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Current Affairs -26 January 2021

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1.India ranked seventh on index of countries impacted by climate change in 2019
  • India ranks seventh among countries most affected in 2019 by climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index, 2021, released Monday by Germanwatch — an NGO based in Bonn, Germany.
  • In 2019, monsoon continued for a month longer than normal in India. From June to the end of September 2019, 110% of the long-period average was recorded. Flooding caused by heavy rain was responsible for 1,800 deaths across 14 states and led to the displacement of 1.8 million people, the report said. There were eight tropical cyclones in India. Six of them intensified to become “very severe.”
Foot Notes:
About Global Climate Risk Index:
Originally published: 2009
Author: Sven Harmeling
 
2.India celebrates 72nd Republic Day amid pandemic on 26th January 
  • As India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovind unfurled the national flag and received the customary 21-gun salute at Rajpath.
  • The 21-gun salute was presented by the Ceremonial Battery of 223 Field Regiment that was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jitender Singh Mehta.
  • President Ram Nath Kovind, escorted by 46 President’s Bodyguards raised in 1773 - on magnificent Bay and Dark Bay-coloured mounts, was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wore a traditional ‘kurta-pajama’ and sported a special turban from Jamnagar in Gujarat.
  • After unfurling the national flag, the first formation comprising four Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the 155 Helicopter Unit flew and showered flowers at the Rajpath and guests. The helicopters flew in a wineglass formation.
3.President Rebelo de Sousa wins landslide re-election in Portugal
  • Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa won a landslide reelection on Sunday with 60.7 percent of the vote, after a campaign marked by a surge in coronavirus infections that has pushed the country’s health service into crisis.
  • Despite anguish over the virus and its economic impact, voters opted for continuity in backing the center-right incumbent, who has worked closely, but critically, with the Socialist government of António Costa throughout the pandemic.
  • Second place went to Ana Gomes, a Socialist running without official support from her party. The long-time member of the European Parliament, who campaigned on a strong anti-corruption and human rights platform, scored 12.9 percent of the vote.
Foot Notes:
About Portugal:
President: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa 
Capital: Lisbon
Currency: Euro

4.China surpasses US as the largest recipient of FDI in 2020
  • China climbed to the No.1 ranking globally attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) of $163 billion in 2020 amid a raging global pandemic, according to the UN's latest report on global investment, knocking the US, which attracted $134 billion, off the first spot.
  • Global FDI plunged by 42 percent in 2020 to an estimated $859 billion last year, from $1.5 trillion in 2019, and it was more than 30 percent below the trough after the global financial crisis in 2009, a new report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) showed on Sunday, while China bucked the trend becoming the world's top recipient of offshore investment.
Foot Notes:
About China:
Currency: Renminbi 
Capital: Beijing
President: Xi Jinping

5.Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister launches 'PANKH Abhiyan' on National Girl Child Day
  • On the occasion of National Girl Child Day on 24th January, 2021, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the 'PANKH Abhiyan' under the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' scheme in order to aid in empowerment and growth of the girl child.
  • Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the PANKH Abhiyan today under the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' scheme wherein 'P' stands for protection, 'A' for awareness of their rights, 'N' for nutrition, 'K' for knowledge and 'H' for health. 
  • The CM also announced scholarships worth Rs 6.47 crore for 26,099 girls under Ladli Laxmi Yojana. Addressing girl students virtually, he discussed with them their future plans and goals.
Foot Notes:
About Madhya Pradesh:
Capital: Bhopal 
Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Governor: Anandiben Patel
About 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao':

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is a campaign of the Government of India that aims to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls in India. The scheme was launched with an initial funding of ₹100 crore.

6.Tri-service joint amphibious exercise “AMPHEX-21” conducted in Andaman Sea
  • A large-scale tri-service joint amphibious exercise, AMPHEX-21, was conducted in Andaman & Nicobar islands from January 21 to 25.
  • The exercise involved the participation of Naval ships, amphibious troops of the Army and different types of aircraft from the Air force.
  • The exercise was aimed at validating India’s capabilities to safeguard the territorial integrity of its island territories. It also sought to enhance operational synergy and joint war fighting capabilities amongst the three Services.
Foot Notes:
About Indian Armed Forces:
Commander-in-Chief: President Ram Nath Kovind
Chief of Defence Staff: General Bipin Rawat
Chief of Army Staff: M M Naravane
Chief of Air Staff: RKS Bhadauria
Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh

7.DRDO conducts maiden launch of Akash-NG missile from Integrated Test Range off coast of Odisha
  • Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted the successful maiden launch of Akash-NG (New Generation) Missile from Integrated Test Range off the coast of Odisha yesterday. Akash-NG is a new generation Surface to Air Missile meant for use by Indian Air Force with an aim of intercepting high maneuvering low RCS aerial threats.
  •  The Ministry of Defence said that the missile intercepted the target with textbook precision. The launch met all the test objectives by performing high maneuvers during the trajectory. 
  • The Akash-NG system has been developed with better deployability compared to other similar systems with canisterized launcher and much smaller ground system footprint. 
Foot Notes:
About DRDO:
Founded: 1958
Headquarters: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi
Chairman: Dr G. Satheesh Reddy

About Odisha:
Capital: Bhubaneswar
Governor: Ganeshi Lal
Chief Minister:Naveen Patnaik

8.UP becomes first state to have 2 airstrips on expressways for landing, take-off of fighter planes
  • With the completion of the construction of the 3,300-metre-long airstrip near Kurebhar on Purvanchal Expressway, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in the country with two airstrips on expressways to facilitate emergency landing and take-off of fighter planes.
  • Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh said, "The construction of Purvanchal Expressway being completed rapidly. The construction of the 3,300-metre-long airstrip near Kurebhar on the expressway has been completed. All categories of aircraft can land on this airstrip. The Indian Air Force is likely to test the airstrip soon."
Foot Notes:
About UP:
Capital: Lucknow 
Governor: Anandiben Patel
Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath

9.Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy 2020-21 to be played in Ahmedabad from 26-31 January
  • In Cricket, Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy 2020-21 will be played from 26-31 January, at Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad. All India Radio will Broadcast ball-by-ball bilingual commentary of the tournament.
  • As per schedule, four quarter finals will be played from 26-27 January, two semi finals on January 29, with the final scheduled on January 31.
10.Sean Desai becomes first Indian descent to be named as NFL coordinator
  • The longest-tenured member of the Chicago Bears’ coaching staff, Desai was hired as a quality control coach in 2013 under Marc Trestman. He worked with defensive backs and linebackers while also assisting on special teams through the 2018 season before being promoted to safeties coach.
  • Indian-American Sean Desai, named as the new defensive coordinator for Chicago Bears, will become the first South Asian descent to hold the post. The 37-year-old former safeties coach will be promoted to replace Chuck Pagano, who has recently announced his retirement.
Foot Notes:
About Chicago Bears:
NFL championships: 1986
Head coach: Matt Nagy
Owner: Virginia Halas McCaskey
 
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