First fencer from India to qualify for Olympics
At the age of 27, Bhavani Devi became the first fencer from India to qualify for the Olympics. It retains its place in the Olympics thanks to revised official rankings. The Olympics are scheduled to start on July 23, 2021, and end on August 8.
Grammy Awards 2021:
The winners of the 63rd Grammy Award have been announced. World-famous Beyonce made history by becoming the most prominent woman in award history. On the other hand, Billy Ailish also set records, becoming the first solo artist to win this year’s record award two years in a row.
Prime Ministers of India and Finland held a virtual summit
The online summit between Prime Minister Modi and Finnish Prime Minister Sana Marin took place on March 16, 2021. The two leaders who were friends discussed various global and regional issues. India also invited Finland to join the International Solar Alliance.
COVID-19 vaccine of AstraZeneca temporarily halted
Italy, Spain, France, and Germany have temporarily stopped using the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. This step was taken for fear of blood clots. Previously, Iceland, Denmark and Norway had also temporarily stopped using vaccines. However, WHO, EMA, and AstraZeneca have maintained the vaccine.
Indian Army de commissions two artillery systems
The two of its longest-serving artillery systems were decommissioned by the Indian Army. The de-commissioned artilleries are- 160 mm Tampella Mortars and 130 mm Self-propelled M-46 Catapult Guns. The artilleries were serving in the army for almost 60 years.
Parliament passes Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 2021
The Maternity Health Termination Act 2021 was passed by Parliament. The law was passed in Lok Sabha on March 17, 2020, while the King of Sabha passed it on March 16, 2021. The abortion law will guarantee the dignity of women who are forced to terminate their pregnancies.
Italy joins the International Solar Alliance
Taly joined ISA and also signed a framework agreement for an alliance with India. Italy can join the International Solar Alliance upon amendment of the agreement. The amendments to the treaty open up ISA membership to all UN member states.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan designated as Chairman of the board of Stop TB Partnership
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Health Minister of India has been appointed as the Chairman of the board of Stop TB Partnership. The minister will be in charge of the position for 3 years and will start from July 2021. Stop TB Partnership is a global body that aims at entirely eradicating Tuberculosis.
Manipur announced model state for Van Dhan Vikas Program
The North-Eastern state Manipur has been declared as the winning state of Van Dhan Vikas Yojana. The program by the government has been proved to be a major source of employment for the local tribals in Manipur. The success was possible only because of the active participation of the state government.
India and United States launches AI initiative
India and the United States have launched the Artificial Intelligence Initiative which will focus on the cooperation in the AI field between the two nations. AI initiative will also provide a platform for discussing challenges, opportunities as well as barriers for AI Research and Development.