded in the category of Good Performance in Physical Verification and Grievance
Redressal.
Citation given to security forces: Manipur
In Manipur, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla handed over citation and Certificate of Appreciation for the
year 2020 to different units of Assam Rifles, State Police, and individuals on 23 Feb 2021.
The function was organized to appreciate and encourage the security forces who are contributing to
bringing peace and tranquillity in the state including the campaign against drug menace and trafficking.
Steel Authority of India Ltd bags six awards
The Steel Authority of India Ltd has bagged 6 awards for its efforts in the field of communication at the
Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) National Awards-2020.
SAIL has been awarded in House Journal (English), Best Communication Campaign (External Publics),
Communications Campaign of the Year - COVID-19, Special/Prestige Publication, E-newsletter, and
Corporate Website categories.
Anantapuramu chosen for Kisan National Award
The Anantapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh has been chosen for the Prime Minister Kisan National
Award.
It was chosen as it completed 99.6% physical verification of the beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri
Kisan Samman Nidhi.
District Collector Gandham Chandrudu would be presented the award in New Delhi on February 24,
2021.
The district has a total of 5,76,972 beneficiaries.
10th National Awards for Technology Innovation
Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda presented the 10th National Awards for
Technology Innovation in Petrochemicals and Downstream Plastics Processing Industry in New Delhi on
23 Feb 2021.
The award is aimed at felicitating and recognizing the innovative efforts of renowned scientists,
researchers and industrialists in the broad areas of Polymer Science and Technologies.
Ayodhya district receives Skoch Gold Award
The Ayodhya district administration has been felicitated with Skoch Gold Award for the measures taken
to contain COVID-19.
Skoch Award was started in 2003 to facilitate people, projects and institutions for their contributions to
society and make India a better nation.
The city had participated in the esteemed 68th SKOCH awards, which were organised through the digital
mode on 20 Feb 2021.
Deepika Padukone bags Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar bagged Dadasaheb Phalke Awards for 'Best Actor' on 20 Feb 2021.
They won the award for their movies 'Chhapaak' and 'Laxmii', respectively.
'Chhapaak' is based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal.
Kiara Advani won the 'Critic's Best Actress' award and Sushmita Sen won 'Best Actress-Web Series'.
"Prabha Varma" bags Kunchan Nambiar Award
Renowned poet Prabha Varma has bagged Mahakavi Kunchan Nambiar Award 2021 for his outstanding
contributions to Malayalam language and literature.
The award comprises a purse of Rs 25,001, a citation and a plaque.
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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule |February 2021
The honour was instituted by the Kunchan Nambiar Memorial Trust, which works to retain the legacy of
the 18th century legendary poet-performer Nambiar.
Andhra CM announces hike in cash award
Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has announced a ten-time hike in cash award for the Armed
Forces personnel from the state who will win gallantry medals.
The cash award for winners of Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra will be increased to Rs 1 crore.
For Maha Vir Chakra and Keerti Chakra, the number of State incentives will be increased from Rs 8 lakhs
to Rs 80 lakhs.
Trident Limited bags 1st prize at FICCI Awards
Trident Limited has been awarded the joint first prize at FICCI Water Awards 2020 in the category of
'Industrial Water Use Efficiency.'
The award is instituted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, (FICCI).
Trident Limited has been chosen for this award for the measures undertaken for the establishment of
water-efficient machinery, zero liquid discharge system, etc.
WCCB receives an award by UNEP
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has received the Asia Environmental Enforcement Award-
2020 awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has been awarded this year under the Innovation category.
Earlier, the Bureau had received the award in 2018 under the same category.
Hyderabad: 2020 Tree City of the World
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Arbor Day Foundation have recognized
Hyderabad as a 2020 Tree City of the World.
It has been recognized for its commitment to growing and maintaining urban forests.
It is the only city in India to earn the title.
Most of the other cities were from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
K.K.Menon: Most Versatile Actor award
Kay Kay Menon has been honoured with the award for 'Most Versatile Actor' at Dadasaheb Phalke
International Film Festival 2021.
DPIFF is one of India's most prestigious awards ceremony which honours actors and artists who have
contributed to the Indian cinema.
It is India’s only independent award function with a mission to celebrate the legacy of Dadasaheb
Phalke, Father of Indian Cinema.
Andhra CM conferred Skoch CM of the Year award
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has been conferred the Skoch Chief Minister of the Year award.
The award was presented to him by the Chairman, Skoch Group, Sameer Kochhar, at the CM’s camp
office on 16 Feb 2021.
The award selection was based on a study of project-level outcomes in various states.
Women Excellence Award 2021
Four young women fellows of the Indian National Science Academy have been awarded the Science and
Engineering Research Board (SERB) Women Excellence Award 2021.
The four women scientists include Shobhna Kapoor, Antara Banerjee, Sonu Gandhi, and Ritu Gupta.
All four women received a grant of ₹15 lakh for a period of three years to pursue their research ideas.
Theodore Baskaran wins an award
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Current Affairs Monthly Capsule |February 2021
Writer, historian, naturalist, and activist, S Theodore Baskaran has won the Sanctuary Lifetime Service
Award 2020.
He was awarded for his dedication to wildlife conservation and his writing prowess in English and Tamil
that contribute to the conservation discourse.
Theodore is prolific in Tamil and some of his Tamil works include Vaanil Parakkum Pullelam and Kal Mel
Nadandha Kaalam.
