14th January 2021 Super Short Current Affairs for UPSC Exam
Mission COVID Suraksha
In News: Announced the stimulus packsage of Rs. 900 crore for this Mission
Fund: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Research and Development
– It is a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Aim:
1. It will help the development process of the vaccine candidates.
2. Accelerating pre-clinical and clinical development
Implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
Grants:
Rs. 900 Crore for a period of 12
months.
Vaccines:
1. Covishield by The Serum Institute of India
2. Covaxin by ICMR
3. ZyCoV-D by Zydus Cadila
4. Sputnik V by Russia
5. BNT162b2 by Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate
China’s hydropower project on Brahmputra
In news: Chinese Hydropower Company to construct the first downstream hydropower project on the lower reaches of the river Brahmaputra.
About the Project
Agreement between POWERCHINA company and Tibet Autonommous Region
– Part of China’s five year plan
Importance of the Project for China:
1. Provide 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable and zero-carbon electricity annually.
2. China’s goal of reaching a carbon emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality till 2060.
Concerns for India:
Border issue
India’s First Train on electrified route
In News: Recently, the Minister of Railways has inaugurated the newly electrified Dhigawdara-Bandikui section of North Western Railway.
Route from Dhigawara station in Alwar District, Rajasthan.
Current Electrification:
– Target till December 2023
More than 66% of the Broad gauge route has already been electrified
– Railways recorded a 371% increase in electrification during 2014-20 period
Benefits:
1. Speed will increase
2. Enhancing line capacity due to higher speed and higher haulage capacity.
3. Safety: Improved signaling system
4. Less Financial Burden: 50% cheaper
5. Seamless Movement due to higher acceleration and braking features
6. Employment Generation
7. Energy bill savings
Sustainability
