CURRENT AFFAIRS
JAN 1
1. Umesh Sinha named deputy election commissioner
Umesh Sinha has been named as the deputy election commissioner in the Election Commission of India. Sinha, a 1986-batch IAS officer (retired) is at present serving as secretary-general in the commission.
2. A book titled “Vahana Masterclass” launched by Italian Writer Alfredo Covelli
Alfredo Covelli, an Italy based author has launched his new book Vahana Masterclass for children and Young Audience. The books will be illustrated and published by Scholastic India. Alfredo had a keen interest in our Indian culture and mythology which inspired him to write a story on Lord Ganesh for children.
3. DRDO Celebrates 63rd Foundation Day on 1st January 2021
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) observed the 63rd Foundation Day of its establishment on January 01, 2021. DRDO was established in 1958 with just 10 laboratories to enhance the research work in the Defence sector. At that time, it was tasked with designing and developing cutting edge defence technologies for Indian Armed Forces.
4. Suneet Sharma takes over as new Chairman & CEO of Railway Board
The appointments committee of the Cabinet has approved Suneet Sharma appointment as Chairman & CEO of Railway Board, Ministry of Railways and ex-officio Principal Secretary to Government of India. He took over in his new role with effect from January 01, 2021.
5. Soma Mondal takes charge as new SAIL Chairman
Soma Mondal has taken over as the new Chairman of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) with effect from January 01, 2021. She is the first-ever women-head of the body. She replaces Anil Kumar Chaudhary, who superannuated on 31 December 2020. She joined SAIL in 2017 as the director (commercial).
6. Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill, 2020
The Assam assembly recently passed the Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill, 2020. The bill makes amendments to the Assam ease of doing business act, 2016. The amendment will avail 0.25% additional borrowing from the centre.
7. Covishield becomes first coronavirus vaccine to be approved for emergency use in India
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar today announced that the Covishield coronavirus vaccine has been approved for emergency use in India. The Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine ‘Covishield’, the first to be approved in India, is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune. The Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine was approved for use in the UK on December 30.
