National:
National Metrology Conclave 2021:
- The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered inaugural address at the National Metrology Conclave 2021 on 04 January 2021.
The Conclave was organised by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, on its 75th year of inception. The theme of the conclave is ‘Metrology for the Inclusive Growth of the Nation‘.
During the inaugural address, PM Narendra Modi dedicated “National Atomic Timescale” and “Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya Pranali” to the Nation, and laid the Foundation Stone of “National Environmental Standards Laboratory”.
National Atomic Timescale: It generates Indian Standard Time with an accuracy of 2.8 Nanosecond.
Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya Pranali: It is supporting testing and calibration of laboratories for quality assurance, at par with international standards.
National Environmental Standards Laboratory: It will aid self-reliance in the certification of ambient air and industrial emission monitoring equipment.
Appointment:
- Shri Suneet Sharma, has taken over the charge of new Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Railway Board (Ministry of Railways), and ex-officio Principal Secretary to GOI.
- Justice Mohammad Rafiq was administered the oath as the 26th Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court by Governor Anandiben Patel, on 03 January 2021.
KIFF 2020:
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee virtually inaugurated the 26th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF 2020) on January 08, 2021. The inaugural ceremony was also virtually attended by West Bengal’s brand ambassador, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
The film festival was started from January 08, 2021 & will be end on January 15, 2021.
Director Satyajit Ray’s classic ‘Apur Sansar’ was the inaugural film of the festival. During the film festival, 131 movies from 45 countries will be screened till 13 January 2021.
Films are being screened at Rabindra Sadan, Nandan, Sisir Mancha and Rabindra Okakura Bhavan in Salt Lake.
International:
Loan from ADB:
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India on 30th December 2020 signed a $ 231 million loan to augment electricity generation capacity in the state of Assam.
The electricity generation capacity will be augmented through construction of a 120 megawatts (MW) hydroelectric power plant. It will enhance availability of electricity for households.