Manipur doctor wins high Japanese honour
Japan has conferred the "Order of the Rising Sun" for Manipur physician and former President of state
tourism forum, Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh.
The honor is given to felicitate his contribution to strengthening ties between Japan and India, and Japan
and Manipur.
It is one of the highest orders conferred by Japan govt. to non-military and apolitical personalities,
constituted in 1875.
Awards given for writing competition
The High Commission of India in Dhaka has announced the winners of the writing competition on the
subject ‘What Liberation means to me’ for the youth of Bangladesh.
The prize-giving ceremony was organised on 15 Feb 2021 at the High Commission of India in Dhaka.
In Category A of Bangla competition, Afsara Tasnim of Dhaka University was adjudged the Champion.
Best Marching Contingent award presented
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on 15 February 2021, presented the Best Marching Contingent award of
Republic Day Parade 2021.
'Best marching contingent among the three services' was presented to Jat Regimental Centre.
'Best marching contingent among CAPF and other auxiliary forces' was won by Delhi Police.
SERB Women Excellence Award 2021
The women scientists Dr.Shobhna Kapoor, Dr. Antara Banerjee, Dr.Sonu Gandhi, and Dr.Ritu Gupta are
selected for the SERB Women Excellence Award 2021.
Award provides a grant of Rs.15 lakhs for a period of 3 yrs to the scientists below the age of 40.
It is given by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of
Science and Technology.
Indian film 'Bittu' shortlisted for Oscars
Indian short film Bittu has been shortlisted in top 10 films under Live Action Short film category for the
93rd Oscar Awards.
Indian filmmakers Shreya and Karishma dev Dube are producer and directors of this film.
For the short film category, it had received 174 films out of which 10 films were shortlisted including
Bittu.
Yuva Vigyan Puraskar
As many as 46 students were awarded the Yuva Vigyan Puraskar during a function organized by the
Himachal Pradesh Science, Technology Environment Council.
This scheme was started in 2018 to encourage students to take up science subject, thereby motivating
them to do research.
Under this programme first 10 positions in XII Faculty of Science in School Education Board examinations
were awarded.
Bodo film “Sijou” bags four awards
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A Bodo film, “Sijou” has bagged four awards at the Golden Sparrow International Film Festival 2021 in
Tamil Nadu.
It is written and directed by Vishal P. Chaliha, and produced by national award-winning
filmmakers Preeyam Kherkatary Chaliha and Omprakash Kherkatary.
It won “Best Director”, “Best Debut Filmmaker”, “Best Screenplay Writer”, and “Special Jury Award".
Vinothraj’s Pebbles wins Tiger Award
The International Film Festival Rotterdam was held from February 1 to February 7, 2021.
The Indian drama film Pebbles directed by Vinothraj PS bagged the Tiger Award for Best Film.
The Tiger Award also comes with a 40,000 Euro cash prize which is to be shared by the director and
producer of the winning film.
Sasmita Lenka wins UN's award
In a first for India, a female forest officer from Odisha, Sasmita Lenka has been felicitated with United
Nation's Asia Environmental Enforcement Award.
Lanka, who is a divisional forest officer in Athgarh, Cuttack, received the award under the 'Gender
Leadership and Impact' category.
Lenka has helped in busting an international network of pangolin in Athgarh and Khunnpunni.
Bengaluru airport bags a global recognition
The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has won the Airports Council International World's
'Voice of the Customer' award.
The 'Voice of the Customer' initiative recognizes airports that continued to prioritize their customers
during the novel coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
Under the #WeAreHereForYou umbrella of BIAL, various campaigns were launched to rebuild passenger
confidence.
BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal awarded
Iqbal Singh Chahal, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner, has been conferred the 'Covid
Crusader Award-2020'.
He has been awarded by the Indo American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) in the Indian Bureaucrats
Category.
He has become the first Indian bureaucrat to be recognized and receive global acknowledgment for his
contribution in controlling Covid in Mumbai.
14th ICFFB concludes in Bangladesh
The 14th International Children’s Film Festival of Bangladesh (ICFFB) came to an end on 5 Feb 2021.
Dutch film 'Jackie and Oopjen' was awarded the Best International Feature Film Award.
The Best Director award went to Ani Oganesyan for his film Stork’s Nest from Armenia.
Bangladeshi film 'Maati' got The Young Talent Award while 'Lottery' won the Special mention under the
Young Talent Award.
Bangladesh honours Indian citizens
The govt of Bangladesh honoured a number of Indian citizens for their outstanding contribution to the
Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, on 6 Feb 2021.
Information Minister of Bangladesh Dr Hasan Mahmud gave them the ‘Freedom Fighter Friendship
Award’ in Kolkata.
Family members of poet Govinda Halder, legendary Singer Manna Dey and former CM Siddhartha
Shankar Roy were also honoured.
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Antonio Guterres honored with Zayed Award
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and French-Moroccan activist Latifa Ibn Ziaten are the co-
recipients of the 2021 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.
The award was inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, which was signed by Grand Imam Al-
Tayeb and Pope Francis on Feb. 4, 2019, in the UAE’s capital.
The award carries a cash prize of $500,000.
"Writing with Fire" wins audience award at SFF
“Writing with Fire” has won the audience award in the World Cinema Documentary category at the
Sundance Film Festival 2021.
It is directed, edited and produced by R. Thomas and S. Ghosh.
The festival, which started from 28 Jan and concluded on 3 Feb, is presented by Sundance Organisation,
a nonprofit that discovers and supports independent artists, and introduces audiences to their work.
