1.Sweden starts testing world’s first central bank digital currency
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Sweden’s Riksbank had begun testing an e-krona, taking the country a step closer to the creation of the world’s first central bank digital currency (CBDC).If the e-krona eventually comes into circulation it will be used to simulate everyday banking activities, such as payments, deposits and withdrawals from a digital wallet such as a mobile phone app.
In January, the central banks of Britain, the euro zone, Japan, Sweden and Switzerland joined forces to assess the case for issuing CBDCs.
CBDCs are traditional money, but in digital form, issued and governed by a country’s central bank.
2.India attends SCO defence and security experts meeting in Pakistan
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Pakistan hosted a two-day meeting of defence and security experts of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Islamabad which was attended by India and other member states.The 9th Defence and Security Expert Working Group meeting of the SCO discussed different aspects of cooperation between the SCO members.
The participating countries besides Pakistan included China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and India.
Belarus attended the meeting as the observer state.
India attending the meeting in Pakistan assumes significance in the wake of their strained ties in recent years.
For the first time, India will host the annual meeting of the council of heads of government of the SCO later this year.
3.13th COP to CMS concludes at Mahatma Mandir
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The 13th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention to Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) concluded at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.The ‘Gandhinagar Declaration’ aiming for major new actions for migratory species was adopted by the participating countries at the concluding day of CMS-COP 13.
COP has also agreed on a number of policy measures to address the threat to migratory species such as strengthening initiatives to combat illegal killing and trade of migratory birds.
10 new migratory species were added to global wildlife agreement including the Asian elephant, Jaguar and Great Indian Bustard.
Internationally renowned conservationist Ian Redmond, award-winning explorer and environmentalist Sacha Dench, and Indian actor Randeep Hooda were named as CMS Ambassadors for Migratory Species until 2023.
4.Rajnath Singh lays foundation stone for Indian Army’s new headquarters ‘Thal Sena Bhawan’ in Delhi Cantonment
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The Indian Army is all set to get new headquarters called “Thal Sena Bhawan” in the Delhi Cantonment area.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for construction of a new Army headquarter building in Delhi Cantonment.
“Thal Sena Bhawan” will be spread over 39 acres, and will come up near the Manekshaw Centre in the Delhi Cantonment area in the next five years.
The Thal Sena Bhawan will bring all Army headquarters offices under one roof and help in better synergy and working efficiency.
Currently the Chief of Army staff sits in The South Block which is a part of the historic Raisina Hill complex in Lutyens’ Delhi.
5.Country’s first floating jetty inaugurated in Goa
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Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the country’s first floating jetty and an immigration facility at a cruise terminal in Vasco.The jetty is located in the state port department’s premises on the banks of Mandovi river.
This floating jetty is the first such facility in the country. It is made of cement concrete. It will boost inland waterways.
“Jetty” refers to a walkway accessing the centre of an enclosed waterbody.
6.IRSDC installs squat machine at Delhi’s Anand Vihar railway station
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Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC) installed a squat machine at Anand Vihar Railway Station, turning it into a health hub.Fit India Squat Machine is the first of its kind facility in India and also the first at any railway station across the country.
The facility is available near the entry point of the station.
To encourage the Fit India Program, the Railways will give free platform tickets to one if he or she performs 30 squats in 180 seconds.
7.World famous Goa carnival to begin in Panaji
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The world-famous Goa Carnival will begin in the capital Panaji.The festival, which displays Goan art and culture, is celebrated with fun, frolic, pomp and splendor.
Local as well as foreign tourists participate in this Carnival festival.
The thrill of Carnival attracts visitors all across Goa.
8.GSI denies discovery of 3000-tonne gold deposits in UP’s Sonbhadra
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Geological Survey of India has said there has been no discovery of gold deposits estimated to be around 3,000 tonnes in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district.The GSI clarified that it has not estimated such a vast resource of gold deposit in Sonbhadra district.
It informed that GSI, Northern region has carried out several exploration works for gold but the results were not encouraging.
It clarified that the total gold which can be extracted from the total resource of 52806.25 tonnes of ore is approximately 160 kg and not 3350 tonnes as mentioned in the media.
9.National Museum hosts ‘Historical Gastronomica – The Indus Dining Experience’ exhibition
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The National Museum in New Delhi is hosting a unique exhibition on India’s ancient food history called “Historical Gastronomica – The Indus Dining Experience.The exhibition demonstrates the evolution of food habits, food processing techniques and related architecture of the Harappans.
Recreation of food of the Indus-Saraswati Civilization by National Award-winning Chef Sabyasachi Gorai is one of the main attractions of this exhibition which is the first of its kind in the country.
The event gives every visitor a rare opportunity to delve into a pre-historic culinary era.
10.India earns 1 gold, 3 silver medals on 5th day of Asian Wrestling Championship
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On day 5 of the Asian Wrestling Championship in New Delhi, India earned one gold and three silver medals.In the men’s freestyle 57 kg category, Ravi Dahiya won the gold medal defeating Tajikistan’s Hikmatullo Vohidov by technical superiority in the final match at KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium.
Earlier, India’s Bajrang Punia, Gourav Baliyan and Satyawart Kadian won silver medals after losing in their respective finals.
