1) Science and Technology
Russia launches first Arctic-monitoring Satellite “Arktika-M”
The Russian space corporation Roscosmos successfully launched its first satellite to monitor the Arctic’s climate and environment.
The satellite called “Artika-M” was launched on 28th February 2021, onboard Soyuz-2.1lb carrier rocket, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
This satellite will help to collect information to solve operational meteorology and hydrology problems, and monitor the climate and environment in the Arctic region.
Quick Fact: The President of Russia is Vladimir Putin
2) Sports
Vinesh Phogat wins gold in Ukraine wrestling event
Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat won the gold medal at the Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial tournament in Kyiv, Ukraine.
She defeated 2017 world champion Vanesa Kaladzinkaya.
Up against the world number seven Belarusian, it was not an easy bout for the world number three Indian as the two grapplers kept testing each other with consistent attacks in the sea-saw battle in which Vinesh prevailed.
Quick Fact: Kiren Rijiju is the current Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
3) Defence
India describes Sri Lanka “Priority One” partner in defence
Indian High Commission in Colombo has described the island nation of Sri Lanka as its “Priority One” partner in the defence sphere and reassured full cooperation in the field of defence and security.
The assertion comes at a time when the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is gearing up for the celebration of its 70th anniversary on 2nd March
A total of 23 Indian Air force (IAF) and Indian Navy aircraft will also partake in the event.
Quick Lanka: The capitals of Sri Lanka are Colombo and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
4) International Affairs
UN body recommends graduation of Bangladesh from LDC
The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) has recommended the graduation of Bangladesh from the category of Least Developed Country (LDC).
Bangladesh has fulfilled the eligibility criteria in terms of per capita income, human assets, and economic and environmental vulnerability.
This is the second time since 2018 that the CDP has made the recommendation for Bangladesh for graduation from the LCD category.
Quick Fact: The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is Sheikh Hasina
5) Defence
Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh takes over as ENC chief
Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-chief (FOC-in-C) of Eastern Naval Command (ENC).
He replaced Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain
Atul Kumar Jain has been transferred to New Delhi to assume charge as the Vice Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC).
Quick Fact: The headquarters of Eastern Naval Command is in Andhra Pradesh
6) International Affairs
Ghana becomes the world’s first nation to receive COVAX vaccines
Ghana has become the first country in the world to receive vaccines acquired through the United Nations-backed COVAX initiative,
With the COVAX initiative, 6,00,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine made by Serum Institute of India will be delivered to Ghana
Ghana is among 92 low-and-middle-income countries that are receiving vaccines for free through COVAX.
Quick Fact: COVAX is an international cooperative program led by the United Nations World Health Organisation, Gavi and CEPI
7) International Affairs
International Yoga festival begins in Rishikesh
The International Yoga Festival was inaugurated by the Agriculture Minister of Uttrakhand Subodh Uniyal and Patanjali Yogapeeth chairman Acharya Balakrishna in Rishikesh.
The Festival is being jointly organised by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN).
Yoga has played an important role in boosting immunity especially during the time of Covid.
Quick Fact: The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand is Trivendra Singh Rawat
8) Person in News
Jaideep Bhatnagar takes over as Principal Director General of PIB
The former head of the News Service Division of All India Radio, Jaideep Bhatnagar, took over as Principal Director General of the Press Information Bureau.
Prior to his current charge as head of the organisation, Bhatnagar has worked in PIB for six years in different capacities.
He will take over from Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia.
Quick Fact: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India was established in 1919
