National Polio Vaccination Campaign, 2022 launched

1.Madhabi Puri appointed as new chairman of SEBI

Ms. Madhabi Puri has been appointed as the new chairman of markets regulator SEBI . Madhabi is the first woman chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India . Ms. Puri is the former head of ICICI Securities, she has also served as a whole-time member in SEBI. She will replace Ajay Tyagi.

2.First plant-made COVID vaccine created in Canada

Canada has become the first country in the world to authorize the use of a plant-based COVID-19 vaccine . The two-dose vaccine of Medicago can be given to adults between the ages of 18 and 64 . The decision to authorize this vaccine was based on a study conducted on 24,000 adults that showed the vaccine had an efficacy rate of 71% in preventing COVID-19, although these trials were done before the Omicron version emerged. The side effects of this vaccine were mild fatigue and fever. This vaccine has been named Covifenz . Canada has agreed to purchase 20 million doses of this plant-based vaccine.

3.Guava exports from India see a growth of 260 percent since 2013

There has been a significant increase in the export of guava from the country . In the year 2013-14, the export of guava was only five lakh eighty thousand dollars, which has increased to twenty lakh nine thousand dollars in 2021-22 . According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, exports of grapes and other fruits have also increased significantly.

4.Putin orders nuclear forces to be on special alert

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered nuclear forces to be placed on special alert: the highest level of alert for Strategic Missile Forces . Speaking to top military officials, including Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, he said Western countries acted unfriendly towards Russia and imposed illegitimate sanctions. Putin had already issued a coded warning that he was ready to use nuclear weapons.

5.Russia announces it is partially limiting access to Facebook

Russia has announced that it is partially limiting access to Facebook amid military operations on Ukraine . Earlier, the accounts of several Kremlin-backed media agencies had been limited by the social network platform. Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor said in a statement that its partial ban on Facebook took effect from Friday. The Russian government called on Facebook to lift restrictions imposed on Thursday on national news agency RIA Novosti, state TV channel Zvezda and pro-Kremlin news websites, the statement said. Meanwhile, Facebook’s parent company – Meta Platforms Inc. – has said it has refused to stop fact-checking Russian state-owned media.

6.Center to send four cabinet ministers to neighboring countries of Ukraine for evacuation operation of Indian citizens trapped in Ukraine

In the wake of Ukraine crisis , four Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju and General VK Singh will visit neighboring countries of Ukraine for coordination and help of students related to evacuation operation of Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine . These ministers will go there as special envoys of India. Mr. Scindia will go to Romania and Moldova, Mr. Rijiju Slovakia, Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri to Hungary and General VK Singh to Poland to provide help to the stranded Indians in Ukraine.

7.Government has increased the compensation to two lakh rupees for the next of kin of those killed in hit and run accidents.

The government has increased the compensation for the next of kin of those killed in hit and run motor vehicle accidents from the existing Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakh . The compensation has been increased eight times. In case of grievously injured, the compensation has been increased from Rs 12,000 to Rs 50,000. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has said in a notification that the scheme has been named as Hit and Run Motor Vehicle Accident Scheme, 2022 . This will come into effect from April 1 this year. This scheme will replace the Compensation Scheme, 1989. Government to set up Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. It will be used for compensation and treatment of victims in hit and run accident cases.

8.Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Jagan Mohan Reddy formally dedicated INS Visakhapatnam to the City of Destiny – Visakhapatnam

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Jagan Mohan Reddy dedicated INS Visakhapatnam after the name of the city of Visakhapatnam in a ceremonial ceremony held at Naval Dockyard on 27 February 2022 . The ship is an indigenously designed and built, Radar Avoidance and Guided Missile Destroyer. It is named after the city of fortune, Visakhapatnam. This naval vessel is on her maiden visit to the port to participate in PFR and MILAN 2022 . INS Visakhapatnam is the lead ship of the P15B class of radar-capable guided missile destroyers and was commissioned on 21 November 2021.

9.SECI and HPCL sign MoU to achieve green energy objectives of Government of India and strive towards carbon neutral economy

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Solar Energy Nigam India Limited (SECI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on 24 February 2022 to realize the efforts of the Government of India towards green energy objectives and carbon neutral economy . The MoU was signed by Mr. Shuvendu Gupta, Chief General Manager – Biofuels and Renewables, HPCL and Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Executive Director, SECI. The MoU provides for cooperation in the field of renewable energy, electric mobility and alternative fuels including development of ESG projects.

10.National Polio Vaccination Campaign, 2022 launched

The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the National Polio Vaccination Campaign for 2022 on 26 February.started of. The Universal Immunization Program is focusing on protecting children from diseases more than ever before. In recent times, several new vaccines have been introduced, such as the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), the measles-rubella vaccine (MR), and the rotavirus vaccine. The government has also introduced “Injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine” in the vaccination program for additional protection of children. Mission Indradhanush was launched with an aim to fully immunize over 89 lakh children who are either partially vaccinated or unvaccinated under UIP. In this mission, the target of vaccination of children below 2 years of age and pregnant women has been fixed. Polio National Immunization Day 2022 was organized on February 27, 2022.

11.Foreign direct investment (FDI) of $43 billion was received in India in April-December 2021

According to data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) , during April-December 2021 , India’s foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows declined by 16 per cent to USD 43.17 billion.left. During the same period last year, FDI inflows stood at US$ 51.47 billion. Total FDI inflows (reinvested income, equity inflows and other capital) in the first nine months of this fiscal stood at US$ 60.34 billion as against US$ 67.5 billion in the previous year. In the third quarter (October-December 2021) of this fiscal, equity inflows declined to USD 12 billion. In the same time period of 2020, this amount was US$21.46. During the third quarter of the current year, FDI inflows declined to US$ 17.94 billion as against US$ 26.16 billion in the same period last year. During the period April-December 2021, Singapore topped the list, with investments of USD 11.7 billion. US with USD 7.52 billion, Mauritius with USD 6.58 billion, Cayman Islands with USD 2.74 billion, 2.