Best training institutions awards
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has won its first round of best training institute award for
Gazetted Officers.
The awards have been declared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for a span of four consecutive
years, starting from 2016 to 2020.
CRPF’s Shivpuri school and training institute in Neemach have been awarded as the best training centres
for years 2017 and 2018.
Rishabh Pant nominated for an award
Rishabh Pant has been nominated for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award along with England's Joe
Root and Ireland's Paul Stirling.
Pant played two Tests against Australia where he scored a 97 at Sydney and led India to a historic win.
In January 2021, Root played two Tests against Sri Lanka, where he scored a 228 and 186 and led his
team to a 2-0 Test series victory.
Jindal Steel conferred with Mahatma Award 2020
Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL), Naveen Jindal has been conferred with the Mahatma
Award 2020.
He has been awarded for his humanitarian effort to support the communities and local administration in
fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mahatma Award was founded and constituted by Amit Sachdeva, more famously known as 'The CSR
Man of India'.
Writer Ranendra conferred with an award
Hindi writer and storyteller Ranendra bagged the ‘Shrilal Shukla Smriti IFFCO Sahitya Samman-2020’
award by Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO).
He made his debut in the literary world in 2008 with his novel ‘Global Gaon ke Devta’ in which he talked
about a tribal community called ‘Asura’.
The award had earlier been conferred on Vidyasagar Nautiyal, Shekhar Joshi, etc.
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Mergers and Acquisition
ReNew Power to merge with RMG
Goldman Sachs backed ReNew Power Ventures Pvt. Ltd has announced a merger agreement with RMG
Acquisition Corp. II (RMG II).
RMG is a Nasdaq-listed special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).
The transaction puts an enterprise value of around $8 billion on ReNew Power and is expected to close
in the second quarter of 2021.
Ashok Leyland to buy stake in Hinduja Tech
Hinduja Group flagship firm Ashok Leyland has entered an agreement with Nissan International Holding
BV to acquire 38% stake in Hinduja Tech for ₹70.20 cr.
It will acquire 58,500,000 shares for a total consideration of ₹70.20 cr constituting 38% in the paid-up
share capital of Hinduja Tech Ltd.
Prior to the stake sale, Hinduja Tech Ltd was wholly-owned unlisted subsidiary of Ashok Leyland.
ABFRL picks up 33.5% stake in GPPL
Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail (ABFRL) has acquired 33.5% stake in Goodview Properties Private Limited
(GPPL).
GPPL was founded by fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani, for Rs 67 crore.
Under this partnership, ABFRL and Tahiliani will also form a new entity.
ABFRL will hold 80% stake in the new entity while Tahiliani will hold the remaining 20%.
CDPQ set to acquire 2% stake in PharmEasy
Canada's second-largest pension fund, CDPQ has received the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI)
approval to acquire a 2% stake in PharmEasy.
CDPQ had also participated in PharmEasy’s $220 million funding round in November 2019.
In 2020, PharmEasy had merged with Medlife to create a combined entity that was valued at about $1.2
billion at the time of the transaction.
MoD clears defense buys worth ₹13,700 crore
The Defense Acquisition Council approved capital acquisition proposals of various weapons, platforms,
equipment, systems required by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force on 23 Feb'21.
Three Acceptance of Necessities (AoNs) for an overall cost of Rs 13,700 cr were accorded.
These acquisitions will include platforms and systems designed and developed by the DRDO.
Vedantu acquires a doubt-solving app Instasolv
Indian online tutoring startup Vedantu has acquired Instasolv, a doubt-solving app,marking its first
acquisition in the educational technology space.
Vedantu had also invested $2 million in Instasolv in July 2020.
The latest acquisition will bring on board Instasolv's 1 million learners to Vedantu's platform which is
already 25 million strong.
Byju’s to acquire Edtech platform Scholr
Edtech unicorn BYJU'S has acquired Mumbai-based doubt-solving ed-tech startup Scholr.
The size of the deal is in the range of Rs 15-20 crore.
Scholr provides video solutions for class 6 to 10 students to solve their doubts via Android and iOS apps.
Scholr was founded by Himanshu Nimje, Manil Gupta, Piyush Agarwal and Aniket Singh in 2015.
9|PageCurrent Affairs Monthly Capsule |February 2021
Airtel to acquire stake in Bharti Telemedia
Bharti Airtel will acquire Warburg Pincus affiliate's 20% equity stake in its DTH arm Bharti Telemedia.
The deal involves a total consideration of Rs 3,126 cr which will be discharged primarily via issuance of
3.64 cr equity shares of Airtel at a price of Rs 600 per share, and up to Rs 1,037.8 cr in cash.
Airtel will issue its shares to the Warburg Pincus affiliate at a premium of 0.50%.
DLF acquires 51.8% stake in Fairleaf
DLF Group's rental arm DLF Cyber City Developers Limited (DCCDL) has acquired a 51.8% stake in Fairleaf
Real Estate Pvt Ltd for ₹780 crores.
Fairleaf has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of DCCDL with effect from 18th February 2021.
In December 2020, DCCDL had entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with funds managed by
Hines (Hines) for the acquisition of their stake in Fairleaf.
Piramal Group to take over DHFL
The Reserve Bank of India has given the nod to Piramal Group led by Ajay Piramal for the takeover of
Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd (DHFL).
The lenders are now in the process of taking the proposal to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
RBI’s approval comes a month after the Piramal Group won the bidding for bankrupt DHFL.
