National:
MCA21 Version 3.0:
- During the fiscal 2021-22, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) will launch data analytics driven MCA21 Version 3.0.
This Version will have additional modules for e-Adjudication, e-Consultation and Compliance Management. MCA21 system is the first Mission Mode e-Governance project of Government of India.
MCA21 V3 Project is a technology-driven forward looking project, envisioned to strengthen enforcement, promote Ease of Doing Business, enhance user experience, facilitate seamless integration and data exchange among Regulators.
New CBI Director:
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Additional Director Praveen Sinha on 4 February 2021 took charge as the acting chief of the agency (CBI). He is a Gujarat-cadre IPS officer of 1988 batch.
SYMSAC X 2021:
- SYMSAC X 2021, an international symposium on Spices and Aromatic Crops was held from 9 February to 12 February, 2021.
Organized By:
SYMSAC X 2021 was organized by Indian Society for Spices, Kerala, Indian Society of Seed Spices, Ajmer, & Spices Board, Kerala in collaboration with ICAR, New Delhi, ICAR-IISR, Kerala, ICAR- NRCSS, Ajmer, and DASD, Kerala.
Awards:
During the symposium, the Indian Society for Spices (ISS) at the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) presented Sugandha Bharathi and Sugandhasree awards.
Sugandha Bharathi Award:
ISS has been honouring outstanding individuals in the field of spices research and development with Sugandha Bharathi award every four years. The awardees are selected for their lifetime contribution to the cause of spices in the country.
This year, PN Ravindran, renowned plant breeder, author and writer, best known for his contributions in the field of spices research, development and documentation has been conferred with the Sugandha Bharathi award.
Sugandhasree Award:
Shri T Joseph, a nutmeg farmer from Vaikom, Kottayam has been conferred with the Sugandhasree Award.
Kerala's first Human Milk Bank:
- Health minister of Kerala K K Shailaja, inaugurated the Kerala state’s first human milk bank, ‘Nectar of Life’, at state-owned Ernakulam General Hospital in Kochi, via video conferencing on 5 February 2021.
International:
Sundance Film Festival 2021:
- Sundance Film Festival 2021 was held digitally from January 28 to February 3, 2021, & presented by Sundance Institute.
Indian Winner:
‘Writing with Fire’, an Indian film, has won the audience award in the World Cinema Documentary category at the Sundance Film Festival 2021.
Indian documentary ‘Writing with Fire’ has been directed by debut directors Rintu Thomas & Sushmit Ghosh.
Co-chair of the crucial Immigration Task Force of the CAPAC:
- Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has been appointed as co-chair of the crucial Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).
The aim of the immigration task force is to help in following issues:
- Support legislation to protect Dreamers and Temporary Protect Status (TPS) recipients
- Support comprehensive immigration reform
- Restore due process for immigrants, etc.