12.Tropical Cyclone Emnati wreaks havoc in Madagascar

Cyclone Imnati wreaked havoc in Madagascar . It made landfall just north of the southeast district of Manakara. On 5 February, another storm, Cyclone Batsirai, hit the island, affecting about 270,000 people and killing 121 people. 21,000 people are still displaced since Tropical Storm Ana hit in January. Tropical Storm Dumako affected 5,000 people. Between November and April each year, the island is prone to many cyclones and storms.

13.New Development Bank first multilateral agency to open office in GIFT City

The New Development Bank (NDB) will become the first multilateral agency to open an office in the Gujarat International Finance Tec City (GIFT). The New Development Bank (NDB) has got the approval for this and will open an office in GIFT City in May 2022. The Indian office will help identify suitable projects and try to create a pipeline of potential financing for the bank. NDB also expects to partner with the newly launched National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NBFID) to support critical infrastructure projects in India.

14.NSE, BSE begin T+1 stock settlement from February 25

India has become the second country after China to implement the T+1 stock settlement mechanism in a phased manner from February 25 . The system will start with a select stock and then gradually add others to the fold. A directive in this regard was issued by SEBI on January 01, 2022. Earlier, the settlement period of shares in India was T+2, i.e. two days after the actual purchase/sale of the stock. T means trade/transaction day i.e. the day stock is brought/sold and here T+1 means actual stock settlement will happen on next day i.e. +1 day. Example: If you buy a stock on Monday, you will get it in your demat account on Tuesday. SEBI introduced the current T+2 settlement in April 2003. Earlier T+3 was settled by stock exchanges.

15.Cochin airport to turn power positive with new solar plant

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is set to commission a 12 MW solar power plant on March 6 near Payyannur in Kannur district of Kerala . With the commissioning of the new solar power plant, CIAL will get the status of a power-positive airport from its present status of being a power-neutral airport . In 2015 , CIAL became the first airport in the world to be entirely powered by solar power . The power plant boasts of 12 MW capacity on 35 acres of land where CIAL introduced the concept of terrain-based installation where the geographical features of the area are retained and there is no change in the slope of the land.

16.Rafael Nadal wins Mexican Open 2022

In tennis , Rafael Nadal ( Spain ) defeated British number one Cameron Norie 6-4 6-4 to win the singles title of the Mexican Open 2022 ( also known as the Acapulco title). This is the 91st ATP title of his career and third title of the season. This is the fourth time Rafael Nadal has won the Mexican Open title, after winning previous titles in 2005, 2013 and 2020. The men’s doubles title winners are Feliciano López (Spain) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece).

17.Singapore Weightlifting International 2022: India won 8 medals

India finished its campaign at the Singapore Weightlifting International 2022 with eight medals , including six gold and one silver and bronze. Eight Indian lifters who registered for the Singapore International won medals each and secured their place at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to be held in July-August . India now has a total of 12 lifters qualified for the Commonwealth Games 2022 to be held in Birmingham. Indian lifters who qualified for Commonwealth Games 2022

18.National Science Day

National Science Day is celebrated every year on 28 February to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect . On this day Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman announced the discovery of the Raman Effect. For this discovery he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 . In 1986, the Government of India announced to celebrate 28 February as National Science Day. The purpose of celebrating this day is to spread the message of importance of science and its use in common life. The theme of this year’s National Science Day is ‘ Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for Sustainable Development ‘.

19.Jan Aushadhi Diwas week to be observed from 1st to 7th March 2022

The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals is going to celebrate its fourth Jan Aushadhi Diwas . On the occasion of 4th Jan Aushadhi Diwas, a week long event will be organized at various places in all the States/Union Territories. This will create awareness about the use of generic medicines and the benefits of Jan Aushadhi Project. The main event “ Jan Aushadhi Diwas ” will be organized on Monday 7th March, 2022 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mr. Bhagwant Khuba will be present on the occasion.

20.Rare Disease Day: 28 February 2022

Rare Disease Day ( RDD ) is celebrated every year on the last day of February . In this year 2022, it is falling on February 28, 2022 . The day is observed to raise awareness of rare diseases and to improve access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with rare diseases and their families. Rare Disease Day was first initiated in 2008 by the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and its National Alliance Council. Rare Disease Day Theme 2022: Share Your Colors .

21.World NGO Day 2022: 27 February

World NGO Day is celebrated every year on 27 February in many countries around the world. NGOs or NGOs work in the upliftment of the society. It is an international day to recognize, celebrate and honor non-governmental and non-profit organizations and those who spend their time and effort in making society a better place to live. The aim of World NGO Day is to create awareness about this sector and encourage people across the world who work in this field for a good cause. An interesting fact about World NGO Day is that the government of each country appreciates these people for their selfless work in their official state languages.

22.Polio National Immunization Day 2022: 27 February

In 2022, the Government of India has organized Polio National Immunization Day 2022 (NID) ( also known as Polio Sunday ) on February 27, 2022 so that every child below five years of age in the country should be given oral polio vaccine. Two drops of (oral polio vaccine – OPV) can be given. Under this campaign, more than 15 crore children will be covered in 735 districts of all 36 states and union territories. The National Polio Vaccination Campaign for 2022 was launched by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on February 26, 2022.