CCI approves BOI's stake-buy in BOI AXA
Competition Commission of India has approved Bank of India's acquisition of 49% stake each in BOI AXA
Investment Managers (BAIM) and BOI AXA Trustee Services (BATS).
The total asset under management (AUM) of BOI AXA Mutual Fund was ₹2,426 crores as of 30
November 2020.
Following the transaction, both the entities- BAIM and BATS - will become Bank of India's fully-owned
subsidiaries.
Tata Consumer to acquire Kottaram Agro Foods
Tata Consumer Products will acquire Bengaluru-based Kottaram Agro Foods for Rs 155.8 crore to expand
its product portfolio.
The company will acquire 100% of the issued and paid-up equity share capital of KAF.
Kottaram Agro Foods (KAF) is primarily engaged in the business of healthy breakfast cereals and millet-
based snacks under the trademark Soulfull.
Brand Soulfull was launched in 2013.
Uber to buy Drizly for $1.1 billion
Uber Technologies Inc. has agreed to acquire Drizly Inc for $1.1 billion.
Drizly is an alcohol e-commerce platform that facilitates the delivery of alcohol.
The deal is Uber’s biggest since July 2020 when it bought Postmates, a food delivery app.
The Drizly purchase primarily consists of Uber stock, with less than 10% in cash.
The acquisition excludes Drizly’s cannabis delivery arm.
10 | P a g eCurrent Affairs Monthly Capsule |February 2021
Days and Events
National Science Day 2021
National Science Day day is celebrated every year on 28th of February to commemorate the discovery of
the ‘Raman Effect’.
The theme for National Science Day 2021 is ‘Future of Science and Technology and Innovation: Impact
on Education Skills and Work'.
Physicist CV Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 for discovery of "Raman Effect".
DBT celebrates its 35th Foundation Day
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) celebrated its 35th Foundation Day on 27 Feb 2021.
The celebrations also marked giving away of prestigious BRITE (Biotechnology Research Innovation and
Technology Excellence) Awards in various categories.
The e-book "DBT Fights COVID- From Virus to Vaccine" which showcases the initiatives of DBT in the
mitigation of the COVID pandemic was also unveiled.
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's death anniversary
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born May 28, 1883, at Bhagur village of Nashik district in Maharashtra.
He passed away on February 26, 1966, in Bombay.
He was a nationalist and one of the most important figures of the Hindu Mahasabha ("Great Society of
Hindus"), a Hindu nationalist organization and political party.
He got the nickname 'Veer' at the age of 12 after performing a bravery act.
Chandrashekhar Azad's death anniversary
On February 27, 1931, one of India’s most prominent freedom fighters Chandra Shekhar Azad chose to
take a bullet to his head with his own hands rather than be taken captive by British colonialists.
Chandra Shekhar Azad, born on July 23, 1906, was most well-known for the Kakori Train Robbery of
1925.
At the age of 14, Azad joined Mahatma Gandhi-led Non-co-operation Movement of 1920.
Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrated on 27 Feb
Guru Ravidas Jayanti is being celebrated all across the country on 27 Feb 2021.
Bhakti movement saint Guru Ravidas is well-known for making efforts in eradicating the caste system.
He was a contemporary to Kabirdas and Mirabai was a disciple of Ravidas.
His importance in Sikhism is denoted by the fact that 40 of his poems were included in the sacred Adi
Granth.
Central Excise Day: 24 February
Central Excise Day is celebrated every year on February 24 across India.
In India, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is responsible for administering
Customs, Goods, and Service Tax (GST), Central Excise, Service Tax and Narcotics in India.
The Customs and Central Excise/ Central GST department was established to administer customs laws.
21 February: International Mother Language Day
In 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO) had declared
21st February as International Mother Language Day.
The theme for the year 2021 is "Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society".
This year Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture and IGNCA are organizing a four-day virtual event to
mark the day.
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World Day of Social Justice: 20 February
World Day of Social Justice is observed on February 20 every year.
It is a global observance to raise voice against social injustice.
The theme for 2021 is "A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy".
The UN General Assembly declared February 20 as the annual World Day of Social Injustice in 2007.
It was in 2009 that the day was first observed.
Birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj
February 19, 2021, marks the 391st birth anniversary of Shivaji Bhonsle, popularly known as Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj.
He was born on February 19, 1630, in Shivneri fort in Junnar tehsil of Pune.
He established the Maratha kingdom, with Raigarh as its capital.
On June 6, 1674, he was crowned as the Chhatrapati – the King of Marathas.
Ramakrishna's birth anniversary: 18 February
18 February marks the birth anniversary of Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
Born on 18 February 1836, Gadadhar Chattopadhyay, who came to be known as Ramakrishna later in
life, hailed from a poor Brahmin family from Kamarpukur village, in the Hooghly district of West Bengal.
The saint was given the title of ‘Paramhansa’ by his Vedantic guru, Totapuri, a monk from Punjab.
74th foundation day of Delhi Police
16 February marks the foundation day of the Delhi Police.
The year 2021 marked its 74th foundation day.
As Home Minister, Amit Shah is in charge of the Delhi Police.
Delhi Police comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
In 2015, sanctioned strength of Delhi Police was 84,536 making it one of the largest metropolitan police
forces in the world.
National Women's Day: 13 February
National Women's Day in India is celebrated on 13 Feb every year.
It is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of the nightingale of India, Sarojini Naidu.
