11th March 2021, MahaShivratri, floods, awards, forest fires, Corona pandemic, farmers protests

11 March 2021

• Prime Minister wishes the nation on MahaShivratri

  Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has tweeted greetings to the nation on the auspicious occasion of MahaShivratri. He has tweeted chants "Har Har Mahadev" to go with the greetings.

• New technology to filter flood water

  24 water plants were installed, in the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka and Maharashtra, during the recent floods.  These plants have provided clean and safe drinking water to a large number of people. This technology will help in meeting health and disaster challenges.

• ICAR receives award from FAO

  Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has received the “King Bhumibol World Soil Day - 2020 Award” from FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). ICAR was awarded for its brilliant work in soil erosion by following the theme of “Stop soil erosion, save our future”. ICAR organized a number of programmes and campaigns like “SOIL - Our Mother Earth” to educate farmers, students and general public during the last year.

• Experts sent to manage forest fires in Odisha

  A three member expert team formed recently is to be  sent to Odisha to manage the  unexpected forest fires in Odisha. The number of these forest fires is unprecedented and the State has requested Centre's help. These experts will provide technical advise and suggestions in managing these forest fires.

• Death toll of Corona victims over half a million in USA

  United States accounts for 20% of Corona related deaths and the death toll is now more than 5,00,000. US President Joe Biden, observed a moment of silence to mark this death toll.

• "Bharat Bandh" planned for March 26 by protesting farmers

  This March 26, the continuous protests by farmers will have lasted four months. To mark this occasion the farmers are planning "Bharat Bandh" which will last from morning to evening.

• Drones permitted for trials over sugarcane crops

  ICAR institution IISR (Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research) based in Lucknow, UP has  been granted the permission to spray pest control and disease control chemicals over sugarcane crops, for a trial period. This permission has been given with a list of conditions and limitations that IISR need to take into consideration when using drone. In case of crossing the limitations or not meeting any conditions, the trials will be disallowed.

• APEDA launches its first Virtual Trade Fair

  APEDA launched its first VTF (Virtual Trade Fair) yesterday, 10th Feb and this three day fare will last till 12th Feb 2021. This year's theme is ‘India Rice and Agro Commodity’. Exporters, Importers, students, businessmen, buyers, visitors are all welcome to connect digitally to the fair. A variety of commodities will be displayed to attract buyers and exporters. This platform also provides facilities for the buyers and sellers to negotiate.

• USA to share vaccines with the world

  American President, Joe Biden has told the world that any excess vaccines left after vaccinations of all suffering Americans and if not required in USA will be shared with the world. UN has long requested rich countries to share their vaccines with poorer countries.

• Bathing in holy waters starts in Kumbh Mela

  Corona pandemic has been a big issue for the organizers of the Kumbh Mela, held at banks of Ganges. Any participant interested in bathing at the mela are required  to furnish negative COVID test results document. However due to such crowds the organizers are not able to maintain the condition of social distancing.