GOA
Shigmotsav of Goa was Limited due to Covid
Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in the state, the Goa government has restricted the Shigmotsav (Shigmo festival) parade to three locations (Panaji, Ponda and Mapusa). Highlights:
Shigmo is a celebration for the Goa tribe community to celebrate the “rich rice, golden harvest”. Agricultural communities including Kunbis, Gawdas and Velips are celebrating this festival, which also marks the arrival of spring.
Dhakto Shigmo is observed by the rural population, farmers and working class.
Vhadlo Shigmo has greater importance and is praised by everyone.
The Shigmo celebration lasts for two weeks in the months of the Phalgun-Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to March to April each year.
The Shigmo street parade serves as the focal point. It is held every year in the state capital Panjim and other major cities such as Maggio, Mapusa, Vasco and Ponda.
INTERNATIONAL
Russia Launched First Arctic-monitoring Satellite
The Russian Space agency, Roscosmos, has successfully launched its first ever Arctic-monitoring satellite that will monitor the Arctic’s climate and environment.
The space agency blasted off the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket which is also carrying the Arktika-M satellite on board.
The rocket was blasted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on February 28, 2021. The Arktika-M spacecraft was launched to orbit later.
The development of this satellite system in the highly elliptical orbits is required to collect the information in order to solve the operational meteorology problems as well as the hydrology problems.
The satellite will also monitor the climate and environment of the Arctic region.
Arktika-M satellite will also transmit the overview images of Earth’s northern polar region and the adjoining areas every 15-30 minutes.
MoU Signed Between India and Fiji
The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between India and Fiji in the fields of Agriculture and related sectors. Highlights: The memorandum of understanding requires the exchange of scientists, experts, technology transfer, infrastructure development for agricultural development, holding workshops and seminars, forming joint ventures, promoting agricultural product marketing and value-added investment, promoting direct agricultural trade, research programs, etc. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be valid for five years.
MoU signed between India and France
The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding on Renewable Energy Cooperation between India and France. Highlights:
The MoU was signed in January 2021. The purpose of the memorandum of understanding is to lay a foundation for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of new energy and renewable energy on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity.
It covers technologies related to solar energy, wind energy, hydrogen energy and biomass energy.
MoU requires exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel, exchange of scientific and technical information and data, organization of workshops and seminars, transfer of equipment, expertise and technology; and development of joint research and technology projects.
NATIONAL
National Safety Day: 04 March
The National Safety Day (NSD) is celebrated every year on March 4 by the National Safety Council (NSC) of India.
In 2021, we are observing the 50th NSD.
The day aims to develop a sense of safety awareness among people by providing them with safety, health and environment related support services.
The day is also celebrated to mark the foundation of the National Safety Council, which was set up on 4th March, 1966 by the Ministry of Labour, Government of India.
2021 Theme: “Sadak Suraksha (Road Safety)”.
Indian Scientists design & develop low-cost optical spectrograph
Indian Scientists have designed and developed a low-cost optical spectrograph.
The spectrograph can locate sources of faint light from distant quasars and galaxies.
It is one of the the largest astronomical spectrographs in the country and has been successfully commissioned on the 3.6-Metre Devasthal Optical Telescope near Nainital Uttarakhand.
A spectrograph is an instrument used to obtain and record an astronomical spectrum.
Entire rail network in the country will be fully electrified by 2023
The entire rail network in the country will be fully electrified by 2023 while all rail networks will run on renewable energy by 2030.
This was stated by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal while addressing the Maritime India Summit-2021.
The government is working on multi-modal logistical solutions to bring down the cost of transportation and increase the supply chain efficiency.
The Minister said, integration of Road, Rail and Waterways can truly make India ‘One Nation, One Market, One Supply’.
Launch of CSIR Floriculture Mission
Union Minister launches CSIR Floriculture Mission. About CSIR Floriculture Mission:
Under this mission, the available knowledge base in the CSIR Institute will be used and utilized to help Indian farmers and industries reposition themselves to meet import requirements.
The mission has been approved for execution in 21 States and Union Territories.
Implementation in cooperation with the following organizations:
Indian Council of Agricultural Research -Directorate of Floriculture
Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd
Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre, Kannauj