She is one of the most recognised persons in the Indian freedom movement.
She made history by becoming the first woman Governor in India.
In 1947, she became the Governor of the United Province, which is now known as Uttar Pradesh
Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti: 12 Feb
12 Feb marks the birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati denounced the caste system and encouraged education and equal rights of
men and women.
He was a renowned scholar who promoted the Vedic philosophy and principles of karma and
reincarnation.
His mission in life was universal brotherhood and for this, he founded the Arya Samaj.
Financial Literacy Week concludes
The RBI had launched the Financial Literacy Week on the theme of 'Credit Discipline and Credit from
Formal Institutions'.
It was observed from Feb 8-12, 2021.
The 5-day event was launched by Ajay Kumar, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, New Delhi.
12 | P a g eCurrent Affairs Monthly Capsule |February 2021
The RBI has been conducting it every year since 2016 to propagate financial education messages on a
particular theme across the country.
World Radio Day: 13 February
World Radio Day is celebrated all over the world on February 13.
The day aims at promoting the medium and encouraging people to use it.
The World Radio Day 2021 theme is “New World, New Radio”.
The day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day.
It was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011.
Samarpan Diwas: 11th February
'Samarpan Diwas' is observed on the death anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on 11th
February.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) thinker and former leader of the
political party Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the forerunner of Bharatiya Janata Party.
He became President of the Jana Sangh in December 1967.
He passed away on February 11, 1968.
Day of Women and Girls in Science: 11 February
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on 11 February every year.
The theme for the year 2021 is “Women Scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19”.
According to a UN study from 14 countries, the probability for female students graduating with a
Bachelor’s degree in science is 18%, while the male equivalent is 37%.
World Pulses Day: 10 February
World Pulses Day is observed on the 10th of February every year.
Pulses are the legume branches or small plants that contain edible seeds including beans, peas chickpeas
and lentils.
Pulses are a rich source of protein, dietary fibre and minerals.
In 2019, the General Assembly proclaimed 10 February as the World Pulses Day.
Dr Zakir Hussain's birth anniversary: 8 Feb
8 February marks the birth anniversary of former President Dr. Zakir Hussain.
Born on 8 February 1897, he served as the third President of the country from 13 May 1967 till his death
on 3 May 1969.
He previously served as Governor of Bihar from 1957 to 1962 and as Vice President of India from 1962 to
1967.
Safer Internet Day: 9 February
Safer Internet Day (SID) is celebrated around the world in February of each year, with Safer Internet
Centres, SID Committees and other supporters in each of the countries coming together to plan and
organise events.
SID celebration for 2021 took place on 9 February with the slogan "Together for a better internet".
The day was first celebrated in the year 2012.
International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed on Feb 6 every
year.
About 120 to 140 mn women have been subject to FGM and 3 million girls are at risk each year,
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according to WHO.
FGM relates to all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or
other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
4 Feb: Sri Lanka's 73rd Independence Day
Sri Lanka marked its 73rd Independence Day on 4 Feb 2021, with the main celebration event held at the
iconic Independence Square in Colombo.
Actual independence for the dominion of Ceylon came on February 4, 1948, when the constitution of
1947 went into effect.
In 2021, Independence Day celebrations held under the theme ‘Prosperous Tomorrow – Prosperous
Maubimik’.
International Day of Human Fraternity: 4 Feb
In December 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare 4 February as International
Day of Human Fraternity.
The day aims to underline the importance of raising awareness about different cultures and religions, or
beliefs, and the promotion of tolerance.
The day was celebrated for the very first time on February 4, 2021, with the theme ‘A Pathway to the
Future’.
World Cancer Day: 4 February
World Cancer Day is observed on 4th February every year.
The aim to observe World Cancer Day is to reduce misconceptions about cancer and to help people in
getting the right information about it.
The top cancers that affect the Indian population are lung, breast, cervical, head and neck and colorectal
cancer (CRC).
The theme for World Cancer Day 2021 is 'I Am and I Will.'
World Wetlands Day: 2 February
2 February is celebrated as World Wetlands Day every year.
It raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet.
This day also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the
Iranian city of Ramsar.
Wetlands are land areas that are saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally.
1 February: Indian Coast Guard day
Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated on 1st February every year.
The interim Indian Coast guard was established on 1 February 1977 to prevent sea-borne smuggling of
goods which were hampering India's domestic economy.
ICG is celebrating its 45th Raising Day on 1 Feb 2021.
Since its inception, the ICG has saved over 10,000 lives and apprehended around 14,000 miscreants.
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MoU and Agreements
FB signs deals with 3 Australian publishers
Facebook has announced preliminary agreements with three Australian publishers.
Letters of intent had been signed with independent news organizations Private Media, Schwartz Media
and Solstice Media.
These agreements will bring a new slate of premium journalism, including some previously paywalled
content, to Facebook.
Ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan
India and Pakistan armies have agreed to cease firing along the Line of Control (LoC) from midnight of
February 24-25, 2021.
The Director Generals of Military Operations of the two countries agreed to observe a ceasefire to
maintain peace along LoC.
Amid heightened tensions along the LoC and LAC in 2020, this is the first such contract between India
and Pakistan.
Brazil signs contract with Bharat Biotech
Health Ministry of Brazil signed a contract to purchase 20 million doses of Covaxin vaccine made by
India's Bharat Biotech, on 25 Feb 2021.
The first 8 million doses are expected to arrive in March 2021.
Meanwhile, Brazil reported 1,541 new COVID-19 deaths on 25 Feb 2021, the second-highest daily death
toll ever since the pandemic began, taking total fatalities to 251,498.
IWAI inks pact with MOL
An MoU was signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the MOL (Asia
Oceania) Ltd for transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas through barges on National Waterways-1 and 2.
IWAI will provide support for, facilitating the handling of LPG cargo on IWAI terminals or Multimodal
Terminals at Haldia, Sahibganj and Varanasi.
MOL Group is the world's largest gas carrier company.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs, CBIC sign MoU
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs have signed an MoU
for the exchange of data for enhancing the ease of doing business in India and improve overall
regulatory enforcement.
The MoU was signed by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs Manoj Pandey and Additional
Director General, CBIC B. B. Gupta.
Foxconn to form EV partnership with Fisker
Foxconn Technology Group will develop an electric vehicle with Fisker Inc.
The car will be built by Foxconn, targeted at multiple markets including North America, Europe, China
and India, and sold under the Fisker brand.
Production is set to start in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The company is expected to build more than 250,000 vehicles annually for the Fisker partnership.
MoA signed between ICAR-CCARI and GSBB
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research
Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa, and Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB), Goa.
It has been signed for commercialization of ICAR-CCARIs technology.
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The technology helps in the effective utilization of pericarp (outer cover of nutmeg fruit), otherwise
discarded, by preparing the nutmeg taffy.
Coal India signs MoU with Railways' CRIS
Coal India Limited (CIL) has joined hands with the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), an arm
of the Ministry of Railways, for freight monitoring and data sharing.
CIL will get access to the Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) of Indian Railways, through which
it will monitor movement of coal rakes and coal despatch activity.
CIL has signed an MoU with CRIS for the same.
HarperCollins, Amar Chitra Katha announce JV
Amar Chitra Katha has joined hands with HarperCollins India to bring the iconic folktales of India from its
comic books in a new format for younger readers.
Each book in the Amar Chitra Katha Folktales Series is adapted from the original Amar Chitra Katha
comics.
Founded in 1967, Amar Chitra Katha has been a household name for generations of Indians.
Bharat Forge joins hands with Paramount Group
Bharat Forge has inked a pact with global aerospace and technology firm Paramount Group to
manufacture armoured vehicles like Kalyani M4 in the country.
An agreement to this effect was signed by both companies during the International Defence Expo (IDEX
2021) in Abu Dhabi.
The Kalyani M4 is a multi-role platform, designed to meet the specific requirements of armed forces for
quick mobility.
Centre signs $304 million pact with AIIB
The Centre on 23 Feb'21 signed an agreement with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for
borrowing $304 million (over ₹2,200 crore) to improve power transmission network in Assam.
The fund will be utilized for the 'Assam Intra-State Transmission System Enhancement Project'.
The project aims to improve reliability, capacity and security of the power transmission network in the
state.
TERI, POSOCO sign MoU
The Energy and Resources Institute has signed an MoU with Power System Operation Corporation
(POSOCO) to encourage research in the domestic power sector.
Both have agreed to work together to strengthen research-industry interaction for knowledge sharing
and capacity building through collaboration and to encourage research on issues related to the Indian
power sector.
NHA signs MoU with CSCs
The National Health Authority has signed an MoU with Common Service Centres (CSCs) under the
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
It will generate new PVC beneficiary cards called Ayushman cards under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan
Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Eligible beneficiaries will now be able to get their Ayushman cards issued free of cost (at no charge to
the beneficiary).
India signs trade deal with Mauritius
India signed major trade and defence deals with Mauritius on 22 Feb 2021.
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During External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Mauritius, the two sides signed a free trade
agreement (FTA) or CECPA — the first such pact with any African country.
India and Mauritius also signed a $100 million Defence Line of Credit, to facilitate the procurement of
Indian defence equipment.
Centre, Nagaland govt sign $68 million project
The Centre along with the Nagaland govt has signed a 68 million dollar project with the World Bank.
The project is named “Nagaland: Enhancing Classroom Teaching and Resources”.
It will improve classroom instruction; create opportunities for the professional development of teachers,
and build technology systems to provide students and teachers with more access to blended and online
learning.
Amazon India partners with Mahindra Electric
Amazon India has partnered with Mahindra Electric to strengthen its commitment to electric mobility in
the country.
It is looking to add 10,000 electric vehicles in its local delivery fleet by 2025.
Mahindra’s Treo Zor vehicles have been deployed in 7 cities--Bengaluru, New Delhi, Hyderabad,
Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore, and Lucknow, with Amazon India’s network of delivery service partners.
Airtel partners with Qualcomm
Bharti Airtel has partnered with Qualcomm Technologies for accelerating 5G services in India.
Airtel will utilize the Qualcomm SG RAN Platforms to roll-out virtualized and Open RAN-based 5G
networks.
In addition, Airtel and Qualcomm Technologies will collaborate to enable a wide array of use cases,
including 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
JMC signs MoUs with IPCA, UNDP
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has signed two MoUs with the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), and the Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) to make Jammu plastic-free.
At present, around 80 percent of door-to-door garbage collection is done within the limits of the JMC.
Two new waste management plants are also being planned in Jammu.
WE HUB inks MoU with JKEDI
WE HUB has signed an MoU with Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI).
The MoU will have a pre-incubation program for aspiring entrepreneurs from Telangana and Jammu and
Kashmir catering 30 from each state.
After the pre-incubation program and rigorous interventions, a total of 60 start-ups from Telangana and
Jammu and Kashmir will undergo a co-incubation program.
Indian Bank signs MOU with SID of IISc
Indian Bank has entered into an MOU with the Society for Innovation and Development (SID) for
extending exclusive credit facility to start-ups and MSMEs.
SID is an initiative of the Indian Institute of Science.
The Bank will extend loans of up to Rs 50 crore to the start-ups for their working capital requirements or
for the purchase of machinery, equipment etc.
Amazon India inks MoU with DGR
Amazon India has signed an MoU with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR).
Under the MoU, Amazon India would continue to create career opportunities for the ex-service
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personnel who had served the country.
Veterans would have access to the work opportunities, including a mix of individual contribution and
managerial roles in fulfilment centres, sort centres, and delivery stations.
India signs $50 mn defence deal with Maldives
EAM S.Jaishankar signed a $50 million defence Line of Credit Agreement with the island nation Maldives
to facilitate capability building in the maritime domain on 21 Feb 2021.
The deal will lead to useful exchange on defence cooperation.
Jaishnakar is on a two-day visit to Maldives, held discussions with Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya
Didi.
Flipkart signs MoU with Tamil Nadu government
E-commerce marketplace Flipkart has signed an MoU with Tamil Nadu MSME Trade and Investment
Promotion Bureau to bring local artisans, weavers, & SMBs into e-commerce fold.
The MoU will provide these societies with new vigour & link them to a national market for their
products.
The TN govt also has announced MSME Policy 2021 with a target to attract new investments worth ₹2
lakh cr by 2025.
CSIR and B&M Gates Foundation sign MoU
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and CSIR signed an MoU to support the development, conduct
& promotion of health research in country on 19 Feb'21.
Both will work together to identify opportunities to initiate scientific & technological collaborations.
It will focus on developing & testing new prevention therapies that can help to solve major health
concerns in developing countries.
Airbus, FlyBlade to offer helicopter services
European aviation major Airbus has signed an initial pact with FlyBlade India to develop the on-demand
helicopter services market in South Asia.
The collaboration will create awareness about on-demand helicopter services, among helicopter
operators, customers and other stakeholders in the region.
The 2 partners will also work to identify ways to increase BLADE's fleet size in South Asia.
India, Ethiopia sign agreements
India and Ethiopia have signed two agreements related to visa facilitation and leather technology.
The agreements were signed in the presence of Ethiopia Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister,
Demeke Mekonnen Hassen and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Hassen was on a 4-day visit to India, from February 16, 2021.
IKEA signs MoU with UP government
Swedish furniture giant IKEA signed MoU with the Uttar Pradesh govt on 19 Feb'21 for Rs 5,500
cr investment.
The investment will be spread over 5 years, Paving way for international furniture and home goods
store in the state, and the largest in the country.
The project will generate direct and indirect employment of 50,000 in the next 5 yrs in UP.
ICICI Lombard partners with Flipkart
Flipkart has partnered with ICICI Lombard to offer 'Group SafeGuard' insurance.
Compared to the standard indemnity health insurance policies, Group SafeGuard is a benefit offering
18 | P a g eCurrent Affairs Monthly Capsule |February 2021
that allows consumers to avail a payout for each day of hospitalisation.
With daily cash benefits starting from Rs 500, 'Hospicash' benefit under Group SafeGuard insurance will
provide cover to Flipkart consumers.
PHDCCI inks pact with SIDBI
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has signed an agreement with the Small Industries
Development Bank of India.
It will facilitate providing of various credit and other schemes of SIDBI to micro, small and medium
enterprises in the country.
SIDBI is an all India financial institution dedicated to providing term loans, working capital and venture
funding assistance to MSMEs.
India, Nepal signs MoU
India and Nepal have signed an MoU for the reconstruction of six secondary schools in the Himalayan
nation.
The MoU was signed between the Indian Embassy and Nepal's Central Level Project Implementation
Unit (Education) of Nepal Reconstruction Authority (NRA).
The schools will be constructed at a total cost of Nepali Rupees 518 million.
GE Power Conversion, GRSE ink pact
GE Power Conversion and Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineers signed a pact on 16 Feb 21 to
collaborate on propulsion system design.
GE Power Conversion is a pioneer in the field of integrated, full electric and hybrid propulsion systems
for commercial and military naval sectors globally.
GRSE is a shipbuilding company in India under the administrative control of the defense ministry.
Tata Electronics signs MoU with Tamil Nadu
Tata Electronics has signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a facility for
manufacturing mobile components.
Tata Electronics Rs 4684 crore project in Krishnagiri is for manufacturing mechanical enclosures for
mobile phones.
The state also signed an MoU with Grasim Industries to establish a paint manufacturing unit at Cheyyar
with an investment of Rs 750 crore.
Tatas to acquire 68% stake in Bigbasket
Salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Group has signed a deal to acquire a 68 percent stake in BigBasket,
an online grocery platform.
The stake worth ₹9,500 crores is being acquired through Tata Digital, a subsidiary of Tata Sons.
The agreement puts BigBasket's enterprise value at more than ₹13,500 crores.
Founded in 2011, BigBasket operates in 25 Indian cities.
India, Russia hold talks on UNSC issues
India and Russia held bilateral consultations on UNSC issues in Moscow at the DG level on 16 Feb'21.
The Russian delegation was led by Peter Ilichev, Director of the Department of International
Organizations of Russian Foreign Ministry, and Prakash Gupta, Joint Secretary (UNP and Summits) led
the Indian delegation.
Both sides agreed to work closely together on key issues on the UNSC agenda.
Army joins hands with Pune-based foundation
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Indian Army's Chinar Corps entered into an MoU with a Pune-based Indrani Balan Foundation on 15
Feb'21 to provide better education facilities to the youths of J&K.
The Foundation will finance four Goodwill schools of Uri, Wayne, Trehgam, Hajinar in Baramulla
and Kupwara districts.
It will also build infrastructure for the Pariwar School Society for specially-abled children at Baramulla.
AYUSH Ministry, WHO SEARO ink pact
The AYUSH Ministry and the WHO's South-East Asia Regional Office has signed a Letter of Exchange to
implement its regional traditional medicine action plan.
The agreement will lead to the deputation of an AYUSH expert to WHO's regional traditional medicine
program.
The initiative aims to support the South-East Asia Region in implementing the regional traditional
medicine action plan.
Tata Communications partners with Google
Tata Communications Ltd has partnered with Google Cloud.
Its collaboration with Google Cloud will help businesses deploy the services for modernising
infrastructure, transforming data centres, smart analytics, multi-cloud deployments, among others.
The partnership will enable organisations to deploy and access Google Cloud services through Tata
Communications’ IZO managed cloud.
HCL Tech inks pact with IIT Kanpur
HCL Technologies has inked an agreement with IIT Kanpur to collaborate in the area of cybersecurity.
As part of the pact, HCL will work with C3iHub, a specialized cybersecurity research center at IIT Kanpur.
The teams will develop a security framework and solutions for cybersecurity challenges in current and
future operational technologies as one of the first areas of interest.
Indian Navy join hands with Titagarh Wagons
Titagarh Wagons has signed a contract for construction and supply of five Diving Support Craft from the
Indian Navy.
The project cost is about Rs. 174.76 crore only and has to be completed within 30 months.
Diving support craft will help in the diving operation and will serve as an ideal platform for conducting
training of the Indian Navy's diving cadre.
World Bank signs project with Chhattisgarh
The Government of India, the Government of Chhattisgarh and the World Bank have signed a $100 mn
project.
It is titled 'CHIRAAG – Chhattisgarh Inclusive Rural and Accelerated Agriculture Growth'.
It has been signed to develop sustainable production systems that allow tribal households in remote
areas of Chhattisgarh to practice round-the-year production of diversified and nutritious food.
J&K joins hands with UK Space Agency
Jammu and Kashmir has joined hands with the UK Space Agency's programme for collaborative projects
on Impact Based Flood Forecasting using Earth Observation (EO) based Information.
The National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) is a new programme established by the UK Space
Agency which supports collaborative projects between UK organisations and international partners.
Meghalaya Police sign MoU with SBI
Meghalaya Police sign MoU with SBI for implementation of the e-Challan within the jurisdiction of the
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Shillong Traffic Police(STP).
The e-challan system will provide a digital traffic enforcement solution whereby imposing penalties on
violators of traffic rule by generating challan.
The System has been integrated with VAHAN & SARATHI applications to fetch the details of traffic
violators.
Flipkart signs MoU with Maharashtra govt
Flipkart has entered into an MoU with Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation
(MSSIDC) and Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board (MSKVIB).
The MoU will onboard local artisans and entities on the company's flagship initiative Flipkart Samarth.
The partnership will enable Maharashtra's local artisans, weavers, and craftsmen to showcase their
hallmark products.
PhonePe, Axis Bank partner on UPI multi-bank
PhonePe has partnered with India’s third-largest bank, Axis Bank on UPI multi-bank model.
It will offer its users the chance to create and use multiple UPI IDs with Axis Bank’s “@axl” handle.
The platform enables the users to choose between multiple handles for their UPI transactions on the
multi-bank model.
Bank of Maharashtra ties up with LoanTap
Bank of Maharashtra has entered into a co-lending agreement with non-banking financial company
LoanTap Credit Products for MSME loans.
LoanTap offers a range of business, vehicle and personal loans to the underserved segment.
With LoanTap, the bank would be getting into faceless sanction and disbursals using mobile app.
PNB inks deal with Indian Oil
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has inked a pact with Indian Oil Corporation to provide up to ₹2 crores to
the oil company's dealers.
Punjab National Bank signed an MoU with India Oil Corporation Ltd in this regard.
The MoU would benefit dealers with credit facilities at lower interest rates, nil margin, and with
minimum or zero collateral requirements through the PNB e-Dealer scheme.
Centre, SPPU sign MoU
The Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and the Ministry of AYUSH signed an MoU with the
consortium of Ayush institutions on 10 February 2021.
The consortium comprises a group of institutions of national importance such as Teaching Research in
Ayurveda (ITRA).
The tie-up will help in research activities, realizing the need to study, understand, validate and integrate
the Ayush systems.
Skyroot, Bellatrix sign MoU
Skyroot Aerospace and Bellatrix Aerospace have signed an MoU to use the Orbital Transfer Vehicle
(OTV) being developed by Bellatrix Aerospace.
An Orbital Transfer Vehicle is a spacecraft that can perform various in-orbit operations, allowing a launch
vehicle to deliver satellites to more orbits.
Skyroot and Bellatrix plan to have the first mission of a Vikram launcher with an OTV by 2023.
IEPFA signs MoU with IGNOU
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and Indira Gandhi National Open
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